Golden Recruiting Wire July 8th, 2010

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Tedford & Company

• Thomas Johnson, ATH Skyline (Dallas, TX) offered Cal scholarship [1]. Other offers include Miami-FL, USC, UCLA, Texas A&M, Auburn.  Adrian Lee and Steve Williams are Skyline alumni on the Golden Bears squad.

• Mustafa Jalil, DT Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, CA) was All-State First Team last year for medium schools, an honor he shared w/ Alex Crosthwaite, Cal Football Recruiting Class 2010. Jalil was also named to All-State Underclassmen Team [2].

• Stefan McClure, CB Vista (Vista, CA) was named to All-State Underclassmen Team last year with Jalil. He was the Palomar League Track & Field Athlete of the Year [3].

• Marquise Lee, S Serra (Gardena, CA) profiled [4]. Will Marqise follow his teammates and choose to stay in SoCal?

• Jordan Rigsbee, OT Pleasant Valley (Chico, CA) interviewed [5].
  

  Rigsbee also follows in the footsteps of another Pleasant Valley alumni, NFL All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
  
  Rodgers' journey to Green Bay began at Pleasant Valley in Chico, California. Rodgers then attended Butte Junior College where Rigsbee's father Craig is the current athletic director and the winningest head coach in Butte football history. Rodgers went from Butte to become the Golden Bears signal caller and has a inherent connection to the Rigsbee family. "I talked to him (Rodgers) briefly… He said congrats. I'm gonna talk to him more in depth next time he's in town, he's gonna come talk to me."

• Pat Flavin, OT Benet Academy (Lisle, IL) is ready to visit Cal [$6] next. Coach Genyk's Midwestern roots are paying dividends on the recruiting front w/ Flavin & DeAnthony Arnett, WR Saginaw (Saginaw, MI). Pat's brother Bill is a Senior on the Notre Dame squad this year. Not having a chance to play with Bill at Notre Dame may have opened up Pat's recruiting process.

• Doran Grant, CB Saint Vincent Saint Mary (Akron, OH) is unequivocally the best at his position at least in Northeast Ohio [7].
  

Grant times out at 4.56 in the 40-yard dash, bench presses 325lbs., and has a 41.5 inch vertical leap, but he says his amazing athleticism isn't his biggest asset.

"Patience, that's my thing, you have to stay committed everyday," said Grant, "it just takes patience, the work in the weight room, the running, the film study, the drills. It all takes patience, you can't hurry through any of it."

Grant says he will narrow his college choices down to five universities in the fall. Doran has been able to turn to his father, Otis, for advice in selecting where he'll play next. Otis went through the recruiting process and played at Michigan State from 1979-82. He's also been able to turn to his defensive backs coach for help.

Coach Mark Murphy Sr., is former NFL safety, who played 11-seasons for the Green Bay Packers. Coach Murphy was elected to the Packers Hall of Fame in 1998.

"Having Coach Murphy here helps a lot, I just listen to him, he mentors the guys." said Grant "And he is genuine to the core."

• Ray Drew, DE Thomas County Central (Thomasville, GA) photo gallery by Scout.com [8]. Drew befriended Avery Walls, S Union Grove (McDonough, GA) and is looking into Michigan.
  

  "Yes sir, because I'm talking to a couple players that are being recruited by Michigan, like Avery Walls. I've had a chance to befriend him. We've been talking about them and he's been talking about how Michigan is a place I need to check out, and maybe set up an official with him so we can get up there at the same time. We're good friends now and we talk on the phone. He's trying to recruit me there I guess (laughing)."

  Walls apparently has very strong feelings for the Wolverines, and Drew can certainly see that and it gives the Maize and Blue another card to play.

  "He just told me he really liked it a lot and he told me it's down to... Wait, I can't say that (laughing). He really likes Michigan, I'll put it that way, he really likes Michigan. It's a place he'd like me to get up and see and give a chance to. If he went there he wouldn't mind me being a teammate up there with him."

  Should Walls become a Wolverine, it'would certainly have an impact on Drew.

