UCLA is keeping the legacy alive.
Duece Jones-Drew, a Class of 2027 running back, announced in a video feature this week that he is committing to UCLA for college. Duece is a four-star prospect who is the son of retired former NFL RB Maurice Jones-Drew.
Nicknamed “MJD,” the elder Jones-Drew played in the NFL from 2006-14. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and a one-time All-Pro who led the league in rushing yards during the 2011 season as well.
Meanwhile, Maurice also played his college ball at UCLA from 2003-05. He was a two-time All-Pac-10 selection and a unanimous All-American with the Bruins, helping him become a second-round NFL pick (No. 60 overall).
As for Duece, he committed to UCLA over a number of other notable finalists. Eli Lederman of ESPN reports that Duece (who is from De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif.) also considered Arizona, Cal, SMU, and Utah.
At 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, Duece will be looking to follow in the footsteps of his father as an undersized running back with enough burst and speed to make up for it. At the same time, UCLA is now in its first year under new head coach Bob Chesney, who recently cleaned house and even let go of one of the Bruins’ most beloved coaches.
