Cal Sports Recruiting Thread: November 2009
Continued from the October thread!
Kenny Stills is looking at Cal and UCLA locally, and plenty of your finest football institutions outside.
"I have Oklahoma (Nov. 14), Michigan (Nov. 21) and Florida (Nov. 28). I'm trying to decide between Oregon and Miami for my last visit. Oregon looks great right now and I've always liked Miami a lot. They haven't offered me yet, but sound interested and I can't see them tripping me out there unless they wanted to offer.
"Locally, I'm still looking at Cal and UCLA. If I stay close to home, I'm leaning to Cal right now but Florida and Oklahoma are both really intriguing to me. Florida loses all their playmakers after this season and Oklahoma has a great offense for a receiver."
More on potential recruits, thanks to solarise.
Owa Odighizuwa, DE
Portland, ORFind out more about Owa’s leadership qualities:
“He doesn’t walk around with a big ego, or anything.” – Jeremy Patrick (Owa’s teammate), regarding all the attention Owa is receiving.
“He’s such a leader and so well rounded that he connects with kids that aren’t necessarily athletes.” – Dan Wood (Owa’s coach)
“If you’re not diverse with the people you know and just stick with one type of person, then you never know what opportunities and experiences you might miss out on.” – Owa himself
What he (Owa) is concerned with is the best fit personally and academically.
He wants to major in business or sports management and maybe work in the sports apparel business.
“I’m approaching it like an interview process,” he said. “You can’t rush to a decision because of a good weekend.”
Cecil Whiteside, LB
Newport Beach, CAA tragic story about Cecil’s past:
When Whiteside was 5, his father, Martin Hammonds, was shot to death, said Graig Brown, Whiteside’s uncle and legal guardian. Hammonds, a victim of a hate crime, played football, too. He was a tough, small linebacker at Artesia High, Brown said. After he died at age 27, Brown wanted to care for Whiteside as Hammonds was his adopted brother.
"Cecil was in Compton, not doing very well as far as the environment he was in," Brown said. "It was a difficult lifestyle and he wasn’t getting presented the opportunity to succeed. We were able to provide him an opportunity to better his life and move forward and get him into an academic program that would help his future."
"We’re going to be extremely proud when he gets his high school diploma," Brown said. "That was our goal, to get him to graduate high school and have a happy childhood. So everything now is pretty much gravy."Austin Hinder, QB
Steamboat Springs, COIf Austin can’t be Tom Brady, he would like to be… Tiger Woods! (Video via Prepticket.com)
In related news:
Josh Shirley, LB
Fontana, CAOffered a Cal scholarship, the Army All-American LB is visiting Arizona this weekend.
Toney Hurd Jr., CB
Missouri City, TXOffered a Cal scholarship but committed to Notre Dame.
Micah Hatchie, OT
Waialua, HIOffered a Cal scholarship, Micah has wrapped up his senior season. He plans to visit Washington and Oregon, and may take all five-official visits.
The opinions expressed in a FanPost are, in every way, reflective of the opinions of every California Golden Blogs Marshawnthusiast. Moreover, they are reflective of every employee of SBNation, including Tyler "Blez" Bleszinski.
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Darrell Scott transferring from Colorado to UCLA?
“I’d been thinking about it for a couple of months,” Scott told The Denver Post today in a telephone interview.
Scott said he hoped to get a release from CU to UCLA, so he could join his uncle, former Buffs wideout Josh Smith, with the Bruins. Smith, a wide receiver, transferred to UCLA during the summer and is sitting out this season under NCAA transfer rules.
“That’s the plan,” Scott said about joining Smith
There’s really nothing to say, other than ‘Sorry to Buff nation,’ " Scott said.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 3, 2009 11:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
If Mr. Scott does this…he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 4, 2009 6:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno. If he transfers to UCLA he’ll redshirt in 2010 and begin playing in 2011, by which point unless Neuheisel has been run out of town on a rail there should be some semblance of run blocking in Westwood, and at the same time he’ll have the opportunity to be at the top of the depth chart.
But it could just be that I’m relatively bullish on Neuheisel/Chow combo. I think it’s safe to say in any case that Dorrell left the offensive cupboard bare for his successors.
"Let me tell you a story. I was a political prisoner for two years. The instant I was released I ran to McDonald's. I had a Big Mac and a Coke.
It was fantastic."
-Toyama Koichi, US Presidential candidate from Japan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGZqOkeYbB0
by AERose on Nov 4, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He is a big, self-centered asshole by announcing he is transferring during the middle of the football season. He could have at least wait until the season is over.
by Cali49a on Nov 4, 2009 2:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Why did he go to CU in the first place? I’m always interested in hearing why a recruit went to one school, then why he decided to leave, and why he decided on the other school.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Nov 4, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No idea why he went, but I’m guessing he decided to leave because he was promised playing time early on, and Hawkins hasn’t given him any. Add in the fact that Colorado is heading for the doldrums and you can see why Scott decided to get going.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 4, 2009 6:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC, Scott chose CU because of his comfort level with the coaches (interesting fact: CU’s RB coach is Darian Hagan, Sr – the father of OUR CB Darian Hagan, Jr), his uncle (Josh Smith) was already on scholarship, and he was sold on Hawkins’ vision for the program.
Fast forward 1.75 years and we see that:
1: Scott’s production has been supposedly hampered by various injuries (legit one this season) and a bad OL. Some CU fans claim Scott is too soft to play through the injuries and/or has a terrible work ethic.
2: However, Rodney Stewart, who was recruited in the same class as Scott and not even close to being rated as high, has proven to be the better back, putting up better numbers, and is the starter.
3: Both Cal and $C coaches were recruiting Scott as a DB, NOT a RB. When it comes to Cal and $C evaluating RBs, you can’t really disagree with them. Thus far, Scott is proving them right. Again, he has injury issues and the speculation, so we’ll probably have to wait and see if Scott produces at his next school.
4: After 4 years at their jobs, I think it’s safe to say that Petersen was the brains behind Boise’s offenses.
