4-star athlete Derrick McFall commits to UCLA Bruins: 'This is very exciting and a blessing'

Before he had ever played for California Power, playing at UCLA is something that Tyler (Texas) four-star athlete Derrick McFall probably would have never considered. In fact, he has yet to take a visit to UCLA. He will visit campus the first time when the Bruins host Washington State on Oct. 7.

Even though he hasn’t visited and UCLA is one of his newest offers, that hasn’t stopped McFall from remaining interested in the Bruins. Over the last few months he’s built strong bonds with their coaching staff. With that, he came to the realization that Los Angeles might be home.

McFall made it official Friday night announcing his commitment to Chip Kelly and the Bruins.

“This is very exciting and a blessing,” McFall told On3. “Who would have ever thought coming from where I come from that I’d have the opportunity to play at a high-level and play at a big-time college program. I’m very excited to get up there and ball out.”

The No. 1 factor that led McFall to commit to the Bruins was his relationship with Bruins wide receivers coach Jerry Neuheisel. McFall said that Neuheisel and Bruins really began to show interest in him a few weeks before they extended him an offer on July 14.

Six days after that offer, McFall released his top four school. In the group UCLA was included because of that relationship with Neuheisel.

“Coach Jerry, the receivers coach, we’ve had great conversations since they offered me,” said McFall, the No. 357 player in the 2024 class. “It’s been great and they said I’d have the opportunity to play as a freshman. The culture out there and the vibe out there is what I want. 

…Coach Neuheisel and I have a great bond. He’ll text me every day to see how I am and where my mind’s at. He has a great personality, is a great receivers coach and is going to get guys to the league.”

McFall is also fully aware of the head coach he’s going to play for at the next level. Chip Kelly is the only head coach McFall sees himself playing for.

In talks with Kelly, McFall said that the Bruins plan to use him like Kelly did with De’Anthony Thomas at Oregon. Returner or slot receiver, McFall said Kelly wants to get the ball in his hands.

“I talk to Coach Kelly a lot and I have great faith in him,” McFall said.