We'll have more on Tosh's departure soon and what it means for the program, but first what you probably all care about the most in the short-term. Recruiting. What does this mean for our class?
Hopefully, it doesn't mean total disaster. Unlike last year's class, which was heavily defensive-oriented, the class was mainly focused on putting offensive guys on the field, particularly at QB, WR, and O-line. These guys won't really be coached by Tosh, and there are capable coaches on the offensive side of the ball that should be able to make those verbals stick. While there are still a couple of needs (particularly at tight end), I'd say we retain at least 80% of our class, if not more.
Unfortunately, there are some big defensive line recruits that Cal is looking at and a few other big targets that really liked what Tosh had to bring to the table. And right now we have no coach or main recruiting coordinator on the defensive end of the football. This will be a stomach-churning two weeks.
Arik Armstead was supposed to make his decision today, and Cal could still be in the mix, but Tosh was a big part of that decision, and he'll now need time to think.
Just talked to Guss Armstead,father of Armond,Arik...Tosh Lopoi & Tedford visited Arik at Elk Grove home last night,together.Stunned at news
— Joe Davidson (@sb_joedavidson) January 16, 2012
Tosh Lopoi called Guss Armstead today to tell him he is taking Washington job;Huskies never on Arik radar before - and still not.
— Joe Davidson (@sb_joedavidson) January 16, 2012
Final word from Guss Armstead: "We'll meet late 2nite as a family,talk,pray,decide soon." Loss of Tosh hurt?Absolutely,but Cal not out it
— Joe Davidson (@sb_joedavidson) January 16, 2012
UPDATE: Arik has eliminated Cal.
Armond Armstead just told me he plans to announce his college decision tomorrow and that his brother Arik will not attend Cal. #ND #Auburn
— Whitney Blaine (@whitneykblaine) January 17, 2012
Finally, Armond Armstead said that the departure of Cal's Tosh Lupoi to Washington was a difference maker for Arik. The two were close.
— Whitney Blaine (@whitneykblaine) January 17, 2012
Ellis McCarthy is currently committed to the Bears, but USC and UCLA are still factoring in and are both likely to see visits soon. For what it's worth, McCarthy's dad had this to say.
Ellis McCarthy's father told me last week that his son did not commit to #Cal because of a single coach. #Ninjas
— Gerard Martinez (@gmartlive) January 16, 2012
This will be a battle to the end.
UPDATE: McCarthy has flipped to UCLA.
Bruins just received the commitment from five-star phenom DT, Ellis McCarthy from Monrovia, Calif.
— Rick Kimbrel (@BruinBlitzcom) January 17, 2012
After the jump, more recruiting reaction.
Aziz Shittu is probably wide open. Shittu just got accepted into the Cardinal last week.
WOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! The Game Just Changed
— Aziz Shittu(@AzizShittu) January 16, 2012
I thought there was a good chance we'd get all three of these guys a week ago. Now I'd be happy to get one.
And yes, Shaq.
Just got off the phone with 5-star S Shaq Thompson, who says he is now torn,"I am 50-50 between #Cal and #Washington." Full story soon.
— Tara Turnure(@TaraFOXSports) January 16, 2012
Most everyone else is sticking with the Bears.
Bryce Treggs:
Tosh leaving has no affect on my recruitment. I'm still solid with Cal. #calgang
— Bryce Treggs (@BryceTreggs) January 16, 2012
No disrespect to Coach Lupoi though. He was a great coach and a even better person.
— Bryce Treggs (@BryceTreggs) January 16, 2012
Chris Harper
Coach Lupoi leaving doesn't alter my decision at all I'm 100% #Calgang.
— Christopher Harper (@ItsChrisHarper) January 16, 2012
Michael Barton
Just talked to Cal commit Michael Barton. He says, "I'm still 100 percent Cal."
— Ben Enos (@Ben_Enos) January 16, 2012
He added "At the end of the day, I've just got to do what's best for me and I didn't see myself anywhere else."
— Ben Enos (@Ben_Enos) January 16, 2012
Steven Moore
Rule #1: Cant pick a school just on coaching, have to love the school. Coaches are always moving around.
— Steven moore (@stevenmoore73) January 16, 2012
Hardy Nickerson
Nothing will make me change my mind I committed to cal not to a person so it's #calgangfor life
— Hardy Nickerson (@HardyNickerson) January 16, 2012
Darius Powe
Four-star WR and #Cal commit Darius Powe said there is "no change" in his recruitment with Tosh Lupoi leaving for #Washington.
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) January 16, 2012
Freddie Tagaloa
Just talked to #Salesian coach Chad Nightingale, who said he just talked to Freddie Tagaloa, and that Tagaloa "is still solidly with Cal."
— Phil Jensen (@JensenPhil) January 16, 2012
Matt Cochran
Feel like we just got slightly played, makes you wanna reevaluate if you chose a school for the school or the program
— Matthew Cochran (@MattCoch) January 16, 2012
Jordan Payton
Four-star #Cal commit Jordan Payton had no comment on Lupoi leaving but said he will take a "serious look into other schools."
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) January 16, 2012
Cedric Dozier
Just talked to Lakes coach Dave Miller who said it "wouldn't surprise'' him if Cedric Dozier now opens things up with Lupoi now at UW. ...
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) January 17, 2012
"I know him and Cedric are real, real tight,'' Miller said of Lupoi and Dozier. He said it won't hurt with recruitment of Banner, either, ..
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) January 17, 2012