5: Scott’s uncle is officially at ucla now. Since Smith is a big reason why Scott chose CU, it’s no surprise that the rumor is that Scott will follow him there.
My take:
ucla happily takes CU’s sloppy seconds. Hiring Neuheisel as their head coach, taking Smith as a transfer, and now, they are more than likely going to take Scott at RB.
by Cali49a on Nov 4, 2009 7:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn’t a good thing when it was so widely reported that Scott was way overweight coming in out of HS.
STAY THIRSTY, MY FRIENDS
by Thoroughbred on Nov 4, 2009 8:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the extensive answer.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on Nov 5, 2009 6:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Owa Odighizuwa profile
So is his mother, who is known as AB (Ay-Be). Her Nigerian name is Abieyuwa. Odighizuwa credits her with the central role in his success, and she seemed overjoyed Tuesday. She realizes, however, that there is still a lot of work ahead.
“He needs to decide where he is going,” she said. “I have told him to find a school and people he can be comfortable with. I do not want him to regret his choice. Wherever he goes he needs to get his degree and be happy with his school and community.”
She said her son is a wonderful person and this whole experience has been a “dream.”
Odighizuwa was born in the U.S. and at a young age was sent to live with family in Nigeria. Five years later he returned, and she feels this helped him understand his African heritage and roots and to appreciate all the opportunities here.
AB is finishing her second degree and will pursue a medical field. Odighizuwa has three brothers (two were with him on Tuesday, and they both attend David Douglas. His youngest brother is still in grade school).
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 3, 2009 11:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I really want this guy – seems like the complete package.
GOLD OUT MOZAMBIQUE!
by OskiMonsta on Nov 4, 2009 5:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 4, 2009 6:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thank goodness we have that whole #1 Public thing going for us
STAY THIRSTY, MY FRIENDS
by Thoroughbred on Nov 4, 2009 8:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Stills is Looking to Bring an Entourage
“I talk all the time with Brennan Clay (San Diego, Calif./Scripps Ranch), Tony Jefferson (Chula Vista, Calif./Eastlake), Joshua Shaw (Palmdale, Calif./Palmdale), Ronald Powell (Moreno, Calif./Rancho Verde), a few others,” Stills said. "There’s a good chance a lot of us could be at the same school next year and that would be great.
by chowder on Nov 4, 2009 1:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Are any of those other guys seriously considering Cal?
GOLD OUT MOZAMBIQUE!
by OskiMonsta on Nov 4, 2009 5:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cal has offers out to Clay, Jefferson and Powell. I do not believe Cal offered Shaw.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
by BeastMode on Nov 4, 2009 7:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Clay
I thought Brennan Clay’s commitment to Oklahoma was thought to be pretty firm.
by joffle on Nov 4, 2009 8:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Out-of-state verbals are always the most … fluid
STAY THIRSTY, MY FRIENDS
by Thoroughbred on Nov 4, 2009 8:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
is he related to steven stills of crosby, stills, nash, and young?
(goes to youtube to rock out)
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 4, 2009 6:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
One and the same
STAY THIRSTY, MY FRIENDS
by Thoroughbred on Nov 4, 2009 7:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
COME TO BERKELEY
Berkeley is the greatest city in the world! GO BEARS!!!!!
by Tambo45 on Nov 4, 2009 8:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
George Uko
Has set up a trip for UCLA. Biggins has been saying he is a strong USC lean for a long time, but is also being recruited by Cal.
After checking out Cal a month ago, Uko has three more Pac-10 visits set up this month. The Bruins have been on and off Uko’s list multiple times since last spring.
“I’m looking at UCLA mainly because of coach (Rick) Neuheisel,” Uko said. "He’s personally recruiting me and is the only head coach that I’m talking with. He’s probably recruiting me harder than anyone else and I also like the opportunity to play right away at UCLA.
Guess he hasn’t heard that Neuheisal told Morrell Presley he’d be the leading receiver in the country this year if he went to UCLA. Yes, the same Presley that caught 2 passes for 2 yards with a long of 2 against Cal this year.
by chowder on Nov 4, 2009 9:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Another Uko quote
From the same ESPN article posted by chowder:
I’m visiting Oregon (Nov. 13) and then I have USC set for (Nov. 27). Right now, USC is still my top school. I know they lost to Oregon but that doesn’t change anything. I’m close with all the coaches and coach (Jethro) Franklin, the line coach there, and it’s where I feel most comfortable at right now.
by solarise on Nov 4, 2009 10:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
carp’s top school is……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Scrips
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 4, 2009 10:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Golden Prospects Update
Three prospects are taking official visits this weekend:
Jay Guy, DT (Aldine, TX) to Nebraska
George Uko, DT (Chino, CA) to UCLA
Owa Odighizuwa, DE (Portland, OR) to UCLA
Jeffrey Whitaker, DT
Warner Robins, GA
After falling behind by 20 in the third, Warner Robins scored 21 unanswered fourth-quarter points for a 21-20 win over the second-ranked rival Northside.
Coach said there is no other feeling like when you beat Northside," Warner Robins defensive tackle Jeffrey Whitaker said. "You know, he’s right. It feels pretty good. It’s pretty special with the heart we showed.
Owa Odighizuwa, DE
Portland, OR
Owa had been favoring Cal before his unofficial visit to Oregon, but the Ducks’ play definitely made a positive impression.
I loved the visit. I thought it was one of the best visits I’ve been on this year," he said. "The atmosphere was great and they just played a really good football game. It was a really great trip.
Lache Seastrunk, RB
Temple, TX
Lache ran 22 times for a game-high 117 yards & 1 TD in Temple High’s 17-6 loss to Belton. He didn’t make his schedule official visit to Oregon over the weekend due to a scheduling mix-up with the family. USC is considered to be the favorite.
Ricky Seale, RB
Escondido, CA
Kenny Stills, WR
Carlsbad, CA
Escondido Cougars’ Ricky Seale broke the San Diego Section career rushing record on the game’s first series, scampering 28 yards for a touchdown. However, the 2nd ranked Las Costa Canyon Mavericks rolled up 407 yards on the ground to a 44-24 victory. Seale was held to 34 yards in the second half after carrying 26 times for 178 yards in the first. The Mavericks delivered a 64-yard bomb in the first to coveted wideout Kenny Stills. Stills finished the game catching 2 passes for 75 yards and a TD.
