Today, UCLA extended a scholarship offer to sophomore defensive back prospect Zech Fort, an elite 2026 playmaker in the IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) secondary.
Fort moved out to Florida to attend IMG Academy, but he's originally form Long Beach, CA. He averaged 3.4 tackles per game throughout his first two seasons at IMG Academy on their varsity football squad, an impressive feat considering the level of competition that IMG Academy faces on a week-in, week-out basis.
According to On3, Fort is the 15th-best prospect in his class, the second-best safety, and the second-best prospect coming out of Florida in 2026. "UCLA has a great tradition and the vibe/energy up there is amazing with Coach Foster", said Fort.
Bruin safeties coach Brian Norwood, who was retained by DeShaun Foster when Foster took over for Chip Kelly, put in the call to Fort to extend him his offer. Fort tells us that Norwood was complimentary of his leadership ability and his overall play as a versatile defensive back.
Fort, listed at 5-foot-11, 188 pounds on his Hudl, played mostly safety during his sophomore season, but he lined up all over the field. He was effective coming downhill from the single high safety position, but also looked comfortable trailing pre-snap motioning receivers in man coverage. He's an elite tackler, and possess skills that most defensive backs his age haven't yet developed, like his ability to shed most blocks using his hands.
Fort shared with us that he's looking for a "program with tradition, great academics, coaches that develop players for the NFL, and a competitive environment". For now, Fort isn't leaning one way or another in terms of schools that he's leaning towards, but he told us that UCLA "definitely sticks out".
We'll be closely following the recruitment of Fort as it develops. He would be an immediate difference maker in most any power-four school at least on special teams, if not, as a role player in the defensive secondary.
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