Shaquille "Shaq" Thompson, Safety From Grant, Verbals To Cal

Shaquille Thompson, considered by many to be the best skill recruit in the state of California for the 2012 recruiting class, officially became a Golden Bear Saturday night according to Adam Gorney and Ryan Gorcey of Rivals ($). Thompson is the brother of famed Cal defensive back Syd'Quan Thompson, who is currently playing for the Denver Broncos. Thanks to that connection, Thompson has been rumored to be high on the Golden Bears for awhile now, and his commitment this early in the recruiting process is a big victory for a team that needs immediate depth in their secondary.

During his junior season at Grant, Thompson played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and defensive back, and was the main leader for a 13-1 Grant season. Shaq is ranked as the only five-star safety by Scout. He won the 200 meters at the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Meet & was listed as a MaxPreps Junior All-American. At around 6'2", 195 lb, he is at the ideal frame to be an elite safety at the next level, and it should be exciting to see him join  his Grant teammates Vei Moala and Puka Lopa as part of a suddenly frightening-looking Cal defense next season.

Welcome to Cal, Shaq! GO BEARS!

After the jump, the video.

(via grantpacer80)

More video: Interview with MaxPreps | Another interview with MaxPreps | More videos in Scout profile ($)