Ricky Seale discussed the friendly rivalry between him and Kenny Stills. (via 619 Sports)
Postgame interviews with Ricky Seale | Kenny Stills (via 619 Sports).
by solarise on Nov 4, 2009 3:08 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8zie9BuAQ8
youtube of a 2011 QB prospect on our radar (from bakersfield).. visiting this weekend
STAY THIRSTY, MY FRIENDS
by Thoroughbred on Nov 4, 2009 4:53 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Gotta love a guy who looks at the quarterback situation at Cal (Riley then Sweeney/Mansion then Bridgford then Hinder) and still says to himself “fuck it, THAT’S where I want to be.”
"Let me tell you a story. I was a political prisoner for two years. The instant I was released I ran to McDonald's. I had a Big Mac and a Coke.
It was fantastic."
-Toyama Koichi, US Presidential candidate from Japan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGZqOkeYbB0
by AERose on Nov 4, 2009 8:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, it’s not like the guys who haven’t played a snap have proven anything. I’m not as high on our future QBs just based on what I’ve seen, but again, that’s just speculation. Good-looking prospect with that vid taken after his sophomore year
STAY THIRSTY, MY FRIENDS
by Thoroughbred on Nov 4, 2009 9:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s definitely all just speculation, but regardless I find it interesting that a prospect can look at a school with 84 quarterbacks under scholarship and still say “yeah, that’s where I want to play.”
"Let me tell you a story. I was a political prisoner for two years. The instant I was released I ran to McDonald's. I had a Big Mac and a Coke.
It was fantastic."
-Toyama Koichi, US Presidential candidate from Japan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGZqOkeYbB0
by AERose on Nov 4, 2009 9:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, like any good program, Cal tries to bring in 1 quarterback every year, I’m pretty sure the situation is the same at every other school that is pursuing him, maybe with one less Elite 11 guy on the roster. Unlike you, I am pretty stoked about our future at quarterback. Although Mansion has been a bit of a disappointment, I like what I saw and read about Sweeney thus far. Brigford is an accurate passer without a huge arm and Hinder is a guy with all the physical tools but needs serious polishing. That said, my optimism and your pessimism is speculation until these guys are thrown into live action.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
by BeastMode on Nov 4, 2009 11:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Dontae Williams reconsidering Oregon
It was widely believed that four-star tailback Dontae Williams was ready to sign with Oregon (he gave the team a soft verbal this August), and after Williams witnessed the Ducks’ Halloween demolition of USC it seemed like a foregone conclusion.
But now Williams is wavering, as the prospect said that he wants to take more time with his decision. One likely issue for Williams is that the Ducks clearly have their back of the future in redshirt freshman LaMichael James, who has at least one year left in Eugene, and maybe even three. If Williams wants to play early, this could be a major issue.
The Houston, Texas product, and 12th-ranked tailback prospect nationally, is still considering Purdue, Minnesota and California. Neither Big Ten school has a logjam at the running back position that Williams couldn’t penetrate, and Cal’s star RB Jahvid Best is likely to take his game to the NFL next year. It looks like the Ducks could have their work cut out for them.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 5, 2009 10:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
jtlight from Addicted to Quack doesn't believe he's coming to Oregon
The Williams situation is bizarro. He was 100% for Oregon during the game, and even told Chris McCain that he was committed to Oregon. And then he met with the coaching staff on Sunday, and it all changed. I’m guessing that he didn’t have a commitable offer, because the change in attitude was 100%. I’m guessing he doesn’t come to Oregon.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 5, 2009 10:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Also from T-Bred, Scott unlikely to become a Bruin
Former Colorado RB Darrell Scott, who announced on Tuesday his intention to leave the Buffaloes and hopefully transfer to UCLA, is unlikely to become a Bruin, sources in the program told Chris Foster of the Los Angeles Times.
As we told you, UCLA’s top four rushers are underclassmen, plus the Bruins already have a commitment from highly regarded RB Malcolm Jones of nearby Oaks Christian School. Coach Rick Neuheisel simply can’t afford to waste a scholarship on a back who may never play.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 5, 2009 10:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
And to complete the trifecta, T-Bred lets us know about a Cal recruit getting a Trojan offer
Tevin Carter was just offered by USC, but he remains committed to Cal and isn’t sure exactly what position wants him at either. He loves a lot of things about Cal. But a USC offer is always a big thing, you know.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 5, 2009 10:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Confirmed by Scout, via solarise.
Santee safety wide receiver/safety and Cal commit Tevin Carter (6-3, 190) and Santee head coach Joe Kearney, unofficially visited USC tonight, and Carter was offfered a scholarship according Kearney. "I believe they offered him as an athlete," said Kearney.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 6, 2009 4:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Gabe King said Oregon was electrifying
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 6, 2009 12:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
In hoops news
Oregon prep star Terrence Jones is visiting UCLA this weekend, after recent stops at Kentucky and Oregon.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 6, 2009 12:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
George Uko, DT
Chino, CA
Now that Guy is out of the picture, let’s hope Uko will come to Cal.
Also making an official visit is George Uko, a 6-4, 283-pound defensive tackle from Chino Don Lugo. He had only minor interest in UCLA until recently, but Coach Rick Neuheisel has had a heavy hand in the last few months, those close to Uko’s family have said. The Bruins are back in the picture along with USC, Oregon, Oklahoma, Cal and Tennessee
by solarise on Nov 9, 2009 12:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
More Uko quotes
More from Uko’s trip to UCLA:
I had a great visit to UCLA," Uko said. "They definitely moved way up for me but I really can’t say how high right now. I just want to get through my visits and then I’ll make my decision, I really don’t want to rank the schools until then.
UCLA has a lot to offer though. It felt like I was part of a family at UCLA, my parents felt the same thing, they loved it there. The players were great to hang with, the other recruits were real cool and I already love the coaching staff.
