5-Star Keisean Lucier-South Reveals Why He Chose UCLA over USC, Michigan, Others

Keisean Lucier-South provided a pregame lift before one of the Bruins' biggest matchups of the year Saturday when he committed to UCLA. The 5-star Southern California defender decided to end a nationwide recruitment during his latest trip to campus:

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— Keisean South1⃣6⃣ (@KLSouth16) November 23, 2014"

The 6'5", 225-pound Orange Lutheran High School senior unveiled his intentions shortly before UCLA hosted USC. An impassioned pursuit finally paid off for the Bruins.

"I felt like the time was right to make a decision and commit to the program," Lucier-South told Bleacher Report. "They've been recruiting me for two years now, and we've built a relationship that I'm comfortable with. I'm excited to be a Bruin."

He revealed the decision privately Wednesday during a family gathering. UCLA and the media didn't find out until three days later.

However, Bruins coaches were still able to relive the excitement of his initial announcement.

"My stepmom actually filmed me explaining the decision to my family on Wednesday," Lucier-South said.

He first played the video for defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Head coach Jim Mora then got a peek and reacted accordingly.

"Coach Mora gave me a big hug right away and said he was really happy that I decided to join the team," Lucier-South said. "They were all pumped up about me becoming part of the family."

That close-knit relationship between him and the Bruins staff set the stage for his pledge. Lucier-South cited comfort and potential as motivating factors.

"Coach Ulbrich has been in communication with me constantly since I was a sophomore," he said. "It means a lot to have that trust and understanding when you're coming into a program for the next four years. I think this team is definitely moving in the right direction."

Lucier-South, rated second nationally among weak-side defensive ends and 23rd overall in 247Sports' composite rankings, enjoyed a productive career as an upperclassman. He tallied 85 tackles and 17 sacks during the past two seasons, per MaxPreps.

"I have a better understanding of the game and how to handle blocking schemes than ever before," Lucier-South said. "I was double-teamed and triple-teamed all season, which made me a better player. My pass-rushing moves are coming along, and there's a lot of things I'm working on to prepare for competition in college."

He adds to a class that's now listed 13th nationally in 247Sports' composite rankings and includes No. 1 quarterback prospect Josh Rosen, who Lucier-South competed against for three seasons in high school.

"I hated playing Josh these past few years," he said. "He's the best quarterback I've ever faced, and I've gone up against some good ones. I'm glad he's on my side now."

Lucier-South celebrated his decision by taking in a seat in the Rose Bowl for one of America's most storied college football rivalries. The Bruins defeated visiting USC for a third straight season.

"It was my first time attending a UCLA-USC game live, so that meant a lot," he said. "I felt so excited to be a Bruin that I just wanted to get on that field Saturday to help the team. Obviously I couldn't, but I'm ready to be a part of the rivalry starting next year."

USC made a late push for Lucier-South after not showing substantial interest during the majority of his recruitment. The Trojans' efforts elevated in recent months, including an in-person appearance from head coach Steve Sarkisian at one of his games.

“I thought USC wasn’t really interested in me because they just didn't recruit me much," Lucier-South said last month. "Honestly, that was pretty disappointing because I grew up watching the team and have a lot of good memories and respect for the program. It blew me away when Coach Sark showed up to my game, and it showed me how much they actually care about me."

Still, late momentum wasn't enough to carry USC past UCLA in this pursuit.

The coveted defender admits the toughest part was telling other programs he wasn't going to join them. His past official visits included Michigan, Oregon and Oklahoma.

"That definitely wasn't easy," Lucier-South said. "I've been able to become close with a lot of great coaches, and I understand how much they hoped I'd be a part of their teams in the future. At the end of the day, I had to do what felt right for me, and it was clear that was UCLA."

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report national recruiting columnist Tyler Donohue.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.