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Cal football: Analysts weigh in
By Jonathan Okanes
Thursday, February 5th, 2009 at 10:38 am in off-season stuff.
I spoke with three recruiting analysts earlier this week to talk about Cal’s class. Here’s a sampling of which each had to say:
–Tom Luginbill, ESPN Scouts Inc. national recruiting director: “They’ve done a fantastic job being relentless in their efforts. They are a prime example that it’s not a spring, it’s a marathon. You look at their class in the middle of November and they only had about eight commits. It just goes to show it’s a grind and you stay after kids.”
–Greg Biggins, recruiting analyst for ESPNrise.com: “Even if you’re getting these guys (Devon Kennard, Randal Carroll, Adam Hall, etc.) to trip out there, it’s a good sign that you’re a pretty elite program. You’d be at a camp five or six years ago and mention the Cal Bears, and they’d have no clue what you’re talking about. Now Cal is a prominent program.
“They’re bringing in more players in (for visits) than ever before. They have a lot to offer. If they would have got Devon Kennard, that would have been their biggest impact recruit since Andre Carter. They were so close to getting Kennard.”
–Rivals.com recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg: “It’s about filling needs. It’s top-heavy with linemen. It’s not a sexy class, just one receiver and a couple backs. But it’s about filling needs, getting kids and coaching them up and winning games.”
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February 5th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
these are all pretty good points. i got so sick of people saying “you said you went to cal tech?” (although that would have been a nice honor). we’re finally on the map after about 10 years of mediocrity. onward and upward, as people who like cliches are apt to say.
February 5th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Since Andre Carter or since Desean Jackson?
February 5th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Probably meant biggest impact recruit on defense.
February 6th, 2009 at 3:04 am
We will do fine with this class of recruits. The OL and DL recruits will add significant depth to our trench troops where many games are won. While we added a smaller crew of skilled players, we have great running backs already and Boateng, Ross, Tucker, and Calvin will play better this year with a year of experience. We should be favored in all games except USC. Nevertheless, our fans will be the difference against USC. Roses on New Year’s Day!
February 6th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I am amazed at the way that USC can keep stockpiling talent and somehow convince those skill kids that playing on a committee is the way to go. USC has five or six tailbacks that could start and be a star for anybody in the country. Does anybody believe that Jahvid Best would have gained 1,000 yards last season if he had been a USC commit? Mitch Mustain – the guy who left Arkansas for USC – could have instantly started for 50 D-1 programs around the country, and he may never see a minute of playing time at SC. I agree with many posters who say the 09 season may be Cal’s best and possibly last chance to unseat SC for the Rose Bowl.
February 7th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Steve W Says:
February 6th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I agree with many posters who say the 09 season may be Cal’s best and possibly last chance to unseat SC for the Rose Bowl.>>>>> Not a chance. For a great read clink on this link.
http://wearesc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=801748&mode=linear#post801748