CoachNeuheisalNeuheisel is a great guy but recently, I’ve really started to bond with Coach Howard, the DL coach as well. He’s an ex NFL coach and that means a lot to me. He does a great job and I think he could prepare me for the next level.
by solarise on Nov 9, 2009 3:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Scouting report on George Uko (scout.com)
Uko possesses the type of physical prowess that could one day make him a 1st round draft pick in the NFL. He needs to work on his flexibility and playing hard on every down. Too many times Uko could be seen popping straight up and watching from his end spot.
by solarise on Nov 13, 2009 1:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Anthony Jefferson, ATH
Los Angeles, CA
Sounds like Anthony wants $C but Carroll & his gang aren’t working hard enuff:
I like USC, UCLA and Oregon," Jefferson said. "UCLA is recruiting me the hardest right now and I talk with Oregon a lot too but I kind of stopped hearing from SC. I’m not sure if they’re slow playing me right now or what but it definitely seems like it.
I haven’t talked to them in awhile but I’m going to call them this week for sure and see what’s up. As for my last visits, I’m looking at Notre Dame and Oklahoma and those will probably be after the season. I may visit UCLA officially too but I’m not sure because it’s so close to home.
by solarise on Nov 9, 2009 3:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Cecil Whiteside has opened up his recruitment, visited ASU
God, if we lose him to play with Burfict, that would suck.
Whiteside also was named an Army All-American.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 9, 2009 7:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Is this the point where it’s acceptable to cry?
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 9, 2009 9:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
“Opened up his recruitment” is a bit misleading.
by Cali49a on Nov 9, 2009 10:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm true, it’s been a soft verbal for awhile.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 9, 2009 10:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
With the recent Biggins article quoting Whiteside saying Cal’s the place for him, his recruitment has never really been “open” so to speak. He was “making sure Cal was the place for him.” (read: he’s just enjoying the recruiting process, and has been firm with Cal the whole time)
by Cali49a on Nov 11, 2009 4:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, ESPN article quotes from Cecil make it seem like he is still solid Cal
WHAT'S YOUR DEAL?
by Thoroughbred on Nov 18, 2009 6:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s still way too early. Ryan Davis was waffling the day before commitment last year and the coaches were able to convince him to stay with Cal. When it comes to recruiting us fans will just have to trust the coaches. Tosh will not let us down.
by solarise on Nov 9, 2009 10:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Ricky Seale, RB
Escondido, CA

(Via North County Times)
A quick interview with SD’s record-breaking RB:
Q: Has the college recruiting process been what you thought?
A: Yes, it has. I’ve gotten a lot of good advice, but making a decision is harder than I thought.
Q: Have you enjoyed the process?
A: It has been fun. Coaches call all the time to touch base and ask how I did.
Q: What schools are you considering?
A: A lot of Pac-10 schools-- Stanford, UCLA, Cal, Washington and Oregon. And I’m thinking about San Diego State, too.
Q: When will you announce your choice?
A: It’s going to come down to the end, Feb. 4.
by solarise on Nov 9, 2009 10:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Washington and UCLA are real interested," Ricky Seale said. "They like me and I think they just want to see how serious I am about them. I think they’d offer if I told them I’d commit." But committing is something that Seale says he won’t consider soon. "I don’t plan on committing until signing day. I plan on taking my time. I don’t want to change my mind, so I’m gonna wait until the end…
by solarise on Nov 13, 2009 10:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jordon James to announce this week: UCLA, Cal, Arizona are the top 3
ESPNU 150 running back Jordon James (Corona, Calif.) will make his college commitment Thursday, ESPN’s Billy Tucker reports.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 10, 2009 12:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Biggins had this to say in his comments section:
Jordan James, Paul Richardson, and Anthony Jefferson could all definitely commit to UCLA. James will announce this Thursday between UCLA, Cal and Arizona. I think Cal is in a good spot right now along with UCLA and it will be interesting to see what he decides. The feeling was James has been a silent to UCLA for some time now but I’ve recently heard that may no longer be the case. We’ll see in a couple of days.
by chowder on Nov 10, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
More on James
From Biggins:
I talked with James’ coach today and he said as of 2:15, Jordon still hasn’t decided yet and is very confused. He also said Cal and Ariz are recruiting him the hardest and said UCLA wanted to move his visit to January a little bit ago and it seems like they’re slow playing him right now.
Seems like which ever school he commits to, will receive a soft commit.
by chowder on Nov 12, 2009 4:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Josh Smith, top 20 hoopster for class of 2010, commits to UCLA
It goes without saying that every team in the Pac-10 — Cal included — would love to get a signature on a letter-of-intent this week from Josh Smith, the 6-foot-10, 270-pound center prospect from Kent, Wash.
Smith, rated as a top-20 player in the 2010 recruiting class by both Scout.com and Rivals.com, has given an oral commitment to UCLA. Smith picked the Bruins over hometown Washinton, and he should impact the Bruins early.
He’d better, because Smith has all the earmarks of a one-and-done player, quite possibly headed to the NBA after his freshman season. He hasn’t said as much, but with his size and potential, the NBA money will be a powerful magnet.
Cal apparently was involved with Smith on some level early, but the Bears never became a serious player in this process. Smith told Scout.com he’s been strongly leaning toward UCLA for quite some time.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 10, 2009 12:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Biggins says Cal is in the lead for James
James has narrowed his choices to Arizona, Cal and UCLA. He just visited the Wildcats this past weekend and took an official visit to Berkeley back in early October. He was scheduled to visit UCLA in two weeks, but has taken multiple unofficial visits to the Westwood campus.
In breaking down James’ recruitment early on, the word was UCLA was a big leader. There was even talk that James had given the Bruins a silent commitment and was just taking the visits to check out a few places before announcing for UCLA at the Under Armour game.
