UCLA hosted several transfer recruits over the weekend and more visits are scheduled. One of the upcoming visitors is a player who could significantly strengthen the Bruins’ secondary.
A former defensive back from Washington State, will visit UCLA soon for an unofficial trip, according to 247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins.
O’Connell had an impressive season as a redshirt freshman for the Cougars, posting 32 tackles, one for loss, eight passes defended, and four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown against Fresno State.
He played in all 12 games for Washington State this past season after making only one appearance during his first year with the program.
O’Connell, a three-star recruit from Los Alamitos, California, attended Los Alamitos High School. UCLA had offered him during his recruitment, and he initially committed to the Bruins before decommitting in May 2023.
This visit will be familiar to O’Connell. “I’ve been to UCLA a lot, and I know the school well, which is why I’m taking an unofficial visit,” he said, per Biggins. “My family has known Coach Foster since I was young, and Stacey Ford, who helped me get to Washington State, was part of the staff there. I’ve known Coach Meat (Demetrice Martin) for a long time too, and we talk often. He’s an excellent DB coach who helped develop Christian Gonzalez into a first-round pick, and we have a similar build. I know he likes long corners, so I’m excited to meet the new staff and see how I fit in.”
O’Connell recently visited Georgia, Miami, and Oklahoma, and will visit Colorado next weekend.
247Sports ranks O’Connell as a three-star transfer and the No. 12 cornerback in the portal. His ability to make plays is evident, which is why he’s attracted significant attention since entering the portal. While UCLA faces competition, the Bruins have an edge due to their previous connection with O’Connell.
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