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It doesn't look like Cal will be getting Capital Christian defensive end Nifae Lealao after all. Lealao seemed like he might be considering Cal after reopening his recruitment from the Furd, but it appears that he might be taking a look cross-country.
New #Vanderbilt #CrystalBall predictions in for former #Stanford 4-star DE commit Nifae Lealao (@NEE_FEE_ZEE) http://t.co/4Vt7w1UMqS
— Chad Carson (@ChadCarson247) January 30, 2014
Lealao would have been a nice eleventh-hour pickup, but it's not a huge blow if he ends up going elsewhere. Cal has already recruited multiple defensive ends from this recruiting class both from the junior college and high school ranks, and the more pressing need is at defensive tackle (Marcus Griffin anyone?).
Speaking of which, Griffin will be making his final trip to Mississippi State this weekend, and will make his decision on Signing Day.
4-Star defensive tackle Marcus Griffin making the trek to Starkville for final visit. http://t.co/Py8nXY643O
— Robbie Faulk (@Rivals_Robbie) January 30, 2014
Interestingly, a former Cal target will be joining him in JUCO cornerback Tee Shepard.
Nation's top juco corner prospect Tee Shepard set for MSU visit (VIP) http://t.co/QkYGOOCCGD via @247Sports
— Paul Jones (@PJ247Sports) January 30, 2014
Also, a quick update on those concerned about Centennial running back Tre Watson.
#Cal coaches Dykes/Ingram will be in-home tonight of Corona (Calif) Centennial RB Tre Watson, #Washington was in Tuesday
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) January 30, 2014
Watson still has Cal up front, but Utah and Washington (especially Washington) are pressing. The Bears need to hang on here.
With Griffin and Watson the big fish to watch leading up to Signing Day, the 2014 recruiting cycle is finally winding down, meaning we can turn our attention to the new crop of players Cal will be targeting next year.
The first big issue of any new recruiting class is identifying the quarterback you want. And 2015 is chalk load of quarterbacking talent.
Cal has a few nice targets on the board. The big available 2015 fish in the pond is St. John Bosco quarterback Josh Rosen, who might end up being the best player in the country when all is said and done. Cal offered him early in the process and Rosen did visit Cal last fall.
At the moment though, UCLA appears to be in cruise control right now for Rosen, who has visited UCLA and liked what he saw. This pains one of our writers.
NO NO NO RT @JHopkins247: The current crystal ball page has #UCLA leading #Cal and #Stanford for 5-star QB Josh Rosen http://t.co/kfSpTCtyT7
— Nam Le (@AGuyNamedNam) January 22, 2014
(USC has also secured Ricky Town, who is right up there with Rosen in all the rankings. Could LA land the two top Pac-12 players out there?)
But Cal has another solid quarterbacking target on the board. Meet Hart (Ca.) quarterback Brady White.
White received his Cal offer a few days ago. He's also been offered by schools like Colorado State, Illinois, Indiana, San Jose State.
Just got offered my 4th scholarship by the Cal Bears!!💙💛💙💛 pic.twitter.com/CFkFAovgm5
— ⚡BMW223⚡ (@BradyWhite223) January 28, 2014
Between White and Rosen, Cal has two very attractive quarterback targets on the board. And there is still a host of other unoffered talent out there for the Bears to choose from as well!