Boss Tagaloa picks UCLA over Cal and others

In hardly a huge surprise, De La Salle Concord (Ca.) defensive tackle Boss Tagaloa is not going to be a California Golden Bear. Despite a ton of unofficial visits to Berkeley (including one midweek last week), Tagaloa had apparently made up his mind early to be a UCLA Bruin, and stuck with his guns and is going to Westwood.

Cal will strike out on the major Bay Area prospects this recruiting cycle. Shurod Thompson committed to the Bears early but academic issues forced both sides to part ways. Thompson is now an Oregon State Beaver. Camilo Eifler was a solid linebacking target from nearby Bishop O'Dowd, and Eifler chose Washington instead. Jordan Parker picked Oklahoma, and Devin Asiasi never really considered Cal.

With 2017 being a huge year for Bay Area recruiting, the Bears are going to have to really reassess their strategy and figure out how to keep local recruits at home and at Cal. Cal hasn't historically been a powerhouse recruiting their backyard, but it would be nice if the Bears could start rebuilding their relationships regionally. It would be a huge help in finding the right talent long-term.