Nifae Lealao picks Vanderbilt over Cal, Stanford

Cal doesn't seem like it'll have any National Signing Day surprises.

By Avinash Kunnath@avinashkunnath Feb 5, 2014, 10:06am PST

Sacramento (Ca.) Capital Christian defensive end Nifae Lealao was one potential possibility for National Signing Day, with Cal in his final list along with Stanfurd and Vanderbilt. But Lealao ended up deciding to go East, picking the Commodores in a National Signing Day ceremony.

Lealao committed to Stanfurd before reopening his recruitment in January after a visit to Cal. But it seems that Vanderbilt made the final best case and they won out at the end. Vanderbilt hiring former Furd defensive coordinator Derek Mason as their new coach probably helped there too.

Cal should sign three defense ends in this class today. Jonathan Johnson provides some immediate JUCO help, while Kennedy Emesibe and Noah Westerfield should be good to go down the road. Lealao could have been one of those players in the mix to contribute as a true freshman, but I'm sure he'll do just fine in the SEC.

With Marcus Griffin and Lealao not choosing Cal, don't expect any other surprises today. Just faxes. Many many faxes.