Posted by Greg Biggins
It took a little longer than he originally anticipated but Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) offensive lineman
Chris Ward has made his college choice and has committed to UCLA.
Ward had narrowed his choices to the Bruins and Cal back in the summer and was planning to make his commitment before school started.
"I was never ready but in the last week, I started to feel UCLA more," Ward said. "I liked Cal a lot too but I always felt more at home at UCLA. I wanted to do it I person and committed to Coach Neuheisal at the Rose Bowl prior to the game against Oregon.
"Both schools are great academically and I had a good relationship with both offensive line coaches. Coach Palcic at UCLA was great and I'm looking forward to play him. I like coach Neuheisal a lot too and I like the idea of staying close to home so my family can see my games. Mostly, though, it just came down to where I felt most comfortable and UCLA felt like home for me and there wouldn't be any adjustment to college life."
Ward plays left tackle for the Monarchs but could play tackle or guard for the Bruins. Arizona, Stanford, Washington, Washington State, San Diego State and Colorado had also offered Ward.
Greg Biggins
Greg Biggins is a regular contributor to ESPN.com's West recruiting blog and handles player personnel for the Nike Football Training Camps for ESPNRISE.com.
