Nevada four-star pulls the trigger
Four-star defensive end Keenan Graham (6-3, 220, 4.59) from Las Vegas (Nev.) Silverado made his college decision and one lucky school leaves Vegas a winner hitting the football jackpot.
"Yes, Keenan committed to UCLA," Silverado head coach Andy Ostolaza said. "We talked about it this weekend and he thought about it. He came in today and decided that UCLA was the best fit for him."
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"Whatever Coach Rick Neuheisel and Keenan talked about must have been special because he was having a hard time with the decision, but it was his relationship with Coach Neuheisel was one of the factors and UCLA being close to Las Vegas also helped."
"I think his conversations with Coach Neuheisel and his comfort level with the rest of the coaching staff were the deciding factors," Ostolaza said. "He was scheduled to visit Virginia Tech, but he will take his official visit to UCLA this weekend."
"Keenan usually plays hoops in the winter, but he's going to concentrate on getting in the weight room instead," Ostolaza said. "He will still run track in spring."
Graham was very excited with his commitment.
"It feels good to have my mind made up and I looking forward to my official visit this weekend," Graham said. "I've had a good feeling regarding UCLA since the beginning."
"I have been talking to Coach Neuheisel for awhile and we have always had good conversations," Graham said. "He's the only head coach who I consistently had conversations with."
"I just felt that UCLA was the place for me," Graham said. "I had a great time checking out all the other schools."
"I met a lot of great people and a lot of great coaches, but my feeling for UCLA never faded," Graham said. "So I am looking forward to my official this weekend."
Graham accounted for 70 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He was able to account for those stats though he was schemed for all season long. He faced double teams, three step drops and the opposing team rarely ran his way.
The Bruins won this recruiting battle over other offers from archrival USC, Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Michigan, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech and a host more.
UCLA gets a player in Graham who was selected to the Rivals.com Nevada Preseason Top 20 team for the class of 2009 landing as the Silver State's No. 2 prospect at any position.