In recent weeks, however, there has been a strong buzz that Cal was making up a lot of ground. The visit to Cal was James’ favorite trip by a solid margin and in talking with some people close to James’ decision, the feeling is the Bears may actually be the team to beat at this point.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 10, 2009 3:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
You what is ironic. After his official visit to Cal, James was the one quoted saying that the alums yelled at them, told them to sit down, and that the alum section was filled with SC fans.
by chowder on Nov 10, 2009 3:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ron Gould is grossly underpaid.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 10, 2009 3:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember all those posts about telling alumni to stop being fucking bitches? ….I take it back!
The Lack of Mack's Imposition Attacks My Disposition.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 10, 2009 4:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you first!
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Nov 11, 2009 9:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m already there
Goin' balls deep with Cal since 1972!
by Fire Starkey on Nov 11, 2009 3:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cecil Whiteside still committed to Cal
Whiteside is still committed to Cal, despite having some great trips.
“After taking the visits, I still feel Cal is the place for me. I have one trip left to take if I want to but I don’t know if I’ll take it right now. I’m not really hearing from any other schools so I think I’m done for now and happy to be a Bear.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 11, 2009 12:50 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Was just about to post this. Great news. We are dying for a rush LB.
by dchu on Nov 11, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Darrell Scott not going to be a Bruin
UCLA officials have told running back Darrell Scott, who is leaving Colorado, that they were not interested in having him play for the Bruins
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 11, 2009 2:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Arie Kouandjio, OT
Hyattsville, MD
From a video interview in early October, Army All-American Arie Kouandjio revealed that Cal and ’Bama are the leaders. He enjoyed his unofficial visit to Cal and will be taking official visits after the football season.
Arie’s brother Cyrus is an OT prospect for 2011. Cal has already extended a scholarship offer to Cyrus.
by solarise on Nov 11, 2009 2:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Owa Odighizuwa, DE
Portland, OR
Gabe King, DE
Eugene, OR
Kenny Stills, WR
Carlsbad, CA
Mike Farrell from Rivals reports that Cal-Oregon will be battling over Owa & Gabe to the end. Florida is expected to make Kenny a top recruiting priority.
by solarise on Nov 11, 2009 11:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Counterintelligence on Owa Odighizuwa being a Cal-Oregon battle and Kenny Stills deciding between Florida and Oklahoma.
From Gator Country:
Owamagbe Odighizuwa: very slim chance. He is taking official visit for FSU game. Cal, Oregon battle.
Kenny Stills: Two team race between OKLA and Florida. His ex-teammate is in OKLA so that might help them. Stills is very high on our board and is a great ATH.
by solarise on Nov 12, 2009 3:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jordon James to fUCLA
The Lack of Mack's Imposition Attacks My Disposition.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Nov 12, 2009 4:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Via Billy Tucker of ESPN:
Injuries are the only red flag that will accompany him (Jordan James) to the next level but when healthy James shows elite ability at the running back position and is a major in-state keep for UCLA.
by solarise on Nov 12, 2009 6:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
UCLA is one of those schools that can sell the youth movement. That’s why even with eight wins in two years, they’re able to recruit. They’re showing that they’re going to play young guys, even true freshmen. Kids are seeing, ‘Hey, I can come in and play, I can contribute.’
They [Malcolm Jones & Jordan James] are set to join a crowded backfield that already includes sophomore Derrick Coleman, redshirt freshmen Johnathan Franklin and Milton Knox and freshman Damien Thigpen.
The crowded backfield of $C and UCLA could help Cal land Seastrunk & Seale.
by solarise on Nov 13, 2009 9:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember the highly touted 4-stars recruit Stan Hasiak from last year?
UCLA freshman guard Stan Hasiak will not be with the team for an indefinite period, as he is “dealing with issues,” Coach Rick Neuheisel said.
Hasiak, who has appeared in four games this season, has had a number of anger issues on the practice field, particularly early in the season. He was involved in a handful of near fights with teammates during live scrimmages.
Give credit to the coaches. We lucked out when Hasiak decommitted the day before signing day.
by solarise on Nov 12, 2009 10:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Hasiak back w/ UCLA
Coach Rick Neuheisel said it was “unlikely” he [Stan Hasiak] would play Saturday at Washington State. He is not expected to travel with the team.
by solarise on Nov 13, 2009 8:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lache Seastrunk, RB
Temple, TX
Hot-shot running back recruit Lache Seastrunk still isn’t close to picking his college, but our friend Greg Wille of the Temple Daily Telegram tells us Seastrunk sure has eyes for USC. It seems if he isn’t visiting the Trojans, he’s taking his visits to the campus where USC is playing. He will not be a Longhorn.
by solarise on Nov 15, 2009 9:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Victor Burnett, LB
Culver City, CA
Offered a Cal scholarship, Burnett verbally committed to UDubb this weekend.
John Young, TE
Los Angeles, CA
Recruited by Pete Alamar & Ron Gould, Young was not offered a scholarship to Cal. He verbally committed to fUCLA this weekend.
by solarise on Nov 16, 2009 11:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Kenny Stills, WR
Carlsbad, CA
Florida continues to lead in recruiting of Stills after his official visit to Oklahoma.
This just keeps getting harder and harder," Stills said. “Oklahoma did a great job and gave me a lot to think about. I know I’m blessed to have these options so I’m grateful for that but at the same time, this is going to be such a tough call.
He also caught 6 passes for a game-high 156 yds last Friday night to help La Costa Canyon finish its ”http://www.nctimes.com/sports/high-school/nct/article_4d85388e-ea13-57ca-9c32-9a32ab6fd626.html" >perfect regular season.
by solarise on Nov 16, 2009 5:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Jeffrey Whitaker, DT
Warner Robins, GA
[Whitaker’s] season now officially over, this U.S. Army High School All-American has trimmed down his list to five schools: Georgia, Auburn, Cal, North Carolina and South Carolina.
…
Whitaker said he’s going to take his time with his decision and set up some official visits. He said he’ll likely come back to Georgia and go to Auburn and he’s really enamored with Cal, which has recruited him hard. "I don’t mind going away from home," he said.
As for his recruiting timeline, Whitaker figures he’ll announce a decision in mid-January.
by solarise on Nov 17, 2009 2:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Ricky Seale, RB
Escondido, CA
Seale ran for 5 TDs & 404 yards on 25 carries last Friday night against San Pasqual High. He fell 6 yards short of the section and school single-game record of 410 yds by Darrick Jackson in 2003.
