Chip Kelly finally has things going in the right direction on UCLA, both on and off the field. That’s paid off on the recruiting trail. The Bruins got a major commitment for the future with four-star quarterback Justyn Martin giving his pledge Thursday live on CBS Sports HQ. Martin chose UCLA over Ole Miss and Michigan.
“I chose UCLA because I felt like it was a good fit for me, the program is going in the right direction,” Martin said. “I felt comfortable all around. The other two programs were in a great position, but UCLA was a great fit for me.”
Martin is the No. 278 overall recruit in the Class of 2022, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder from Inglewood (California) High School is the 20th-ranked quarterback in the class and ranked No. 24 overall in the state.
Greg Biggins, national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, provided this scouting report:
Long 6-4 quarterback with a ton of long term upside if he reaches his potential. A gifted thrower with a big arm and easy velocity. The ball jumps out of his hand and he can make every throw on the field with ease. He needs to continue to improve in how he quickly he processes the game and in his decision making but that should come with more game reps. Still a relatively late bloomer and his development has been hurt a bit by lack of game experience due to Covid shortened junior season.
He has worked hard to tighten his release over the last year and his motion is more compact and quicker. He’s a good athlete, a former basketball player and is able to extend plays and take off and run for big yards. Throws a tight ball and shows good touch on the deep ball as well. When he’s decisive in his reads, he’s very good and as the game continues to slow down for him, he has a chance to be a special player at the next level.
Martin initially committed to Cal on Jan. 18, but rescinded his pledge on Sept. 21 and made an official visit to UCLA on Oct. 23. The Bruins now have five four-star commits for the upcoming class, which ranks in the top half among Pac-12 programs.
