UCLA’s recruiting efforts on the Treasure Coast have been rewarded by landing two of the area’s top-notch prospects within a nine-day span.
First, Vero Beach four-star offensive lineman Micah Smith announced his commitment to the Bruins on June 7. He’ll now be joined in Los Angeles by one of his current teammates.
Following an official visit this past Friday, Vero rising senior Xavier Stinson announced his pledge to play for UCLA from his personal X account on Monday.
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound speedy wide receiver chose the Bruins after receiving an offer from the program on May 20. Stinson had 15 collegiate offers in total, including from the likes of Michigan State, North Carolina State, Indiana and Arkansas.
He made official visits to NC State (June 6) as Florida Atlantic (June 4) and had an official visit with Michigan State scheduled for June 20, but Stinson, according to his social media account, is “100% committed.”
Ranked 89th on the USA Today Florida Network Top 100, Stinson is a three-star prospect according to 247Sports and On3. Stinson becomes UCLA’s 17th hard commit from the Class of 2026. The Bruins and second-year head coach DeShaun Foster has the 11th-ranked recruiting class in the country according to 247Sports.
The wide receiver enjoyed a breakout campaign after transferring from Fort Pierce Central to Vero Beach for his junior year.
Whether it was taking the top off the opposing defense or needing just a seam to sprint toward daylight, Stinson answered many concerns regarding Vero’s lack of playmakers entering the 2024 season as he led the area’s best team with 43 receptions for 740 yards and seven touchdowns en route to named to TCPalm’s All-Area First Team Offense.
Road Trip Essentials
Expedia: Shop discounted airfare, transportation and more
Kayak: Save on flights, hotels, and more
Airbnb: Travel with the privacy of your own home
Top wireless charger: Yootech Wireless Charger
Best portable battery pack: Mophie Powerstation Plus
Last-minute supplies: Walmart has you covered
Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at 772-985-9692, on X at @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Vero Beach 3-star wide receiver Xavier Stinson pledges to UCLA, joins teammate Micah Smith
Reporting by Patrick Bernadeau, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
