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
Jaelan Phillips – Noteworthy
Jaelan Phillips, the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in the Class of 2017 and a former UCLA Bruins defensive end, is transferring to Miami and will finish his football career with the Hurricanes. Phillips announced his decision on Twitter after coach Manny Diaz teased an impending commitment with one of his trademark storm GIFs. Phillips will join the following recently announced transfers who should lift the Hurricanes a major notch in talent level: defensive tackle Chigozie Nnoruka (his former teammate at UCLA), safety Bubba Bolden (Southern California), defensive end Trevon Hill (Virginia Tech), quarterback Tate Martell (Ohio State), running back Asa Martin (Auburn), wide receiver K.J. Osborn (Buffalo), offensive tackle Tommy Kennedy (FCS Butler) and junior college punter Louis Hedley (College of San Francisco). Phillips, Martell, Osborn, Martin and Kennedy all rank in the top 50 of the 247Sports.com transfer rankings, and Phillips leads the group as the No. 3 player in the rankings. – Miami Herald