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Cal had to sign a host of junior college players this season to ensure losses won't be too severe. The Bears definitely need replenishing on the defensive side of the field. One particular place where the Bears need more talent is at safety, where the secondary was wrecked last season on the field and off of it.
College of San Mateo safety Sam Atoe will hopefully provide an added injection of depth at the safety spot. Atoe measures in at 6'0 and 205 pounds and has split time between being a linebacker and a defensive back in college, but he will be expected to come in and join in the safety rotation.
Atoe picked Cal over schools like Fresno State, TCU and Texas Tech. He currently has recruiting ratings of two stars from Scout, Rivals, and ESPN. Here is Atoe's latest Hudl highlights.
Head Coach Sonny Dykes
“Sam was one of the best football players I have seen in this recruiting cycle,” Dykes said. “He does it all on special teams and can play a bunch of different positions on defense. He’s an incredibly versatile athlete and very dynamic football player who runs, hits, plays in space and tackles. He has a tremendous work ethic and attitude, and he plays with great passion. He’s going to bring a lot of leadership to our program.”ESPN
“Atoe displays a high motor and good effort. He may be a hybrid type safety with good production as a run defender.”Rivals
“Atoe looks tremendous on film with big-hit ability.”College of San Mateo Defensive Coordinator Tim Tulloch
“Sam is a real talent. He can do it all and he did it all for us. He’s a special player.”
