Just days after losing a commitment from punter Bailey Raborn last month, UCLA quickly identified Charlotte (N.C.) Providence punter Austin Kent as its next priority. The Bruins extended an offer, and Kent looked poised to commit.

He had said, however, that he'd wait until his official visit next month to make the pledge official. But on Thursday evening, he decided he couldn't wait any longer.

Kent is the No. 3-rated punter in the country, according to kicking guru Chris Sailer.

Of Kent's promise as a DI kicker, Sailer wrote: "Austin is a big-time punting talent. A great athlete with one of the strongest legs in his class. The lefty has improved tremendously in this area. Punt for outstanding hang time and distance. He has proven that he can compete with the very best. I really like his upside. Has all the tools to dominate the D1 level. Could be a huge sleeper in this class. Also a huge kickoff leg and very capable kicker. I expect him to be a P/KO player at the next level. A fine young man with a great attitude and work ethic."

The punter's pledge now gives the Bruins 19 commitments in the 2016 class.