  "Yes sir, because one thing you have to look at going into this is seeing the type of people you'd be surrounded with. With me knowing Avery pretty well, that's got to be a plus because I know I'd be around good people. [9]"

• Miles Shuler, ATH Long Branch (Long Branch, NJ) named top 10 of Rutgers, Pittsburgh, Florida, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Penn State, Northwestern, California, Stanford, Cincinnati [10]. Cal [11] & Pitt [12] are going after Shuler's services. It may come down to Rutgers, Penn State, Florida though [13]. Starting today, Shuler will participate in the inaugural Nike SPARQ Championship Challenge [14].
  
  Shuler & Savon Huggins are also very good friends [15]. Hopefully they won't end up at the same program.
  

  "We've been talking about it," said Shuler. "We don't know, but we both understand that we're going to the school that's best for us. The bottom line is anything can happen, so we'll see what happens."

  Huggins offered his take on ending up at the same college as his friend.

  "It is a possibility. I can't say if that's going to be true. At the end of the day, it's where each and every one of our hearts are."

•  
  (From left) Jordan Rigsbee, OT, DeAnthony Arnett, WR, Austin Seferian Jenkins, TE Gig Harbor (Gig Harbor, WA) named Rivals All-Nike Football Training Camp Team on offense [16].
  

  "Rigsbee, an Army All-American, plays with a nasty streak that few blockers have displayed on the NIKE Camp Tour this spring. When going through one-on-ones, he put several defenders into the ground with crushing blocks. He also impressed in drill work with great knee bend, hip flexibility and the ability to adjust to the techniques he was being taught." - Jeremy Crabtree

  "During individual work he [Arnett] displayed tremendous body control, adjusting to balls thrown behind him and making it look routine. Arnett had some of the most consistent hands throughout the day as he went out and latched onto every ball away from his body." - Barry Every

  "Seferian-Jenkins wants to be known as the nation's best tight end and a top-100 player, and he proved it at the camp. He's big but doesn't plod. He can split out and run routes well, he's light on his feet and his hands are outstanding." - Adam Gorney

  (From left) Amir Carlisle, RB The King's Academy (Sunnyvale, CA), Miles Shuler, ATH earned honorable mentions.

• Todd Barr, DT Lakewood (Lakewood, CA) interviewed [17].
  

  "I'm in the process of narrowing down schools as of now," Barr said today. That should be taken as an understatement considering how many offers the defensive tackle has received this season. Barr holds scholarship offers from nearly 30 schools at this point, including Florida, UCLA, Washington, Miami, Nebraska, Oregon, Notre Dame and many others. Barr has visits lined up with Florida, Miami and Nebraska, and has no preference on which side of the country he will end up. "If I find a school that my heart is set on, I'm willing to travel the distance for it… Whenever I find the right one, I'm gonna make my decision," says Barr.

  Mustafa Jalil recruited Barr to come play w/ him for the Golden Bears when they camped at Berkeley.

• James Wilder Jr., ATH Plant (Tampa, FL), Rivals/Scout.com/ESPN consensus five-star recruit, is coming to visit Berkeley to make a commitment decision before his senior season [18].
  

  "I have only seen Florida State, Florida, South Florida, and Alabama so far," Wilder told Scout.com in late June. "I want to see Georgia, California, and USC for sure before I commit, and I will probably see a few more too. I want to see a lot to make sure I see everything I need to before I commit."

  Perhaps pound-for-pound the strongest athlete of the 2011 class, Wilder is projected to play on the defensive side of the ball as DE/OLB to channel his aggression and explosive skills after the QB.

• (From left) Todd Barr, DT, Doran Grant, CB, James Wilder Jr. named Rivals All-Nike Football Training Camp Team on defense [19].
  

  "Barr's offer list is also one of the longest and best around, and he showed flashes of why he's got those offers with a good all-around effort on Sunday. Barr is more powerful than Townsend and he did a solid job of fighting through blocks and used his hands well, too." - Jeremy Crabtree

  "Grant showed very good ability to close on the ball. He was also able to play off the receivers and work in space. He is extremely strong and can press-cover with the best of them." - Greg Ladky

  "Freakish is an adjective that should be used sparingly when describing college football prospects but if anyone fits the bill as a freak athlete, Wilder does. He can easily run with running backs and tight ends, changes directions well and has great hips." - Barton Simmons

  (From left) Viliami Moala, DT Grant Union (Sacramento, CA), Tee Shepard, CB Central East (Fresno, CA) {2012} earned honorable mentions.
  

