Raulerson: Playing at UCLA is 'going to be something special'

As a graduate transfer from Texas, Jake Raulerson technically has several months before he’s required to make a decision on his future college destination.

After visiting UCLA this past weekend, he realized he needed no more time to make his choice.

Raulerson announced on Twitter on Monday afternoon he’s set to be a Bruin.

Before that, he explained to BruinSportsReport.com the decision.

“I’m getting the ability to go to a great institution,” Raulerson said. “It’s a great place to be. I love the coaching staff, I love the guys there, they’re really good guys and that offense is going to be something special next year.”

Raulerson, a four-star Rivals150 OL/DL prospect out of Celina (Texas), initially committed to Texas during his junior season in 2012 and was an early enrollee there in 2013. He redshirted that season, started five games (four at center and one at right tackle) in 2014 and played in eight games this past season. Most had him penciled in to be the starting center in 2016, but he announced in early December he’d graduate from Texas and pursue another degree and football career at another school.

Because of UCLA’s academics, and because of his relationship with Adrian Klemm, who recruited Raulerson at both SMU and UCLA during Raulerson's high school days, the Bruins became a part of his short list. Michigan and Stanford were also seriously considered, but after a big official visit this past weekend, Raulerson pulled the trigger on the blue and gold.

“Just to be able to play my last two years of college football at a place like UCLA is going to be something special,” Raulerson said.

The 6-foot-4, 304-pound center has two years to play two in Westwood. He said he’s looking to enroll in June.