Career-wise, Seale is at 6,380 yards. The CA state record is 9,662 yards, held by… ’Furd’s Toby Gerhart.
by solarise on Nov 17, 2009 10:07 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Dontae Williams to Oregon
He committed yesterday. He was the #12 running back.
by chowder on Nov 18, 2009 8:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Aww shucks was hoping we’d pull an upset there.
by solarise on Nov 18, 2009 9:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rivals has a Top 5 ranking of DEs based on 3 different attributes. Cal has scholarship offers out to 3 DEs on Rival’s list: JR Ferguson (Chatham, VA), Owa Odighizuwa (Portland, OR) & Gabe King (Eugene, OR).
Ferguson will participate in the annual Crab Bowl (Baltimore vs DC) on 12/19, lining up on D with Nick Forbes (Frederick, MD) but against Arie Kouandjio (Hyattsville, MD).
by solarise on Nov 18, 2009 9:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Rival’s 5 best pass rushers featuring JR Ferguson & Owa Odighizuwa
by solarise on Nov 19, 2009 9:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rival’s 5 best LB athletes w/ Cal commits Cecil Whiteside & Nick Forbes.
by solarise on Nov 18, 2009 10:01 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Owa Odighizuwa, DE
Portland, OR
Owa will be officially visiting NE this weekend. NE fans sound desperate to find someone who will replace the presence of Ndamukong Suh next year.
Austin Hinder, QB
Steamboat Springs, CO
ESPNRISE’s article on Hinder & his relationship w/ his grandfather – Cal Hall of Famer Jim Hanifan.
by solarise on Nov 18, 2009 5:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Jakhari Gore, RB
Miami, FL
ESPN is reporting that Jakhari, cousin of 49ers’ Frank Gore, is down to two schools: LSU & Cal.
I look at everything those two schools have offer. I know LSU has a need for running backs, with them losing three senior running backs and another guy who will be a senior next year. They will have a lot of carries available there. And look at what Cal has done with Jahvid Best. They feed him the rock," Gore added.
by solarise on Nov 18, 2009 6:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I like the fact that after each of our losses there was an outpouring of “our recruiting is DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMED” but that there’s really no evidence of that being the case.
"Let me tell you a story. I was a political prisoner for two years. The instant I was released I ran to McDonald's. I had a Big Mac and a Coke.
It was fantastic."
-Toyama Koichi, US Presidential candidate from Japan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGZqOkeYbB0
by AERose on Nov 18, 2009 8:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
haha, yeah. we’ve only seemingly lost Jay Guy, and if we finish strong, the USC fiasco probably will be (mostly) forgotten when Lupoi, Thompson, and company set up shop.
WHAT'S YOUR DEAL?
by Thoroughbred on Nov 18, 2009 8:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not quite sure about this, but I believe we lost verbal commits from Cassius Marsh, Jordan James, and Jay Guy after the $C game. There was a poignant remark from Marsh when he committed to LSU, saying that “It’s not how much they [Cal] lost by, it’s the manner they lost.”
Regardless, I think recruits are smart and they understand. Making a decision for the next 4-6 yrs of their lives based on one game seems ludicrous . The great Cal education, being in the Tedford family, and a chance to playing professionally in the future haven’t let us down yet.
by solarise on Nov 18, 2009 9:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
More updates
My Top 3 are California, Oklahoma and Auburn," he said.
-He said being Mr. Roszell Gayden. Big Time Juco OT. Great to hear, b/c it looked like we had fallen off of his radar.
Shane Johnson (6’5 300 lbs OL) also has included Cal in his top 5 after trimming his list from 20 offer.
-Teammate of Arie and the rest of the guys we are recruiting in MD.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 19, 2009 1:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Gayden is being recruited by ALAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR according to Rivals. Sends a chill right down your spine.
"Let me tell you a story. I was a political prisoner for two years. The instant I was released I ran to McDonald's. I had a Big Mac and a Coke.
It was fantastic."
-Toyama Koichi, US Presidential candidate from Japan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGZqOkeYbB0
by AERose on Nov 19, 2009 4:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Alamar recruited… Steve Levy!
WHAT'S YOUR DEAL?
by Thoroughbred on Nov 19, 2009 7:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Roszell Gayden was part of MINN 2008’s recruiting class but did not sign an LOI. At 6’ 7" 310lbs Roszell seems physically comparable to Jonathan Ogden. Perhaps T-bred or chowder has more info. It’d be great to obtain more footage of Gayden.
by solarise on Nov 19, 2009 11:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
it seems strange to have a JC OL come in with 2 to play 2 as it often seems to take a half season or so for them to get up to speed, but I hear Gayden might be the real deal.
by turkey on Nov 20, 2009 8:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Think Mike Gibson was in the same situation. He worked out well for us & got drafted by the NFL.
by solarise on Nov 20, 2009 12:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Gayden took an official visit to Oklahoma in October, will visit Cal and Oregon in December and will check out the Tigers for the Iron Bowl. “I had visits set up for December, but I had nothing for November and they asked me to come on the 27th, so I say OK. They told me it should be a great game to come for. They said it is one of the biggest rivalries in the country.”
by solarise on Nov 20, 2009 12:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Farrell of Rivals (video) reported that both Gabe King (Eugene, OR) & Owa Odighizuwa (Portland, OR) were both heavy leans toward Cal before the ORE-$C game.
Since the ORE blowout of $C Keenan Allen (Greensboro, NC) has verbally committed to ‘Bama, and Trovon Reed (Thibodaux, LA) to Auburn. It’d a coup for both Owa & Gabe to come to Cal. Our man Tosh is making significant strides to turn around Cal’s beleaguered pass rush.
by solarise on Nov 19, 2009 10:29 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

WaPo is reporting that that Arie Kouanjiio (Hyattsville, MD) has his sights set on ’Bama and Cal.
