National signing day 2012: UCLA announces four prominent signees

UCLA has joined in the college football P.R. game, announcing Wednesday that four players had signed with the Bruins: defensive end Jeremy Castro, quarterback Devin Fuller, defensive end Nate Iese and defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy.

While other programs were releasing commitments in a flurry, UCLA held onto its news before finally announcing the four prominent signees.

Castro, from Murrieta Vista Murrieta High, is ranked 17th nationally as a defensive end by #Rivals.com and 23rd as a linebacker by Scout.com. He will be looked at as both an end and a linebacker.

Fuller, from Old Tappan (N.J.) High, is ranked third nationally as a quarterback by Scout.com and third as an athlete by Rivals.com. He will get a shot at quarterback first, but could also play receiver.

Iese, from Sacramento Sheldon High, is ranked 61st nationally by Scout.com.
McCarthy, from Monrovia High, is ranked second nationally by Scout.com and fourth by Rivals.com. He was considered one of the key recruits by UCLA coaches, with the skill and size (6 feet 5, 311 pounds) to play immediately.

McCarthy, Castro And Iese give Coach Jim Mora strength on the defensive side. Mora will be involved heavily with the development of the defense.

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-- Chris Foster