UCLA Gets Verbal Commitment From Kennedy Defensive Back

Kennedy High’s Dion Lambert, a 6-3, 180-pound defensive back, has decided to stay near home, verbally committing to play football at UCLA.

“I’ve always wanted to go to UCLA since I’ve been a kid,” he said.

Lambert said he reached a decision after UCLA Coach Terry Donahue called him Wednesday while on a recruiting trip in South Carolina. Lambert will sign a letter of intent Feb. 11, the national signing date.

Lambert, a member of the Times All-Valley team, said it was “too hard” choosing the Bruins over Arizona, Colorado and Washington. Lambert canceled a visit to Nebraska.

“It’s kind of hard to say no,” Lambert said. “All the schools that I was talking to are great. It wasn’t a hassle, but it was getting kind of rough between finals.”

The natural-grass surface at the Rose Bowl, UCLA’s home field, was a factor in his decision, Lambert said. “The turf can take a toll on your knees,” he said. “I didn’t want to have knee problems.”

Hart High quarterback Jim Bonds has canceled a trip to the University of Michigan and instead will visit Arizona this weekend. Bonds has visited UCLA and USC.

Three other Valley football players have committed.

John Carpenter, a Times All-Valley tight end from Crespi, is headed for Stanford.

Edwin Jones, a 5-10, 180-pound tailback from Kennedy, has chosen Iowa State over Cal State Fullerton and Northern Arizona.

Jerome Hill, a tailback from Kennedy, committed to Northern Arizona. He also had considered Fresno State and Cal State Fullerton.