This week, UCLA’s new defensive coordinator, Ikaika Malloe, visited the Aloha State to meet up with one of the Bruins’ future targets.
Malloe, who was hired in January of this year after serving as the team’s special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach, met with three-star recruit edge defender Lebron Williams.
Williams, who at 6′ 2″ and 250 pounds, has one more season of football at Kahuku High School in Hawaii. Receiving offers from Washington State, the University of Hawaii, and UCLA, the Bruins are currently the best option. As a BIG 10 program, UCLA dwarfs Washington State and Hawaii in the conference strength and nationwide visibility.
I want a chance to express my gratitude, thank you coach @MalloeMalloe for the opportunity to further my academic and football career. It was an honor to be able to talk story. I can’t wait to learn more about the program. 🐻🔵🟡#GoBruins #RR4L pic.twitter.com/YrzOsFVUOI
— LeBron Williams (@LeBronWils4) May 8, 2024
Despite the critiques of the Bruins recruiting, in large part due to the mismanagement of Chip Kelly, UCLA’s coaching staff has done their due diligence and gone the extra mile to make their recruits feel at home and appreciated.
If the Bruins see some success in 2024, their efforts in recruiting high-end prospects could pay off with some big commitments soon.