Despite once retiring from the Bruins, one of the nation’s top cornerbacks has included the blue-and-golds in his top five schools.
Class of 2023 cornerback Maliki Crawford solidified his top five semifinalists for his Friday recruit and released them in partnership with 247Sports. UCLA football — along with Cal, Oregon, USC and Washington — are the final options for the Pacifica High School (CA) defenseman.
The 6-foot-3 cornerback officially visited Westwood the weekend of May 20 and will visit the other four schools still vying for his eventual signature in June.
Crawford had previously committed to the Bruins on July 30, but reopened his commitment six months later on January 23. Defensive backs coach Brian Norwood has kept in touch with the Oxnard, Calif. native, and through Crawford’s social media, he has reposted messages UCLA has since sent him.
Crawford spoke to 247Sports about his five Pac-12 finalists and highlighted his relationship with UCLA’s new and old employees.
“UCLA made my top five because I feel very comfortable with the coaching staff since I was hired there once last fall,” Crawford said. “I have maintained a good relationship with trainer (Chip) Kelly, trainer (Bill) McGovern and trainer (Brian) Norwood. They’re a great academic school and the staff has a lot of NFL experience as well.”
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According to 247Sports Composite, Crawford is a three-star prospect and the No. 44 cornerback in the nation while also being the No. 26 player in California and the No. 2 untied cornerer in the state. Rivals also lists Crawford as three stars, but ESPN and 247Sports have given the Southern California product four stars.
The Bruins are still looking for four more defenseman options in the Class of 2023. Caleb Presley, Rodrick Pleasant, Warren Smith and Jamison Patton have all received scholarship offers from UCLA and are not committed, with Patton even paying Westwood a visit earlier in May.
Devin Kirkwood will be the undisputed No. 1 in the Bruins defensive backfield in 2023, with Mo Osling III and Azizi Hearn both entering their final years of eligibility. John Humphrey will also be in the rotation, as will Jaylin Davies, who recently joined from Oregon, but there isn’t expected to be much depth over the long term.
UCLA has only one defensive recruit in the Class of 2023 — three-star linebacker/safety hybrid Ty Lee — but will also hear from four-star linebacker Tre Edwards on Friday.
Crawford ended his interview with 247Sports, saying he doesn’t have a specific timeline as to when he will make his final decision, but plans to graduate early and sign a national letter of intent in December, regardless of where he goes.
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