Defender Julian Araujo, a U.S. U16 Boy's National Team center back and standout at Santa Barbara SC, committed to join local program UC Santa Barbara this week.

The No. 17 ranked recruit for the class of 2019, Araujo is a multi-talented and versatile player capable of playing at the back, in the middle or up front. He was called into the U16 BNT for last year's IMG Cup, the team's February trip to Argentina, and he was called in to a Florida training camp that took place last week. He has emerged as one of the best players for this age group for the U.S. Youth National Team. His consistent play at center back has made him a favorite of the coaching staff. 

Araujo has rattled off a number of impressive accomplishments at the club level; he played up with the Santa Barbara SC side that won the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship at the U18 age group, and made 24 appearances for the U13/U14 Development Academy team in the 2015-16 season.

MORE: 2017 men's DI recruiting class announcements | 2017 men's DI transfers | Recruiting News

He played high school soccer this past winter season at Lompoc in California, where he led the attack. Araujo also kicked for the football team, and had a few carries at running back.

The 15-year-old recently told the Lompoc Record that UC Santa Barbara was his dream school. For the Gauchos, he is a prized prospect from the class as one of the top three defenders from the 2019 class and a local product. He is the first verbal commitment for the 2019 class for the Gauchos. 

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