Arie is not focusing on recruiting until next week, but it is believed that Alabama and Cal rank near the top of the several dozen schools to offer him a scholarship, with Maryland, Miami, Tennessee, Notre Dame and New Mexico among those still in consideration.
Meanwhile, Cyrus, Arie’s brother, will start looking around after his season ends.
Cyrus said the latest of his 15 offers came from Rutgers, with Maryland, Cal, Boston College, Pittsburgh and Wake Forest already on the board.
Cyrus will have more [offers than Arie], if that is possible. He has things he doesn’t even know about right now. I was trying to keep things quiet until after the season when we’ll sit down and talk. – Coach Bill McGregor, DeMatha
by solarise on Nov 19, 2009 10:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Mike Farrell (video) reported on 11/13/2009 that JR Ferguson, DE (Chatham, VA), ESPN150 and Rivals’ #5 DE in the nation, will be making a surprise official visit to Cal on 12/11/2009. He confirmed the Cal-‘Bama recruiting battle for Arie Kouandijo, OT (Hyattsville, MD). $C is ratcheting up its recruiting efforts for Anthony Jefferson, ATH (Los Angeles, CA). Lache Seastrunk, RB (Temple, TX) is favoring $C’s offensive scheme.
We got the Axe! We got the Axe! We got the Axe!
by solarise on Nov 23, 2009 9:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
JR “Ego” Ferguson, DE of Hargrave Military Academy (Chatham, VA) has been named an Army All-American.
“J.R. Ferguson is an outstanding player who will play in the NFL,” [Coach Robert] Prunty said. "Hargrave has produced many good players and Ferguson ranks at the top of that list.
“Ferguson has a great motor, plays with a low pad level and has exceptional leverage,” Prunty continued. “He was a joy to coach.”
by solarise on Nov 24, 2009 12:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Owa Odighizuwa, DE (Portland, OR) visited Lincoln, NE last weekend. Cornhusker fans found Owa on the sidelines w/ Ndamukong Suh. Owa & Suh have a lot in common.
Dan Wood, Odighizuwa’s coach at David Douglas High School, sang high praises of Owa’s character:
He’s not a bling, bling guy … He’s a people person. His decision is going to be based on who he’s going to battle with every week and who he’s battling for. That’s much more important to Owa than any facility or history of national championships.
When you connect with him as a person, it far exceeds any impact of the bling … He has connected with them [NE head coach Bo Pelini & DE coach John Papuchis], and that is what’s really sold him to this point.
His integrity is impeccable," the coach said. "If you look up the phrase ‘Do the right thing’ in the dictionary, you’ll see his picture.
Finally, Dan Wood on Owa’s ball skills:
[Owa is] the most explosive, relentless defensive player I’ve ever coached.
He is so quick and explosive off the ball," the coach said. "And he does not take plays off. He never gives up. He has such a motor and plays the game the right way.
by solarise on Nov 23, 2009 10:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Owa rated his visit to Lincoln, NE 9 out of 10.
The fans were the most impressive thing to me… The fans, they really support their football team. And I felt like that was just incredible. How they treat their guys and how respectful they were. They never really dogged the other team like a few of the other schools I’ve been to, so that’s one thing I noticed.
by solarise on Nov 25, 2009 12:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sean Parker, S
Harbor City, CA
The Army All-American safety has visited Cal & ND officially. He wants to check out Mich, Ore, and $C before making his decision on signing day.
by solarise on Nov 23, 2009 10:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
With the imminent fall of Weis, and report like this, perhaps Notre Dame starts to lose recruits? Who would Cal have a realistic shot at cherry picking?
Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was punched in the face by an irate fan outside a South Bend restaurant early Sunday morning and has a swollen eye, a person briefed on the incident said on Monday.
That person said Clausen was “sucker-punched” by a fan as he left an establishment after having dinner with his parents.
by chowder on Nov 24, 2009 1:29 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Smart Football links to Jon Walter's article about Weis's recruiting methods
Notre Dame has officially offered one of my linebackers, but no one from Notre Dame has ever spoken to the kid nor has anyone from Notre Dame ever returned any of my calls. To put it context: Will Muschamp [of Texas] returned my call, Brent Venables [of Oklahoma] returned my call, Bud Foster [of Virginia Tech] returned my call, [Michael] Barrow [of Miami] returned my call, Nick Saban returned my call, and yet no one from Notre Dame has ever returned my call. Geewhiz Charlie, that’s not exactly the way to get a kid to choose ND over other BCS schools — and then you offer him blind without so much as making contact with any coach? No. That’s not the way to go about the business.
. . . Notre Dame has zero chance at this player. I started trying to call them about him when he was a freshman. Not pushing the kid, just trying to make a contact, as I do not send film to schools without making a contact (especially on a kid that I know has 100% BCS level talent). No point in his film disc just sitting on a desk with a thousand others. And not a single coach from Notre Dame has ever returned a call in three years. Now that same kid is a Junior and he’s blue chip, [top ten] in Ohio in the 2011 class, ESPN Top 50, etc. And all of a sudden Notre Dame is interested? If he’s good enough to play at Notre Dame he’s good enough to play at other schools.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 24, 2009 10:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rival's Take on Martin
First, you have a program in turmoil and a potential coaching change looming. That could seal the fate with Martin and Notre Dame.
Martin travels to Florida this weekend for an official visit with the Gators. Earlier this month he tripped to Oklahoma to see the Sooners. Chances are, at least right now, that he signs with either Oklahoma or Florida. Assuming the Irish make a change, maybe Notre Dame makes a splash hire. But recruiting is about relationships, and building one in such a short time will be awfully difficult to do. But you just never know.
http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1021397
by chowder on Nov 26, 2009 10:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Doubt very much Martin ends up at ND.
by Cali49a on Nov 27, 2009 9:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t have the link off hand, but he committed to Florida.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 29, 2009 7:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
USC is Making A Push
From Biggins:
It’s a huge weekend for USC in terms of visits. With the out of the state guys, you never know if they’ll actually follow through and visit but I’ve heard Kyle Prater, Jackson Jeffcoat, Chrisian Jones, and Gabe King could all be in town. In-state, I’ve heard George Uko and Demetrius Wright could be on officials and you can bet just about every top recruit in the junior and senior class will be at the game as well.
by chowder on Nov 24, 2009 1:35 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Lache Seastrunk, RB
Temple, TX
Seastrunk talks to ESPNRISE about Temple, TX
by solarise on Nov 24, 2009 3:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Who is Louie Lechich
and how does he already have an LOI signed?
