Jaelan Phillips – Noteworthy
Former UCLA outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips announced on Twitter on Thursday that he was headed to Miami to play for the Hurricanes after his two seasons as a Bruin were cut short by injuries. “The Wait is Over…Officially a HURRICANE,” Phillips tweeted along with an outsized photo of himself in an orange-and-green jersey set against the Miami skyline. “I can’t wait to get to work.” A UCLA athletic department official said in December that Phillips had taken a medical retirement after playing in only four games last season because of multiple concussions. One of the nation’s top recruits out of Redlands East Valley High in 2017, Phillips had 3½ sacks in six games as a freshman during another season that was abbreviated because of injuries. “Thank you God for giving me a second chance,” Phillips tweeted along with an emoji of palms pressed together, signifying thankfulness. “The COMEBACK is going to be something serious.” – The Los Angeles Times
Tate Martell – Noteworthy
A UM administrator privately believes the NCAA decision on former Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell’s bid to be eligible to play the 2019 season for UM could go either way, but was pessimistic about former Auburn running back Asa Martin getting a waiver to play in 2019. Regardless of the decision on Martin, he would have three years of eligibilty remaining. A decision on Martell is expected before the start of spring practice on March 19. – Miami Herald