UCLA recruiting: Linebacker Roquan Smith picks Bruins

Roquan Smith, considered one of the most athletic linebackers in the nation, announced he will attend UCLA on Wednesday, making his announcement on ESPNU.

Smith, who is 6 feet 2, 205 pounds, was believed to be leaning toward home-state Georgia. He played at Macon County High School.

“I want to get out and do my own thing,” Smith said on ESPNU. He singled out UCLA defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as a big reason he picked UCLA.

While a bit undersized for linebacker, Smith has tremendous closing speed to chase down ball carriers. He is ranked 29th on ESPN’s top 300 high school players.

Smith is the fourth player to pick UCLA on Wednesday, joining tight end Chris Clark, running back Soso Jamabo and offensive lineman Josh Wariboko.

“I figure Chris Clark was going to go to UCLA, but I didn’t know about the other guys,” Smith said. “At the end day, you have to do what’s best for you.”