  Vei Moala (Best College Prospect) is a monster nose guard prospect with good explosion and quickness off the ball for a 300-pounder. He was unstoppable when bull rushing, but needs more work with his hands and learn to get sideways (get "skinny") in order to get around the opposition. Did great in the run drills as he is very stout and can wreak havoc in the middle. Regarded as the top defensive lineman in the west and looked the part. [20]

  On the first play of one-on-ones Tee Shepard (Best College Prospect, Top Underclassman) jumped and intercepted a slant route. From that point on the ultra-quick cover man picked off at least four passes during the competition period of half-skelly and one-on-ones. "In my eyes Shepard is by far the best underclass corner I’ve seen on the tour this year," Lead Nike Camp defensive back coach Eugene Jackson said. Shepard has exceptional closing speed to go along with outstanding route recognition. His high school position coach Tony Perry, who coached former NFL third round pick Ricky Manning, thinks he could be one of the best to come out of California. [21]

• James Sample, S Grant Union (Sacramento, CA) notes from Stanford NTFC [22].
  

  Grant (Sacramento, Calif.) safety James Sample is physically impressive and passes the eye test. Sample has long, sculpted arms and upper body strength. He is aggressive in press coverage, but is more of a down-in-the-box defender as a rover or safety. The camp workout may not be the best opportunity for a hard-hitting player like him, but he still needs to show he can cover receivers down field. His torso seems a little bit high in his back pedal, which does not allow him to change direction quickly. He needs to work on becoming more comfortable in pass coverage and being more fluid for the next level.

• Lake Koa Ka'ai, DE Kamehameha (Honolulu, HI) unofficially visited Colorado, Wyoming, Cal, Stanford [$23]. Cal & Colorado may lead [24].

• Daniel Lasco, RB The Woodlands (The Woodlands, TX) led his Highlanders team to winning the Cypress Creek 7on7 Tourney [25]. The Highlanders have qualified for the 64-team 7on7 Texas State Tournament July 9-10 at Texas A&M at College Station.

• Devon Blackmon, ATH Summit (Fontana, CA) down to Alabama, UCLA, Cal, Oregon, Florida, USC, Nebraska [26].

• Maurice Harris, WR commitment story from Rivals [27].
  

  Late Saturday evening, after touring the Cal campus with his two Berkeley-bound cousins Keenan Allen and Zach Maynard, Harris walked into head coach Jeff Tedford's office and finally got things over with.
  
  "It was yesterday evening, and we talked for a while," Harris said. "I just told him that, before we leave, 'Hey Coach, I just want to let you know that I want to come to Cal. I want to be a part of the team.' I looked at him, and he was just excited."

  Aside from his parents, cousins and future coaches, Harris also had a few chats this weekend with The Mayor, Mustafa Jalil-Cal's first defensive commit of the 2011 class who is quickly turning into the new Chris Martin as far as grassroots recruiting is concerned.
  
  "I talked to Moose. I've been talking to him a lot, and that's really the only person I really talked to," Harris said. "He just asked me if I was thinking about going here, and I said, yeah, that it was one of my top choices, and that's what we really talked about. I haven't talked to him since I committed, though.
  

• Avery Walls, S visited Michigan and Michigan State [28]. Plans to pledge the beginning of his Senior season. Looking for academics, relationships with coaches, and playing time.
  
  

• (From left) Kasen Williams, WR Skyline (Sammamish, WA), DeAnthony Arnett, WR, Cyrus Kouandjio, OT DeMatha (Hyattsville, MD), Cyrus Hobbi, OT Saguaro (Scottsdale, AZ), Ray Drew, DE, James Wilder Jr., LB, Doran Grant, CB named BadgerSports First Team All-Americans following the Elite 7on7 National Championships in Tuscaloosa, AL [29].

• Kyle Boehm, QB Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, CA) invited and attended the Steve Clarkson Maui Super Seven Quarterbacks Camp [30].
  
