SoCal standout changes mind
Every year at this time student-athletes get offers from schools that they can't refuse and even though it was tough to make the change the upside is just too much for the player to resist. One of Southern California's best defensive players changed his commitment from Arizona to UCLA.
That player's name is Sean Westgate (5-11, 195, 4.6) from Oak Park, Calif.
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"UCLA was the right decision for me and my family," Westgate said. "Originally when the recruiting process started UCLA was my top choice.
"I grew up in California watching UCLA and USC," Westgate said. "UCLA was my dream school.
"I don't want people to think that just because it was my dream school that I automatically committed to UCLA," Westgate said. "It was still an extremely tough decision.
"I told coaches at both schools that I would make my decision this weekend," Westgate said. "After sitting down with my family and talking it out, I realized that being close to home is want I wanted.
"If you go to UCLA the contacts you make will be for the most part in L.A.," Westgate said. "Down the road when football finishes I want to live in Southern California.
"I have to say what made my decision so tough was how good Arizona treated me throughout the entire process," Westgate said. "I want to wish the Arizona Wildcats all the luck and anyone who is going there is going to a great school.
The Bruins are getting a hard hitting player with a tremendous upside. He has been compared to hitters such as Pac 10 stalwarts Chuck Cecil and Matt Grootegoed.
UCLA recruited Westgate to play the Will linebacker spot and that was very interesting to him.
Westgate earned all-state, all-county, all-CIF, and all-league honors as a junior. He was co-league MVP with Boise State bound Christopher Potter. He was also County Player of the Year and his section's CIF defensive Player of the Year.
Westgate tallied 150 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles, three blocked kicks, two safeties and one interception.
UCLA Bruin wide receiver and Oak Park alum Gavin Ketchum was Westgate's host.