Four-star RB Robinson commits to the Bruins

Roderick Robinson II, one of the top running backs in the class of 2023 and a San Diego native, committed to UCLA on Thursday.

Robinson, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound ball carrier out of Lincoln High School, made his announcement live on CBS Sports HQ. Robinson is the No. 16-ranked running back in his class and a fourstar prospect, according to 247Sports.

Robinson made an official visit to UCLA earlier this month and chose the Bruins over Arizona, Auburn, Cal, Georgia, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas

A&M. He recorded 1,273 yards and 17 touchdowns in his junior season in high school last year.

“Beyond blessed to be a Bruin,” Robinson said on Twitter.

The running back told CBS Sports HQ that staying close to home was “nothing but a plus,” but his decision came down to developing a relationship with head coach Chip Kelly and running backs coach DeShaun Foster, who spent six seasons in the NFL after a stellar career at UCLA.

“Coach Foster, he’s been to the NFL at my position so I feel like he knows what it takes to get to the NFL at my position,” Robinson said.

Robinson added that Kelly has “been to the highest level” of college football, including the Rose Bowl and national championship games.

“So I think that was a big benefit in my decision,” Robinson said. “And just the culture and upbringing they have with the team, I think they’re going to do big things this season.”

Robinson joins safety Ty Lee of St. John Bosco High and wide receiver Grant Gray of Norco High as UCLA commits for the class of 2023. He’ll be an option to replace Zach Charbonnet, if the stalwart running back who returned for his senior season declares for the NFL draft next year.