UCLA lands offensive lineman

The UCLA Bruins just picked up their 15th commitment about an hour ago. The one position that was notably lacking for this year's class was along the offensive front and the Bruins addressed that issue with their first offensive line commitment in the athletic Jonathan Martin (6-6, 271, 5.3) from North Hollywood (Calif.) Harvard-Westlake.

"I just committed about an hour ago," Martin said. "I visited there unofficially on Saturday.

"They took me on a tour of the campus and showed me their highlight tape of the 2006 season to me.

"I talked mostly to (offensive line) Coach Bob Connelly and Head Coach Karl Dorrell," Martin said. "They were really excited because I'm their offensive line commit.

"The reason I chose UCLA is because they have great academics and I think they are definitely going to be a football power over the next couple of years," Martin said. "I wanted to be part of that.

"Coach Dorrell said that they have a strong senior class and they're going to need younger guys to step up," Martin said. "I'm really excited about the opportunity the UCLA presents.

"I'm probably not going to take any trips now that I'm on board with UCLA," Martin said. "I'm totally committed to the UCLA football program."

Harvard-Westlake head coach Vic Eumont thinks the Bruins landed a steal in his offensive tackle.

"Jonathan is a heck of a prospect," Eumont said. "He has started for us for the last two year and he also starts on the basketball team.

"We have a pretty good basketball team so that should tell something about his athleticism.

"On the football field, Jonathan has matched against a lot of good football players and has done very well," Eumont said. "He also plays well against the smaller quicker guys.

"We even played him on defense, but we needed him to much on offense so that's where he plays," Eumont said. "We do use him on defense in short yardage and goal line situations.

"Jonathan reminds me of Cory Hilliard who I coached in high school at New Orleans (La.) Jesuit," Eumont said. "Hilliard played four years at Oklahoma State and was just drafted by the New England Patriots.

"Jonathan is a lot like Hilliard," Eumont said. "I think he will have the same type of career. He very athletic and moves very well.

There is no question that Martin has yet to fulfill his full potential and his best days as a football are definitely ahead of him.