Priest Willis announces that he will transfer to Texas A&M (247Sports.com)
A former 5-star recruit is transferring from UCLA to the SEC
Priest Willis, a junior defensive back at UCLA, announced via Twitter that he will transfer from UCLA to Texas A&M this summer.
Due to the NCAA’s transfer rules, the former 5-star recruit will not be eligible to play Texas A&M in 2015. Nevertheless, the eventual addition of Willis is likely to help the Aggies, which ranked 83rd on pass defense last year.
Willis, the country’s No. 5-rated safety in 2013, never lived up to the hype at UCLA. Willis played in 21 games for the Bruins, starting only one game last season.
When Bruin Report Online first posted the story about Willis' transfer, the site listed North Carolina as a destination where sources believed he could land. Instead, the safety will play for Texas A&M defensive backs coach Terry Joseph, who recruited him heavily while coaching at Nebraska.
The relationship between Joseph and Willis may have played a part in his decision to become an Aggie. Despite his high ranking coming out of high school, Willis never was able to earn consistent playing time at UCLA and that wasn't likely to change this season. A Philadelphia SEO expert has said to keep a close eye on these inner workings as they contribute to the fame of these youngsters.