  

  He certainly looks the part, thanks to his great arm and sturdy build with ideal height, and he has played under center probably more than the other participants on a regular basis. Boehm has such a good arm that he is capable of making all the throws you want, even if he is not set or balanced, so he can get away with doing some things that are unsound. At the top of his drop and when attempting to transfer his weight planting off his back foot (right foot), Boehm locks out his front leg (left) which does not allow for him to properly throw the ball with the power and velocity he is capable of having. It also causes the nose of the ball to come down, so his accuracy can be affected as well. This is correctable and coachable, and you can tell he knows he is doing it, which can be good and bad -- good in a sense that he knows he needs to correct it and bad in a sense that it can consume his thought process and not allow for him to throw his best because he can find himself constantly thinking about it. As far as a pocket passer, Boehm has tools, and there is a lot of upside for him.

• Jermauria Rasco, DE Evangel Christian Academy (Shreveport, LA) photo gallery by NOLA.com [31].
  
  

• (From left) Brendon Bigelow, RB Central East (Fresno, CA), Amir Carlisle, RB [32] profiled.
  

  Cal and Notre Dame are the most recent names to enter his [Bigelow] recruitment and generate some discussion. The Irish jumped into the mix with an offer about a month ago, and a possible visit was discussed.

  The Bears hosted Bigelow and teammate BJ Kelley for an unofficial visit and some camp competition last month, and Kelley discussed possibly joining Bigelow in college. Kelley is pushing for an offer from Cal. If he gets it, the two could form a package deal.

  One more complicating factor: Bigelow is coming off of an ACL injury that shortened his junior year, so as of now he has yet to prove he's 100% back to his old self. Any hiccups as a senior and programs, including UW, might lose interest. [33]

• Jason Gibson, DE Serra (Gardena, CA) is staying open w/ his recruitment [34].
  

  Gibson has a lot to be proud of considering he led the Gardena Serra Cavaliers' defense on their way to the CIF state championship as a junior last season. En route to the state title, Gibson was a force to be reckoned with and filled up the stat sheets with 94 tackles, 15.5 sacks, 6 passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for the Cavaliers. As a result of his stellar performance in 2009, Gibson has racked up offers from USC, UCLA, Florida, Oregon, Washington, Cal, Miami and several other top BCS programs. Gibson hasn't narrowed down list of top schools, but says, "I'm trying to get to that point right now."

  Gibson has received a number of offers to leave the state, and at this point, he says, "I'm thinking about staying… I don't think I could see myself going out of state right now." Gibson admits that he has talked with his Serra teammates (Farmer and Lee) about playing together at the next level, but it is not something he will form his decision on. "Yeah, we talked about it a couple of times but we're just taking it slow and we are going to see what happens… I'm not basing my decision with them," he told CollegeLevelAthletes.com. Farmer has indicated that he'll most likely announce his decision on national signing day, however, Gibson has other plans. "I was thinking I might have my decision a little earlier than that… Maybe during the end of the season," he says.

  Gibson projects as a linebacker at the next level and doesn't have any official visits lined up at the moment, however, he says, "I would like to take a visit to Oregon and Washington this summer." Gardena Serra will be represented at the 3rd annual Nike "7-On" tournament in Oregon this week and Gibson is looking forward to the competition. "I don't know who is going to be there, but whoever it is, I'm going to treat everyone the same and dominate," he told CollegeLevelAthletes.com yesterday.

• (From Left) Amir Carlisle, RB, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, DeAnthony Arnett, WR, Devon Blackmon, ATH, Doran Grant, CB, George Atkinson III, ATH Granada (Livermore, CA), James Wilder Jr., ATH, Josh Atkinson, CB Granada (Livermore, CA), Kasen Williams, WR, Stefan McClure, CB, Tacoi Sumler, WR Columbus (Miami, FL) are amongst the 65 recruits selected to showcase their talents at ESPN RISE's invite-only Champion Gridiron Kings Camp July 24-25 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL [35].

• Brendon Bigelow, RB, Kyle Boehm, QB, James Sample, S, Tee Shepard, CB {2012}, Shaquille Thompson, ATH {2012} Grant Union (Sacrament, CA) will be camping at Fresno, CA starting Friday for the Passing Down Elite 7on7 Challenge [36]. Bigelow and Shepard (injured finger) will not compete.

