5-Star UCLA Commit Trying to Lure These Other Blue-Chip Recruits to Westwood

On Sunday, Keisean Lucier-South became the latest high-profile prospect to pledge to UCLA and believes there's plenty of opportunities for further Bruins success as national signing day nears.

The Southern California defensive end has a few particular targets in mind who could further elevate a group that already includes fellow 5-star Josh Rosen and top-ranked tight end Aliz'e Jones. Lucier-South, rated second nationally among weak-side defensive ends, mentioned several players he'd like to see land in Westwood with him during a post-commitment conversation.

"This UCLA class has a lot of really good players in it already, but there are some guys out there who make it even more special," Lucier-South told Bleacher Report.

The Bruins currently hold 16 commitments in a class that rates 13th nationally in 247Sports' composite rankings. Here's a look at undecided recruits who've caught the attention of Lucier-South.

Wide receivers Ryan Newsome and Christian Kirk

These Southwest standouts spent official visits at UCLA in October and present game-changing skill sets along the offensive perimeter. With a quarterback of Rosen's caliber already in place, expect the Bruins to land at least one more premier pass-catcher.

"Newsome and Kirk are playmakers who can challenge the defense." Lucier-South said. "They are both big-time receivers."

Kirk, a 5'10", 191-pound Arizona product, has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards during each of the past three seasons. He's also over 1,000 rushing yards this year for the first time in his high school career and has 39 total offensive touchdowns, per MaxPreps.

Rosen lauded Kirk's abilities this summer at The Opening, an elite, invite-only showcase held at Nike's world headquarters.

"Christian has the ability to break any play at any time as long as the ball touches his hands," he said. "The idea behind the spread offense is to get athletes in space and create matchups that you like with one player against another. He is definitely a guy who can beat just about anyone. You like his chances in those situations."

Newsome, viewed among the nation's top weapons in the slot, is a serious threat on special teams. The Texas star set a national record with seven punt returns for touchdowns in 2013.

Defensive tackle Rasheem Green

Green, another Southern California defender, has a similar group of Pac-12 suitors to Lucier-South. Oregon, UCLA and USC are top options, and he also paid a visit to Miami earlier this month.

The 6'5", 275-pound player is incredibly explosive for an interior lineman. He recorded 23 tackles for loss through the first 10 games of his senior season and has 15.5 sacks since 2013, per MaxPreps.

"Green is a great talent who I think would fit in really well with UCLA's defensive line," Lucier-South said. "He's a big guy who can rush the passer from inside."

A tandem of Green and Lucier-South could give Pac-12 quarterbacks nightmares for years to come.

Linebacker Osa Masina

The 6'4", 230-pound hybrid defender is the top-rated prospect in Utah and could fill a variety of roles in college. Much like Lucier-South, he is capable of wreaking havoc as a pass-rusher with his hand in the dirt or from an upright position.

"He's just a really good all-around linebacker and a versatile player," Lucier-South said. "He can cover tight ends and receivers in the slot or rush the passer. Not many linebackers can do all those things so well."

Credit: 247Sports

Masina is a rare athlete who thrives on both sides of the ball for Brighton High School. Through 12 games as a senior, he has nearly 800 offensive yards, 10 touchdowns, 97 tackles and 10 sacks, per MaxPreps.

He visited UCLA in early October and watched the Bruins face Utah alongside Lucier-South, who detailed some aspects of their interaction.

“I spent a lot of time talking with Osa at the UCLA game," he said. "We have a lot in common because we can both play linebacker or defensive end. The two of us could do a lot of damage together if it works out that way.”

Aside from the Bruins, Masina is also considering Arizona State, Utah and USC.

Defensive back Iman Marshall

Marshall, rated the nation's top cornerback in 247Sports' composite rankings, could anchor the Bruins' defensive backfield while Lucier-Smith does damage up front. The 6'1", 190-pound playmaker is coveted by fellow California programs USC and Stanford, while LSU, Notre Dame, Michigan, Florida State and Oklahoma are expected to receive official visits.

"Biggie is a shutdown corner," Lucier-Smith said. "I have a lot of respect for the way he plays."

Rosen is another Bruins commit who identified Marshall as a must-have prospect at The Opening.

"He definitely challenges you," the heralded quarterback said. "It forces you to bring your best on each and every play. You can't afford to make a mistake."

Rosen and Lucier-Smith both hope he ends up causing trouble for Bruins opponents.

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

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.