After a long and turbulent recruiting process, former Oaks Christian wide receiver Jordan Payton is firmly ingrained at UCLA and ready to contribute as a freshman. At 6’2 200, Payton has the size, speed and play-making ability to warrant the interest he received. It is top flight recruits like Payton that exemplify the new Jim Mora era in Westwood.

Now that signing day has passed, the majority of recruits have made their decisions. As always, the state of California produced a horde of talent for the big schools to court. The 2012 class of California recruits will surely make a lasting impact on the universities they attend. There are a number of future stars to look out for.

Here are the Top 25 California Recruits in 2012.

1. Ellis McCarthy (DT, Monrovia, UCLA)