• George Farmer, WR Serra (Gardena, CA) eliminated Cal and has top 5 of USC, Oregon, Alabama, Florida and Miami-FL [37]. Quite a disappointment since Farmer, Paul Richardson (UCLA), and Robert Woods (USC) were perhaps the three best CA prep WR trios to ever played together on the same team. Richardson has since been dismissed from UCLA's squad but may return next year [38].

• Savon Huggins, RB Saint Peters Prep (Jersey City, NJ) eliminated Cal and has top 10 of Rutgers, Pitt, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Florida, Penn State, Stanford, Georgia, Wisconsin and Miami-FL [39].

• Kent Turene, LB Boyd Anderson (Lauderdale Lakes, FL) eliminated Cal and pledged to USC [40].

Montgomery's Crew

• Kyle Wiltjer, PF 6-9/225 Jesuit (Portland, OR) led the Canadian Junior Men's National Team (JMNT) to Bronze Medal by defeating Argentina 86-83 at the FIBA Americas U18 Championship [41] [42].  Wiltjer scored 27 by shooting 9/12 from the floor, 5/6 from the 3pt line, and 4/4 FTs. He is a priority recruiting target for Dana Altman's Oregon Ducks [43].
  

  Another highly touted member of the 2011 high school class, Kyle Wiltjer displays impressive skills for a 17-year-old. He's an average athlete who runs the court somewhat awkwardly and does not play above the rim, but Wiltjer makes his living by being smarter and more polished than his opponents.
  
  He's first and foremost an outstanding shooter, showing a quick release on his jumper and excellent mechanics. He has NBA range as well as the ability to make shots both with his feet set and off the dribble. He also has some back-to-the-basket ability. He has good hands, an effective jump hook and the ability to put the ball down and get around opponents in the paint.
  
  While Wiltjer clearly has all the makings of a terrific college player, he's a bit stuck between positions from an NBA perspective, and he does not have great potential as a defender and rebounder. He's already drawing comparisons to Luke Babbitt—and he'd be wise to take a similar path to the pros [44].

  Interview w/ Wiltjer -
  
  
  
  
  @ LeBron Camp -

  Wiltjer's skill and feel for the game are simply terrific. During drills and scrimmages, Wiltjer's footwork and touch separated him from the other post players in the class. He executes great ball fakes in order to move the defender out of position in order to get off his shot. He does a great job of screening and sealing his defender for great low-post position as well. A natural pick-and-pop power forward, Wiltjer can also score with his back to the basket and pass out of the post with great accuracy when he draws multiple defenders. Defensively, he understands how to hedge on screens with great effort. Wiltjer reminds us of a high-school version of University of Minnesota and Boston Celtics great Kevin McHale. [45]

• Norvel Pelle, PF 6-8/180 Price (Compton, CA) lost in the Fairfax tournament to Santa Monica 64-67 [46]. Pelle and Cal 2010 commit Allen Crabbe were teammates last year on Price's State Championship team.

• Jabari Brown, SG 6-3/205 Oakland (Oakland, CA) Twitter @J_Brown32. AAU team mixtapes [47] [48] [49] [50].
  

  After watching film of this guy, I couldn’t help but compare his game as a hybrid of both Aaron Afflalo and Brandon Roy. When assessing his frame and stature, he already has the body and strength to be successful at the NCAA level and beyond. He’s a legit 2-guard who is highly acclaimed for his shooting ability and range. Simply put, this kid can flat out score. Jabari has the offensive skill set that makes him a threat from all ranges of the court. He can take you off the dribble or he can jab step you and pull up in your eye from beyond the arc. The part of Jabari’s game that is definitely starting to garner attention is his ability to create his own shot [51].

  Cal would probably rename the Campanile to Brown Tower during his tenure if Jabari goes the Bear route but the tarot cards say it's Washington if he goes PAC-10. Why not UCLA? Two words: Drew Gordon. Regardless, it's going to be an elite destination for the ultra scorer so we can't see a middle-of-the-pack ACC or other school receiving his paperwork. Why are Duke, North Carolina and Kentucky absent at this point? [52]

• Jahii Carson, PG 5-11/160 Mesa (Phoenix, AZ) attended Deron Williams Skills Academy; targeted by Butler [53]; visited UCLA, ASU, UoA unofficially [54].
  

