Roquan Smith's Change of Heart Shouldn't Overshadow UCLA's Recruiting Dominance

It looks as though UCLA may ultimately miss out on highly touted linebacker recruit Roquan Smith, but the Bruins' impressive class should be celebrated regardless of his ultimate decision.

According to ESPN College Football on Twitter, Smith announced his intention to play for UCLA on national signing day:

Smith is rated a 4-star prospect by 247Sports, and he ranks as the No. 47 overall prospect in the 2015 class as well as the No. 5 outside linebacker. Plucking him from the state of Georgia appeared to be a major coup for the Bruins, but things unexpectedly changed.

Rather than signing his letter of intent, Smith decided to reopen his recruitment, per Michael Carvell of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

According to Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News, Smith's decision to commit to UCLA was due largely to his relationship with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich:

That relationship also ultimately led to Smith having a change of heart. Per Alex Marvez of Fox Sports, the Atlanta Falcons have reportedly hired Ulbrich as their new linebackers coach.

Although that move has yet to become official, the possibility of it happening was enough to sway Smith. According to Carvell, Smith's head coach at Macon County High School, Larry Harold, revealed that his player is now considering three schools in addition to UCLA.

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He's going to open things up with his recruiting. It's pretty much UGA, Michigan, and Texas A&M—and UCLA is still in it. Coach Ulbrich told him that he hasn't signed anything yet (with the Falcons), and that he hasn't made a decision. So I think they are still in it as well. We're going to sit back for a couple of days and see how this thing plays out.

"

Assuming Ulbrich does leave in favor of the Falcons, that obviously doesn't bode well for the Bruins' chances of securing Smith. Even so, there is plenty for UCLA football fans to be excited about.

As seen in this graphic, courtesy of ESPN College GameDay on Twitter, the Bruins' 2015 recruiting class is absolutely stacked regardless of Smith's status:

National signing day was especially strong for UCLA, as it garnered several high-profile commitments. Per Tom Fornelli of CBSSports.com, running back Soso Jamabo, tight end Chris Clark and wide receiver Cordell Broadus were among their biggest gets.

Jamabo is a 5-star prospect and the No. 2 running back in the class of 2015, according to 247Sports. As pointed out by Greg Biggins of Scout.com, Jamabo is an elite recruit with the versatility to hurt opponents in a number of different ways:

Clark also rates a 4-star prospect and is the No. 2 tight end in the nation, per 247Sports. Clark was a great addition for the Bruins as they lured him in from the state of Connecticut. Also, UCLA managed to beat out Michigan and new head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to Kevin McGuire of College Football Talk:

UCLA's biggest commitment of the day from a name recognition standpoint was Broadus, who is the son of rapper Snoop Dogg. He also happens to be a 4-star prospect and the No. 26 wide receiver in the class, per 247Sports. Perhaps above all else, nabbing Broadus was significant since he has ties to rival USC, according to Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports:

Smith certainly would have had the opportunity to be a great player at UCLA, but there are times when prized recruits simply slip away.

Rather than focusing on that negative, the Bruins and their supporters should instead celebrate the fact that they put together one of the best recruiting classes in the nation.

If the bulk of those players live up to their potential, then UCLA will be in contention for Pac-12 and national titles for a long time to come.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.