New Leader For Byron Velega

Just last Friday prior to leaving for his trip to UCLA, Long Beach Poly (Calif.) defensive back Byron Velega said he was thinking hard about committing to Cal after a great trip to Berkeley last weekend. It sounds like the talented cover corner is singing a new tune now.

“I had a great trip,” Velega said. “UCLA really opened my eyes to a lot of things and now I can definitely see myself going there. To be honest, I liked it a lot more than I though I would. I like all the coaches and I think coach DeLoach (DB coach) is someone I could learn a lot from. Talking with the players on the team, they know they didn’t finish well but they really believe they’re going to be able to turn things around next year. I know everyone says that but when you look them in the eye, you can tell they all mean it.

“Eric McNeal was my host and he was real cool. We went to the basketball game and saw them rename the court for John Wooden. It was a good game too, the only thing was we were sitting next to the students and they were yelling the whole game, I couldn’t talk to anyone around me. It’s cool though, I know last year, they didn’t have much to yell about so they need to make up for it.

“Right now, I’m leaning to UCLA and I could be ready to commit around Christmas time. I know I said I wanted to take my last two trips to Oregon and Washington State but I don’t think I’ll be taking them now. I like the idea of staying close to home and playing for a program that I think has the talent to turn things around quickly. They ended up offering me this morning and there’s a good chance I’ll jump on it.”

Velega, 5-10, 170 pounds had a very good senior season and was one of the top cover corners in the state. He clocked a 4.49 in the 40 at the SoCal Nike Camp and is a physical player who plays the run very well.

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