  The faster the game, the more effective Carson plays. Although this lighting-quick point guard excels in transition, he can also execute in the half court. He pushes the ball with great pace and is always a threat in transition to make a play. Carson's ability to play the game fast yet under control is impressive and rare for someone at such a young age. As a distributor, he is ready and willing to give it up to his open teammates. Although at a moments notice he is very efficient in penetrating the lane and scoring with his floater. He also has a solid mid-range jumper. In pick-and-roll action, he can deliver a nice pocket pass to his post players or get in the lane and score. On defense, he's a pesky on-ball defender who changes the tempo of any game [55].

  "I just want to keep my options open still because there are some possibilities I might overlook," he said. "I want to develop relationships with the head coaches as much as possible and see what all of my opportunities are and then make a decision from there which schools I'll still be seriously considering in the fall. Probably October or early November I want to narrow it down and then make my decision because I want it to be off my chest by the high school season. I want to be focused on my senior season and academics and my skills so I want to have it over with by then.
  
  "I'd say the schools in the Pac-10 have an advantage because they're closer and my family can watch me play at least a couple times a year, or a lot more if I am in Arizona. And the Pac-10 is a great league with great competition and guard play, so I know it'll be a situation where I'm tested and getting great experience and getting developed for the future [56]."

• Nick Johnson, SG 6-2/175 Findlay Prep (Las Vegas, LV) Highlight and AAU team mixtapes [57][58][59].

• Ricardo Gathers, PF {2012} 6-6/235 Riverside Academy (Reserve, LA) attended invite-only LeBron camp w/ Wiltjer, Carson [60] and punished smaller players [61]; interviewed and named Cal one of his favorites [62].

• Darius Nelson, SF 6-5/220 Sheldon (Sacramento, CA) is the younger brother of former Duke Blue Devil DeMarcus Nelson.
  

  The offers are for the taking from across the nation and his brother enjoyed his time on the east coast as a Dookie. For a number of reasons -- college position, remaining healthy -- this is the hardest one to forsee. Maybe webbed feet is in his future? Or possibly Cal. He's going to remain in the west. [63]

People's Park Stories

• Tosh Lupoi represents a new generation of recruiters, according to Brandon Huffman of Scout.com in a podcast with The Solid Verbal Blog [64]. Recruits today are also using social media to change the game.

• Seantrel Henderson, OT is bailing on USC after NCAA imposed its sanctions. Kiffin & Orgeron think they can "re-recruit" Henderson back [65]. USC has release Henderson from his LOI, and he is free to transferring to either Miami-FL or Ohio State [66].
  
  
  

  There's no question in my mind that I know USC is the best decision for Seantrel and his family," Orgeron said. "He always wanted to come here, and I think once he gets on campus and visits again with coaches and teammates in the No. 1 recruiting class, which he helped recruit, he's going to be here."

• USC DE Malik Jackson (Junior) transferring to Tennessee [67]. Jackson was the backup for Nick Perry & Devon Kennard.

• USC S Byron Moore Jr. (RS Freshman) transferring to LA Harbor Junior College [68][69]. Moore was #2 on the depth chart at Safety post USC's spring practice.

• Dylan Wynn, DE De La Salle (Concord, CA), Josh Atkinson, CB Granada (Livermore, CA) were standouts at Stanford NFTC [70]. Sooner or later they should earn their Cal scholarship offers.
  
  

  Dylan Wynn (DL MVP) is a weight room warrior and has one of the most chiseled frames of any lineman we have seen this year. He’s a relentless player and the kind of high motor kid coaches love. Usually a player with that much muscle is stiff, but Wynn is athletic and coordinated. Wynn is quick off the ball and was unblockable off the edge during the one-on-ones. He could be an outside linebacker with the ability to put his hand down for blitzing situations.

  When you’re the son of former Raiders defensive back George Atkinson and brother of George Atkinson Jr. it may be hard to make your own way. However, Josh Atkinson (Top Safety) is proving he does not need his famous surname. Atkinson has all tools coaches are looking for at corner while having the versatility to slide over to safety if he gets taller and puts on more muscle mass. At the corner spot he displayed good leaping ability and quick feet. Already holds double-digit offers and look for more to come in this summer.

  Josh Atkinson also won the 100m at CA North Coast Section Meet of Champions. He narrowly missed qualifying for the CIF state championship finals with 10.57s wa in the trials [71].