Presley talks decision

Four-star tight end Morrell Presley (6-4, 215, 4.6) from Carson, Calif., surprised the recruiting world last evening when he decided that UCLA was the place to pursue his college education and his football career. Though Presley had long been a commitment to archrival USC, the talented tight end from Carson was rumored to be wavering because of interest in the Bruins.

"I just like Coach Rick Neuheisel and the entire UCLA coaching staff," Presley said. "I think Coach Neuheisel can make me a better football player and a better person."

"I want to be part of something that is building and I wanted help them get to where they want to go as a football team," Presley said. "I didn't want to be just another part of something, but wanted to help build something new.

"(Offensive coordinator) Norm Chow is the best at what he does in his profession and he has a great track record of sending tight ends to NFL."

"I also know a lot of the younger players on the team," Presley said. "I like that there are players who grew in the same environment that I did and understand what it is like to grow up in the city."

"I graduated high school today (Dec. 18) and I will start classes at UCLA on January 5th."

That is extremely good news for the Bruins as Presley will be able to participate in spring ball and work toward helping the team in the fall.

Presley was a first-team all-league performer as a senior after hauling 45 receptions for 825 yards and six touchdowns.

In Presley the Bruins land a player who is a member of the Rivals.com Rivals250 team for the class of 2009. He is rated by Rivals.com as the fourth fastest tight end in the nation. He is also rated by Rivals.com as the country's No.4 rated tight end in the hands department. Rivals.com ranks Presley as the No. 3 tight end prospect in the country.

Presley also earned a spot on the Rivals.com California Preseason Top 100 for the class of 2009, landing as the Golden State's No. 14 prospect at any position.