Things didn't go as planned on Brennan Scarlett's official visit to Cal, but his connection with the players and coaches helped solidify his decision to come to Cal.
During his official visit to Cal on Nov. 20, Scarlett as he watched the Bears lose 48-14 to arch-rival Stanford - another of his finalists - he knew that this was the place he wanted to be.
"It was probably the biggest part of it all," Scarlett said. "I felt like I could relate to the players on the team and they were all pretty good guys, and humble, and I felt like that was just me. I felt like I'd fit in well."
The final score didn't mean so much to Scarlett as everything surrounding the 113th edition of the Big Game.
"It was just one game," Scarlett said. "What I was really focused on was more the atmosphere at the school, and I saw a lot of fan support. I think that's pretty important: having a lot of people at your games, and a lot of people rooting for you. That was what I liked about that game."
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Scarlett will play defensive end and a little bit of outside linebacker for defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast.
"We've talked a few times just about the position they'll have me at and how they'll utilize me," Scarlett said. "I'm happy with what he's saying, so we have a good relationship. I like his scheme a lot. You're almost guaranteed success. I shouldn't say 'guaranteed,' but the scheme, it puts you in a great position to be successful and make plays, and that's one of the things that I want.
After the jump the Bears take down the Cougs in overtime, Faraudo updates us on several former Bears playing basketball overseas, and Ron Rivera is named coach of the Carolina Panthers.
Basketball
- Faraudo follows the game as the Bears could not shake Washington State until overtime.
- Monty talked post-game about his team's offense and their plan to shut down Klay Thompson in OT.
- The win moves Cal into a tie for fourth as they look ahead to a tough matchup against Washington.
- Cal didn't have much trouble scoring in this game. Allen Crabbe's career high 30 points certainly helped.
- Brandon Smith had a great game and Crabbe's scoring has skyrocketed since Gary Franklin Jr transferred. Here's a fun fact: Klay Thompson is 0-5 against Cal.
- Faraudo checks in on former Bears who are playing overseas, including last year's seniors.
- Speaking of former Bears, Ryan Anderson has been logging plenty of minutes with the Magic in recent weeks.
- As if playing for the Cavs weren't bad enough, Leon Powe underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
- Gary Franklin Jr is still a Bear, but he's now a member of the Baylor Bears.
Football
- Ten former Bears will be playing in this weekend's NFL playoffs. The Atlanta-Green Bay matchup features four while the Seahawks-Bears game has five.
- Cal great Ron Rivera has been named head coach of the Carolina Panthers.
Tennis