The Cal Golden Bears have been relatively quiet on the recruiting trail thus far. They have quietly added some great pieces to their class of 2012 to build a solid foundation.
The Bears are considered the team to beat for the nation's top prospect, Arik Armstead.
Currently the Bears have 15 verbal commitments which include Zach Kline, Bryce Treggs, Darius Powe and Freddie Tagaloa among others.
Earlier this week the Bears picked up a solid commitment from interior offensive lineman Matt Cochran at the Semper Fidelis All-American bowl. Cochran may not be the only player from Buhach Colony (Calif.) that signs with the Bears. The talk right now is that four-star defensive lineman Aziz Shittu is favoring Cal as well. If Shittu can not get into Stanford with a qualifying test score, he may end up in Berkeley.
But with recruiting season in full swing. They could be on the verge of an explosion, and it all may start with the Army All-American game on Saturday.
Will Cal clean house at Army game tomorow?
The latest buzz I can collect has Cal scoring big at the Army All-American game. Wide receiver Jordan Payton is expected to announce and although he's down to three, he's virtually considered a Cal lock. Five-star Shaq Thompson has done his best to put off talk he isn't a Cal lock, but on Saturday when he announces, he'll be putting on a Cal hat.
Two more announcements could take place at the game, only one is certain at this point.
If the nation's No. 1 overall prospect, Arik Armstead commits at the game on Saturday, he is almost certainly headed to Cal.
Monrovia monster defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy will also be announcing his decision and once again, if he does, the latest information indicates he will commit to Cal. McCarthy along with Shittu would be a formiddable, down-right nasty tandem on the line in the future for ace recruiter Tosh Lupoi.
If Cal can snare a commitment from Ellis McCarthy it would be a huge pickup for the Bears.
Still not done
If the above four commit at the Cal game, it could be just the start for the Bears. They also remain on the short list for five-star Stefon Diggs. It seems unlikely he would go cross-country to play college football, but you simply never know.
Fellow five-star Darius Hamilton is also high on Cal and the reports suggest he and his father had a great time on his official visit in mid-December. Once again, the odds are probably not in Cal's favor, but never discount the reach of ace-recruiter Tosh Lupoi.
Push for the top five?
If the stars could align for Cal and they snare Armstead, Thompson, Hamilton and Diggs, that would give them four, five-star commitments for 2012. That would match them with Alabama, who currently has top team honors in the 247Sports team rankings.
Currently the Bears are ranked 29 in the team rankings, but these additions listed above would push Cal into the top five, making them one of the biggest risers in January in the country.
A lot of 'ifs' remain, but it's recruiting and anything can happen in January.
- Justin Hopkins
- Recruiting Insider - 247Sports