LOS ANGELES -- As expected, UCLA has added defensive back Priest Willis to its 2013 recruiting class, coach Jim Mora announced on Twitter Saturday.

Willis (6-2, 199) is the No. 59-ranked prospect in the ESPN Recruiting Nation rankings and the No. 5 safety, though he projects to play cornerback in college. He becomes UCLA's highest-rated prospect according to the ESPN rankings. His signing brings UCLA's class to 24 players.

Willis had committed to UCLA in late January, two weeks before signing day, but did not sign on Wednesday because, he said, his mother was out of town and unable to sign the letter of intent. Willis was also being pursued by Louisiana State, USC, Florida and Oregon, among others.