ESPN West recruiting Blog

Posted by Greg Biggins

After a relatively slow start to this recruiting period, especially by their standards, UCLA is on a nice mini run with a pair of commitments on Tuesday. Wesley Flowers (Fresno, Calif./Edison) is a versatile lineman with the size and athleticism to play inside or outside in college. He attended NIKE Camps at both USC and Stanford and really shined at the SoCal Camp. He measured in a rock solid 6-4, 250 pounds and was dominant in the one on ones working as a tackle.

At the Stanford Camp, Flowers spent more time on the edge and wasn't as effective but will play all over the line his senior year at Edison.

"I camped with UCLA Sunday and they offered me Monday," Flowers said. "I always liked UCLA a lot growing up and always wanted to play for one of the big California schools- UCLA, USC, Cal or Stanford.

"I did some research and looked in to all the schools and their depth charts and UCLA looked like the best fit for me. So I was thinking a lot about UCLA and the funny thing is, my teammate Tevin McDonald committed to UCLA last week. We always talked about playing together in college and he didn't even know it at the time, but after he committed, I told him UCLA is where I wanted to go to.

"So I camped on Sunday and did my thing and they liked me a lot. I worked out at both end and tackle and they asked me where I wanted to play in college. I said I'll play wherever helps the team win. I told them they were the experts and I trusted they would put me in the best place to maximize my ability. I have a frame for defensive end but could easily put on 40 pounds and play tackle so we'll just see how it goes."

Flowers said having family close by was another big plus for the Bruins.

"My grandmother has raised me since I was three years old," Flowers said. "She wanted me to stay close by and her sister lives in Los Angeles. I have a lot of other family in Los Angeles as well so it's cool to have a nice support group. Plus Tevin will be with me and like I said, we're real close and always wanted to play together.

"I still want to take my trips, just to have my fun but my commitment is solid. I know I want to check out Washington and a few others. I've only been outside of California one time so I want to see what's out there but I'm solid with UCLA and excited to be a Bruin for sure."

Also picking the Bruins was talented signal-caller Brett Nottingham (Danville, Calif./Monte Vista).

His decision means another domino has fallen out West as the quarterback commitments continue to roll in.

"I'm a Bruin," an excited Nottingham said. "This is the school I've always wanted to attend. I have so much family that has gone there and I have a sister that just graduated and another sister is there now.

"I went to the one day camp a few weeks ago, but they offered someone else. I decided to come back to work out one more time and when I left the campus, they told me to give them a call. I was hoping it would be a scholarship offer and sure enough it was. I was so excited and I'm very happy to be a Bruin."

Nottingham also picked up an offer from Stanford Monday. He's a talented signal-caller who does everything well.

He's very polished and will have a short learning curve when he gets to college, compared to most high school signal callers, because of the coaching he has already received and the pro-style offense he plays in.

As he continues to work out his mechanics, look for Nottingham's arm strength to improve as well. He has a college frame right now, is very accurate and understands where to go with the football.

"UCLA has everything I could want, this is a dream for me," Nottingham said. "I love the coaches and especially the opportunity to work with Norm Chow. I love the school, the academics, the location, everything about it is perfect for me."