Five-star defensive end joins UCLA’s 2016 football class
By Tanner Walters
Aug. 6, 2015 2:22 p.m.
UCLA football nabbed the first five-star recruit in its 2016 class Thursday afternoon in defensive end Oluwole Betiku. The high school senior announced the news on Twitter.
Betiku had received offers from dozens of schools nationwide, but chose to join the Bruins after an unofficial visit last week.
Born in Nigeria, Betiku has less than two years of football experience, but he has made the most of his opportunities so far. In 11 games played as a high school junior at Junipero Serra High School, he amassed 59 total tackles and 11.5 sacks.
The 240-pound lineman is ranked as the No. 1 defensive end in the country and No. 11 overall, according to 247Sports. Rivals lists him lower, at No. 44 nationwide. Before making the commitment, Betiku told the Los Angeles Times that he was also considering Florida, Florida State, Texas A&M, Penn State and Notre Dame.
Compiled by Tanner Walters, Bruin Sports senior staff.
