UCLA Football Recruiting: The Significance of Landing Josh Rosen for the Bruins

Josh Rosen isn't your typical individual. 

Rosen was once a nationally ranked tennis prodigy. On his mother's side of the family, he's related to industrialist Joseph Wharton—known for (among other things) the famed Wharton School of Business.

His father—nearly an Olympic figure skater in the 1970s—is now a spine surgeon. His mother captained the Princeton lacrosse team. Rosen is no slouch in the classroom, either. He possesses a cumulative 4.3 GPA.

Based on his lineage, one would assume he could virtually do anything he wanted. Fortunately for UCLA, he also plays football. 

The Scout.com 5-star quarterback is ranked by some as the top player overall in the class of 2015. He captains the No. 1 high school team in the state of California.

As a senior, Rosen has led his team to a 9-1 record versus very tough competition. He's thrown for 21 touchdowns and 2,217 yards. Rosen has also completed passes at a 63.8-percent clip. 

The signal-caller signed with UCLA back in September. With Brett Hundley likely leaving after this year, the addition of Rosen is massive.

He will compete with the likes of Jerry Neuheisel, Asiantii Woulard and Aaron Sharp for the starting job. Based purely on physical tools, Rosen looks to have an advantage. 

He's slated to enroll in January—enabling him to participate in spring football. This aspect will only help Rosen in his quest to start as a true freshman. He'll be able to get acclimated to college in general while also getting a leg up on conditioning and learning the playbook. 

Rosen's arm strength is absolutely phenomenal. He's capable of making throws to every spot on the field. His picture-perfect form also lends himself to having outstanding mechanics. While not Michael Vick or Johnny Manziel running the football, Rosen is athletic enough to scramble for positive yardage. 

Perhaps most impressive, he's able to go through his progressions when the first option isn't available. As seen in this footage, Rosen effectively keeps his eyes looking downfield. 

Rosen has even become one of UCLA's top recruiters. He's been a constant visitor on campus and for the games in the Rose Bowl. He recently visited officially for the game versus Arizona. 

Elite wide receiver prospect Ryan Newsome also visited the same weekend. He spoke to Scout.com Director of Recruiting Brandon Huffman about the trip (subscription required) and had some very interesting things to say about Rosen. 

"It was good spending time with Josh. I call him a nerd because he's such a smart guy. He spent the whole time telling me why to come to UCLA. He said he'd be happy wherever I go but he really pushes the Bruins hard."

When looking at the situation next year, it sets up very nicely for the eventual successor to Hundley. 

UCLA returns its entire offensive line next year. Although the unit struggled immensely to begin this season, it has since played very well—from both a pass protection and run-blocking standpoint. Simon Goines will also return from injury. Goines had started at right tackle as a true freshman.

The Bruins also return leading rusher Paul Perkins and a full complement of wide receivers—led by Jordan Payton and Thomas Duarte. The offense will be experienced for the first time in quite a while. 

For the reasons mentioned above, Rosen (or whomever starts at quarterback next season) won't be pressured to come in and become a difference-maker right off the bat. The starter will have the luxury of leaning up against an expected strong rushing attack. 

The combination of an impressive skill set, strong leadership qualities and considerable intelligence makes Rosen a truly special player.  It would be a bit surprising if he didn't start next year for UCLA. 

He's that good. 

The significance of landing him cannot be minimized in any way. Prior to Hundley, UCLA has had been plagued by instability and inconsistency at the quarterback position dating back to the days of Cade McNown. This fact has contributed greatly to the mediocre feel around the program for years. 

Landing a 5-star prospect at a premium position is a huge deal. 

Jim Mora and his staff can only hope "The Rosen One" will lead the program to new heights.