Boss Tagaloa to UCLA: Bruins Land 4-Star DT Prospect

Boss Tagaloa, a 4-star defensive tackle prospect with perhaps the best name in the class of 2016, announced his commitment to play for UCLA on Wednesday. 

Lindsey Thiry of the Los Angeles Times had the news of Tagaloa's college decision. The 6'3", 295-pound recruit is the No. 15 player in California, the nation's 13th-best DT and the No. 106 overall player in the country, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

Tagaloa is UCLA's second-highest DT commitment since 2006, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

Tagaloa is already a load to handle for opposing offensive linemen, blending tremendous functional strength with exceptional lateral movement and quickness for a young man his size.

The Concord, California, native out of De La Salle High School has faced elite prep competition in his home state, which should help him make the jump to the NCAA level. What also aids his cause for early playing time with the Bruins is refined technique and natural football instincts.

In addition to possessing the requisite physical tools to thrive as a college star, Tagaloa shows the ability to get his pad level low and use his hands well to combat and disengage blockers. His legs don't stop driving either, which indicates Tagaloa has a passion for the game and a high motor.

UCLA may have to wait a year or so before Tagaloa becomes a true difference-maker in the trenches. Given the time to come into his own in an organic way, though, he figures to thrill Bruins fans with his play against both the pass and the run.

Considering the Bruins ranked 67th in the country in total defense this past season, though, perhaps Tagaloa has a chance to be a more immediate contributor than some expect.

The front seven lost star linebacker Myles Jack to a knee injury during the 2015 campaign, which hurt the unit as a whole. Jack is heading to the NFL, so UCLA needs all the help it can get on that side of the ball.

By deploying Tagaloa in the rotation, perhaps coach Jim Mora's team can stay fresher in the defensive trenches and show marked improvement on that side of the ball in 2016.

Tagaloa's skill set suggests he can be a magnificent interior pass-rusher in addition to a force against the run who commands a double-team. 

Other defensive tackles in the 2016 class may have more suddenness and quick-twitch athleticism, but Tagaloa has the makings to be among the most productive college players of the lot.