Duece Jones-Drew committed to UCLA on Sunday and will follow in his dad Maurice Jones-Drew’s footsteps when he joins the Bruins.
Jones-Drew will be represented on the back of a UCLA jersey once again next year after Duece Jones-Drew announced his commitment to the Bruins on May 3. The Concord (Calif.) De La Salle running back will join a legacy in Westwood started by his dad. Maurice Jones-Drew became one of the most prolific backs in Bruins history during his career from 2003-05.
MJD has mostly stayed hands off in guiding his son through the recruiting process. UCLA always remained squarely in the picture, however, and now the Bruins have added another key piece for 2027.
Yes, there is a clear connection to the Bruins through his father, but Duece built his own bond with Bob Chesney’s staff. Running backs coach A.J. Steward, who is a holdover from the previous staff, led the recruitment for UCLA. The relationship Jones-Drew built with Steward ultimately led him to his father’s alma mater over Cal, Arizona, SMU and others.
“I love coach Steward and what he’s done for the program,” the Class of 2027 running back said. “Obviously, he’s a really good coach. He’s really big on details.”
Chesney, UCLA’s first-year head coach, has already generated plenty of buzz in his first spring with the Bruins. 247 currently has the Bruins ranked 5th in its 2027 composite team recruiting rankings.
“I saw what coach Chesney had for the whole UCLA program and I loved it,” Jones-Drew said. “I love how they put their personnel around how the offense is. If they’re run heavy, the obviously have good linemen and a good running back. So, it’s a great opportunity.”
Duece Jones-Drew Carving Out His Own Path
Duece Jones-Drew has never felt the need to live up to his famous father’s reputation. He understands everyone will make the connection because of his name, but it has not been the foundation of who he has become. Maurice Jones-Drew, who now works as a TV broadcaster, has allowed his son to make his own choices and forge his own path in the sport. In fact, running back was not when he envisioned playing growing up.
“When I was younger, I wanted to be a kicker,” Duece Jones-Drew said. “Obviously things have changed since then, but I’ve always been Duece. I’ll never change for anybody. Being myself is more than enough is what he always tells me. Him staying out of it, I feel like it helps a little bit. But, he still gives me great guidance on what to do during the recruiting process.
“Also, my uncle Nathan Kenion, he was the DB coach at Sacramento State. He’s also been one of my biggest mentors, and he’s been helping me all throughout this recruiting process. So, he’s also been a big part of it.”
The recruiting process can be daunting, but Jones-Drew has grown up around the game. His ability to lean on people who have heard and given college pitches and sorted through the many potential pitfalls has been invaluable.
“It’s been great just knowing rights from wrongs in recruiting, because everybody knows it can be pretty hard at times,” the De La Salle junior said. “Just being able to be my best in every way that I can. I play both sides of the ball, not many people do that still. To perfect my craft, it means a lot. My uncle coaches defense, my dad was obviously a running back.
“Having both sides of the ball, I know what to do on defense and what we don’t like as a DB. Knowing both and getting both under my belt, it helps a lot.”
Jones-Drew Hoping To Close Out HS Career With State Title
Maurice Jones-Drew’s breakout performance came against Long Beach Poly in 2001. The shifty running back helped guide De La Salle to a 29-15 win over the Jackrabbits in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup. MJD scored 4 touchdowns in that game launching what would become a college and 9-year NFL career.
His career coincided with the dominant 151-game winning streak at De La Salle that ran from 1992-2004 under head coach Bob Ladouceur. MJD has contributed to the staff at his alma mater where his son has become a part of its success in recent years.
Duece Jones-Drew has his sights set on replicating some of the success his dad was part of at DLS. That included winning multiple state titles. The Spartans have not secured a state title since 2015. De La Salle came up just short in 2025, falling to Santa Margarita in the CIF Open Division title game.
Jones-Drew hopes to reach that mountaintop in his senior season.
“It’s definitely been a challenge,” Duece Jones-Drew said. “I’ve had to work for everything I’ve got. Started from the bottom and now have worked my way to the top. It’s great. It’s definitely taught me a lot about myself and about other people. Our goal is always a state championship. It’s going to be hard. California is a top football state, obviously. So, we gotta come back and work.”
He said his goal by the time he reaches college is to be 190 pounds. The 5-foot-8 running back checked in at around 180 this spring. Jones-Drew also wants to run the 100m at 10.4.
Jones-Drew has continued to look has continued to look back on the lessons he’s learned from his father as the offseason moves along and he looks forward to his future with the Bruins.
“Definitely, in our family, we always compete,” he said. “But, also, people tell me to be a leader not a follower. Obviously, that goes off the field and on the field. Just being able to lead yourself in the right direction and not follow others.
“People aren’t always going to make the best decisions, but if you push yourself to be the best you can, every single day, you’re getting one percent better. Eventually, once you get those 10,000 hours in, plus even more than that, you’ll be a good player.”
