By Jared Harmon (contact)

Mon, Nov 3, 2008 (2:21 p.m.)

Richard Brian

Silverado defensive end Keenan Graham, who verbally committed to UCLA but is now considering Utah, poses for a photo. Graham earned the honor of Home News Defensive Player of the Year.

Silverado senior defensive end Keenan Graham could have played football for virtually any college he desired.

In the end it was a springtime trip to UCLA that swayed the top recruit as Graham verbally committed to the Bruins on Monday morning.

With programs like Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Kansas, Arizona, Washington State, Utah, Maryland, Colorado, and Vanderbilt beating down his door, Graham said it was an unofficial visit to UCLA this spring and the relationship with the Bruins coaches that helped him make up his mind.

"I went to visit the campus and (head coach) Rich Neuheisel took me on a tour of the school," Graham said. "That meant a lot to me. I had a real good feel for the school and the program. Even with all the other great schools I went to, I still had this connection to UCLA. It just felt right."

Graham began to gain national interest at the Long Beach Nike Combine on March 15 where he posted a time of 4.59 seconds in the 40-yard dash, the fastest time for any lineman and faster than several smaller athletes in attendance.

The 6-foot, 3-inch, 208-pounder amassed 72 tackles and 15 sacks last year, including a sack in eight of 10 games and nine in a four-game span. He continued to punish offenses this year with 73 tackles, seven sacks and three fumble recoveries and even flashed his speed with a 78-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

"He's definitely got the frame and speed for the next level," Silverado coach Andy Ostolaza said. "He's a good student and a real hard worker. He's real easy going. Coaches will like him and being coachable just adds to what he'll bring to UCLA."

Graham was initially recruited to make the transition to linebacker but after discussions with the UCLA coaching staff, they agreed to let him start out as a defensive end and see how his body develops as he continues to grow.

"I just told them how much I like being a defensive end and they said that was OK with them," Graham said. "I understand it depends on my growth. If they eventually have to move me to linebacker, that's fine with me. I'll do whatever's best for the team."

Graham's announcement comes on the heels of teammate Michael Wadsworth's commitment to Hawaii on Oct. 29. The defensive back who has shined for the Hawks as a punt and kickoff returner will be reunited with former Silverado defensive coordinator Tony Tuioti, now the director of football player personnel for the Warriors.

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or jared.harmon@hbcpub.com.