ESPN West recruiting Blog

Posted by Greg Biggins

Defensive lineman George Uko (Chino, Calif./Don Lugo) took an official visit last month to Cal and will take three more visits later this month, including a surprise visit to UCLA this coming weekend.

Uko is one of the elite line prospects in the West region and is having a big senior season. Through eight games, he has 13 sacks surpassing his total from his junior season.

"They're moving me around a lot all over the defensive line," Uko said. "Right now, I'm lining up mostly at defensive end. That way, teams can't double me as much but they're still running away from me but I'm trying my best to run down plays from behind the best I can.

"We're 5-3 right now and have a huge game this weekend. We play Colony (Ontario, Calif.) and they're really strong. They have Kenneth Scott (Fontana, Calif./Colony) at receiver and a lot of good players but hopefully we can pull it out. This game is for first place so it's big for us to come ready to play."

After checking out Cal a month ago, Uko has three more Pac-10 visits set up this month. The Bruins have been on and off Uko's list multiple times since last spring.

"I'm looking at UCLA mainly because of coach (Rick) Neuheisel," Uko said. "He's personally recruiting me and is the only head coach that I'm talking with. He's probably recruiting me harder than anyone else and I also like the opportunity to play right away at UCLA.

"There's a good chance Brian Price will leave early for the NFL this year and they don't have a lot of depth at defensive tackle behind him. So I feel like I should give them another look and see what they have to offer.

"I'm visiting Oregon (Nov. 13) and then I have USC set for (Nov. 27). Right now, USC is still my top school. I know they lost to Oregon but that doesn't change anything. I'm close with all the coaches and coach (Jethro) Franklin, the line coach there, and it's where I feel most comfortable at right now."

Uko said he plans to take a fifth visit and he's deciding between LSU and Tennessee for that trip. He'll commit at the Under Armour All-American game on Jan. 2.