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Louie-Lechich-99720
"Let me tell you a story. I was a political prisoner for two years. The instant I was released I ran to McDonald's. I had a Big Mac and a Coke.
It was fantastic."
-Toyama Koichi, US Presidential candidate from Japan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGZqOkeYbB0
by AERose on Nov 24, 2009 5:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
He signed to play for Cal Bears Baseball =D
he’s quite a WR for St. Mary’s (alongside Josh Harper the Magnificent)
Physical.
by Thoroughbred on Nov 24, 2009 6:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. That makes sense.
"Let me tell you a story. I was a political prisoner for two years. The instant I was released I ran to McDonald's. I had a Big Mac and a Coke.
It was fantastic."
-Toyama Koichi, US Presidential candidate from Japan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGZqOkeYbB0
by AERose on Nov 24, 2009 6:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
MoragaBear of Bear Insider talks recruiting
Regarding King, I know he’s still talking about Cal like they’re his top choice. Whether or not his fb status means anything, I’m not sure at this point. But, as I mentioned earlier, a similar fb status about Cal last June didn’t mean anything so I wouldn’t put to much stock in this one.
Personally, I wouldn’t want to be in Oregon’s position. No single recruit is worth the potential of a major recruiting violation and when an Oregon alum/former player/booster provides housing for a player in his school’s backyard, that’s crying out for trouble. I’m aware of at least one or two schools that will strongly pursue major sanctions against Oregon if he commits there and one’s not Cal. They say they “cleared it” with the NCAA, but I wouldn’t sleep easy on that one.
Contrary to what some are saying, Cal’s recruiting is going strong right now. They lost Ward and James to UCLA and a few others that were offered but not Plan A guys, but they’re in strong with a lot of top recruits and will host a ton of them Dec. 11, including Kouandjio, his teammates Johnson and Coley, Gayden, Ferguson, Whitaker, Martin, Gore, Werner, possibly Stills and Briggs and a few others, plus current commits Crosthwaite, Hinder, Harper and another one or two.
I’ve indicated for months that commits weren’t likely until late in the recruiting process because almost all their top remaining targets had no intention of committing early and wanted to take bunch of visits.
This is a different type of recruiting cycle than Cal usually is involved in but, just as all the early strong commits didn’t mean the class would be stocked with top players and be wrapped up early, so does the lull during the season not mean things are going poorly.
By design, there was to be one big recruiting game during the season, which, despite the loss was actually a pretty strong visit with a lot of the recruits. There then was to be one big recruiting weekend during bowl prep and that’s what’s happening in a couple weeks. Things will almost definitely pick up then.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 25, 2009 2:09 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Sweet info. Thanks ’Nash
Physical.
by Thoroughbred on Nov 25, 2009 3:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I really like this story, because it gives good analysis of the cycle as a whole, and summarizes very nicely where we are.
The compensation provided under [Jeff Tedford's] contract is funded exclusively from athletic department revenues and private fundraising and no State or general campus funds are used in this arrangement.
by dballisloose on Nov 27, 2009 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What exactly is this facebook status thing he refers to?
by dchu on Nov 27, 2009 7:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Something innocuous about King possibly being a Duck. Similar to an update he made a few months ago about being a Bear. Wouldn’t read too much into it.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 29, 2009 7:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Tevin Carter Still a Bear after talking to USC
Three-star wide receiver Tevin Carter (Los Angeles/Santee) made an unofficial visit to check out the hometown USC Trojans but is still a solid commitment to Cal, ESPN affiliate Web site BearInsider.com reports.
by chowder on Nov 26, 2009 10:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Great news
We’ll be in need of replenishing the receiver corps in two years, we need to get more guys in here and see what they can do.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 26, 2009 11:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lovin’ the class this year — 3 great athletes with different wrinkles to their games. norcal WRs like harper are always underrated. if we polished it off with a 4th guy… man, that’d be killer.
Physical.
by Thoroughbred on Nov 27, 2009 12:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
TrojanNYC blog reported that $C is leading in the recruitment of George Uko, DT (Chino, CA) followed by UCLA.
December recruiting thread?
by solarise on Dec 1, 2009 11:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The departure of LSU running back coach Larry Porter to Memphis is having a negative impact on the recruiting of Lache Seastrunk, RB (Temple, TX). Perhaps coach Gould should sweep in and work his magic…
by solarise on Dec 1, 2009 11:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Chris Fetters of Scout reported that Micah Hatchie, OT (Waialua, HI) had an incredible visit to UW. He was seen hanging out with another Hawaiian and Huskies commit Taz Stevenson. Hatchie still wants to officially visit Oregon, Cal and Hawai’i before making his final decision.
Washington, Oregon and Hawai’i were mentioned by Hatchie as being high risers on his recruiting list. Those are the schools that are going to the top right now.
by solarise on Dec 1, 2009 11:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Greg Biggins reported on Paul Richardson, WR (Gardena, CA) and his visit to ASU over the weekend.
“ASU was a great visit, there wasn’t a single negative about it,” Richardson said. “I got to spend a lot of time with Coach (Dennis) Erickson and that was really a highlight for me. He’s a solid guy and very genuine.”
“I want to take a few more trips with Shaq so I’m looking at Arizona and UCLA,” Richardson said. “I also like Cal and Nebraska and would like to visit both of those as well.”
by solarise on Dec 1, 2009 12:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Kenny Stills, WR (Carlsbad, CA) is down to his final six schools: Cal, UCLA, Oklahoma, Florida, Miami and Michigan. Stills is targeting Dec 11 or Dec 18 to announce his decision on local TV in San Diego.
by solarise on Dec 1, 2009 5:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs























