JUCO OT Zaheer Young adds to UCLA transfer overhaul on O-line
Diablo Valley College offensive tackle Zaheer Young committed to UCLA on Tuesday, becoming the 10th incoming offensive line transfer.
The decision comes three days after announcing an offer from the Bruins. Others who showed interest in Young include Boise State, California and Colorado, among others.
“They talked about wanting to move the program forward quickly and how junior college guys can help because they’ve already been through a lot,” Young told BruinBlitz about his decision later in the evening. “For me, it’s just about coming in, learning how they do things, and doing my job. I’m focused on adapting and earning whatever role I’m given.
“Coach (Bob) Chesney stood out to me as a person. Obviously, he’s had success everywhere he’s been, but the way he explained what he wants to build felt real. I also liked the staff he put together and how direct they were about everything.”
The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder joins a group of transfer offensive linemen that includes tackles Jordan Davis (South Alabama), Mack Indestad (Eastern Michigan), Michael McDonald (Fullerton College), JD Rayner (James Madison) and Hall Schmidt (Boise State). Interior linemen headed to Westwood include Sean Na’a (Arizona State), Derek Osman (Harvard), Riley Robell (James Madison) and Carter Sweazie (James Madison).
“They talked to me mainly about [playing] tackle,” Young said, “but I’ll be ready for whatever they need. My focus is just on coming in prepared and competing.”
The Bruins also return starting left guard Eugene Brooks and center Sam Yoon, among others.
Overall, UCLA is now up to 43 incoming transfers including three from the JUCO ranks. McDonald and Saddleback College transfer defensive tackle Gavin Blum are the others.
Young, a graduate of San Francisco (Calif.) Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep, spent one year at Diablo Valley College and was credited with five appearances.
The latest pickup only further highlights the overhaul for the position group under new head coach Bob Chesney and offensive line coach Chris Smith.