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Click here for yesterday's Golden Recruiting Wire!
The California Golden Bears could have definitely used Daniel Imatorbhebhe to stack up on their wide receiving talent for the 2014 season. But Imatorbhebhe ended up picking Florida over Cal (read more on his commitment at Alligator Army). His reasons are of a spiritual variety.
— Daniel Imatorbhebhe (@_bhex2) December 16, 2014
"Was my goal in life to be a great football player and make a bunch of money? Is it to play for a team that competes for national championships? No, that’s not my goal at all. My goal in life is to make it to heaven.
"So I just felt like Florida was the best place for me, and not just for football reasons. It’s a great place for me to grow spiritually. Football is not forever."
Best of luck Daniel!
This commitment might mean double to the Gators, as Imatorbhebhe's brother is a top 2016 prospect and might have been influenced to come to Cal too. He'll likely end up at Florida now.
With Imatorbhebhe off the board, Cal will now turn their efforts toward Buena Park (Ca.) athlete Jaylinn Hawkins as their number one receiving target--the Bears would like to have one big-time wide receiver in this class, so they can feel secure that the 2016 wide receiving corps doesn't run too thin on youth.
But there is big-time competition for Hawkins. Arizona State, Washington, Oregon, Utah are all getting visits along with Cal. The Bears have big-time competition here. More from Scout.
"Arizona State is recruiting me as an athlete," Hawkins remarked. "I like how they run their spread offense and their aggressive, press-man coverage defense. They like me both at corner/safety and receiver so whatever fits me the best that is where I’m going to play at.
"The coaches said that on defense I have good ball skills, good hips and footwork and I can cover. On offense they like my speed and route running."
....
"I don’t have a favorite," Hawkins claimed, "and I will take all of my five of my visits before making a decision. I’m just going to look at everything on my visits, talk to my parents and coaches and see what the best fit is for me."
One of Cal's potential JUCO cornerback targets is off the board. Jomal Wiltz has picked Iowa State.
Proud to say that I committed to Iowa state!!!
— jomal (@jamalw17) December 16, 2014
Top California cornerback prospect Quenton Meeks recently chatted about his top 5, which includes four Pac-12 programs. The Cal vs. Stanford contrast is intriguing.
California – "It's a program that's on the rise. I see them being a serious contender next year. They've got a lot of young guys. The jump they made from a year ago to now is just phenomenal, going 1-11 to being very competitive."
Stanford – "The education speaks for itself. It's the best education in FBS football. I think it's one of the best in the world. You have that then the football program has been, here in the last six or seven years, has been dominant."
Chris Williamson also picked up an offer closer to home from the Tar Heels.
Class of 2015 DB Chris Williamson talks UNC offer, style of play, and recruitment. http://t.co/btwfYnQk4y @Chris_Will8 (VIP)
— Ross Martin (@Boss_Martin247) December 17, 2014
Nathan Meadors is also becoming a hot commodity. He just visited Cal this week. This quote sounds promising though!
.@nates_amazing_5 on his official visit to Berkeley: "Overall, I could really see myself going to Cal..." ($) https://t.co/uHvlXro80y
— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) December 15, 2014
Oregon State also recently offered. A decision isn't expected for awhile though.
"Meadors is in no hurry to make his decision, one that likely will come down to either signing day or the few days leading up to signing day following his official visit to UCLA." -Lars Hanson, Realdawg/BoiseState247
"Some have me for safety, some have me for corner, some have me for a little of both offense and defense. Washington sees me at safety and probably try me out a bit at wide receiver. I would honestly love to play both ways, explore my talents on both sides of the ball." -Realdawg.com
Also, for those wondering what top target DePriest Turner's tape looks like, here you go!
Go check out my senior highlight tape!! . http://t.co/xhKBm4IreY. Link also in bio
— MHS QB #5 D.Turner (@_MurphyQB_5) December 16, 2014
Ricky McCoy is a big target for this staff, but it looks like he's going to another Pac-12 program, flipping from Arizona to Washington. UW Dawg Pound has more on his commitment.
I Ricky McCoy announce my big flip from Az to The Univeristy of Washington, great staff and program and great opportunities #woof
— Ricky Shawndre McCoy (@_Predator09_) December 15, 2014