Just a day after Encino (Calif.) Crespi fullback Jalen Starks committed to UCLA, Crespi defensive end Marcus Moore followed suit and committed to the Bruins.









“Right when they offered me yesterday, I knew I was going to be a Bruin,” Moore said. “I honestly couldn’t see myself anywhere else other than UCLA. I was so excited to get that offer and then my boy Jalen (Starks) got the offer too and committed. We talked and he felt the same as me, neither one of us could see ourselves anywhere else. “I went home and talked things over with my grandmother, that’s who I live with and then I called Coach Polamalu. He’s like a father figure to me because his son Trey is one of my closest friends. We played pop warner together so I talked to Coach Polamalu for awhile and went over my decision. He didn’t even talk to me as a coach but a mentor and I knew right then I was ready to be a Bruin.” Moore was tempted to commit right then but said he wanted to talk to his head coach, Troy Thomas, first. “I called Coach Thomas and he was already asleep,” Moore said. “I had weight training in the morning so I told him then and then I called Coach Angus McClure, who I have a great relationship with as well. He was super excited for me and I was as well. It’s a great fit for me and I can’t wait to be a Bruin. “I’ve been working really hard in the weight room and can’t wait for the season to get here. I played at about 225 pounds last season and I’m currently right at 240 and feel really good. Coach Angus said they have big plans for me and want to move me all over the place and I’m going to be ready to go.” Moore said his commitment is rock solid and he has no plans to look around. “I don’t believe in that whole commit early and then take trips thing, that’s not me,” Moore said. “I feel like that’s disrespectful to the school you committed to. You can’t beat UCLA so there’s no need to look around. UCLA has a great program and coming in with Jalen, having a good friend I’ll be able to room with makes it even better for me.” Moore is a tough, physical lineman who moves all over the defensive line at Crespi and even plays some linebacker. He projects as a defensive end at the next level but his strength and quickness will allow the coaches to play him at different spots to take advantage of mismatches. Moore is very quick off the ball, powerful with his hands, has a non-stop motor and plays with an edge to him. He's strong at the point, can take on a block and stand his ground and also has the speed and athleticism to simply run around opposing lineman and chase down plays from behind.

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