Jim McGill of Bear Insider breaks the news.
"I always had an interest in Cal but with everyone else in the mix, it was hard to put myself in the right mind frame to make the decision so I just took things one day at a time to really look at things, to where I could get playing time, where I liked the coaches and a lot of other things.
"As time went on, it continued to be clearer to me but because I wasn't completely sure yet so I wanted to make sure I didn't jump too early. I enjoyed my visits but I always had Cal on my mind.
"I want to thank everyone for hanging with me and letting me make my decision and taking the time to spend time with me and host me at their schools but I made my decision and I'm going to Cal."
It's an excellent feature on Bigelow's recruiting journey to Cal. Check it out!
Bigelow has been given favorable comparisons to such Cal luminaries like Jahvid Best. He possesses great breakaway speed and lateral quickness. However, he also is able to get low to the ground with his center of gravity--similar to a Justin Forsett or Shane Vereen--as well as an array of jukes (Best) and stutter-steps (Vereen) making it hard to tackle him. He can also catch the ball in multiple ways, either via coming out of the backfield and catching screens, or playing in the slot and running great routes. That sort of versatility should be perfect for the pro-style offense Jeff Tedford runs.
The only real question with Bigelow is is health--he's had two ACL surgeries in the past two years and hasn't played much since his sophomore season. Because of those concerns, his recruiting grade has been downgraded, but there's no doubt he has the talent to be one of the best in the Pac-12 if he can stay on the field. Bigelow is ranked as a four-star recruit by Rivals and the third best player in the state, a four-star recruit by ESPN (and an overall grade of 80), and a three star-recruit by Scout.
Welcome to Cal, Brendon. GO BEARS!
After the jump, highlight reels!
Brendon Bigelow (via jetb44)
'11 CA HB Brendon Bigelow (via RedshirtScouting)
Brendon Bigelow Highlights (via 247SportsStudio)