Bruins Lose Tight End and Cornerback to Transfer

UCLA junior tight end, Morrell Presley, who was Scout-rated as the No.1, five-star tight end college prospect in the country, is transferring out of UCLA.

His new destination is undetermined, but he was released from his scholarship.

In addition to Presley, redshirt senior Courtney Viney, a Scout-rated four-star cornerback coming out of high school, is also transferring. In order to transfer, Presley will have to sit out next year; however, the wait could be worth it for the junior, who will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Viney will be able to start right away for another school because he will graduate in June.

"I certainly wish them both well," UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel said in a school release.

Presley was the only Scout-rated five star commit in the 2008 class, but his high ranking helped to elevate Neuheisel’s recruiting team ranking.

Presley originally committed to USC after impressing Trojan coaches at a USC Skills Camp. He also had offers from Arizona and Oregon, but upon receiving the USC offer, Presley jumped at the chance. “I committed on the spot,” said an excited Presley.

Presley went on to say “I like their (USC’s) offense, and the pace of the camp was incredible. The coaches were real fired up, and there was a lot of excitement out there today. The coaches are real honest with you, and they do not beat around the bush." But that was before he later jumped the USC ship for the UCLA Bruins.

Presley later de-committed from USC, visited UCLA and was impressed with coach Neuheisel enough to commit to UCLA and enroll early.

Now, a little over two years later, Presley along with Viney, will look for greener playing fields.

The odds of starting at another school are reduced as a transfer player.