So, I'm still in the process of connecting with recruits who visited Cal over the weekend. Some of them were still returning home and preferred to do interviews tomorrow instead, so I am going to oblige and connect with some of the other visitors tomorrow. For now here's a few thoughts from a handful of the Cal spring game visitors. I think the one thing that is standing out right now when it comes to how the Cal coaching staff is building up some really strong feelings with recruits it is how comfortable they are making families. Believe or not, not every program goes out of its way to appeal to parents, grandparents and other relatives on these visits. You all know that I covered Arizona, and one of the keys to the recruiting class that it built for 2022 was making everyone feel really welcome around the program. The coaches made themselves accessible to families and recruits. I'm getting that same feeling from Cal's coaches right now and I'm hearing the same types of things that I heard last year from Arizona recruits. Having a true understanding of all the family dynamics of all these recruits visiting and also understanding what will appeal to them takes real work and not every program gets it. I've heard enough about that from recruits to understand that Cal is one of the programs that gets it.
Don't underestimate that when looking at how this recruiting class plays out. There's a nice buzz going right now for the Bears. When the on-field product isn't selling the program then the relationships HAVE to be there and right now Cal is making a strong impression in that regard.
“Man, they’re all cool. They all treat me like family, and that’s real valuable. Especially my boy, Benji. He’s been a huge part of my recruitment. ... I’ve felt like a priority since day one. That’s one thing that I do love about Cal.”
“It was a fun experience being able to see my brother (Champion) and see how they do thing. See how they actually run the practices and actually meet with coach Sirmon, because I haven’t really talked to him that much before. Also, seeing how he coaches was pretty cool.”
“I just wanted to make sure that they knew it was a priority for me to come and see the school, and not just wait a long time to come visit. So that after they did offer me they knew who I was and I knew who they were. On Saturday, it was a really good experience.”
“I really enjoyed my experience there, especially with my family. They loved it. It was just great. Ever since I got to the university they did nothing but welcome me, especially my grandma. It was her first college visit, and I wanted to take her. See what it was like, and she just overall loved it. She loved the people there, she loved the place. The spring game was amazing. I was able to talk to the players, coaches and really get in touch with the whole vibe, really.”
“Oh, it was great, honestly. Coach Tre Watson, coach Brown and the other coach Brown as well. They bring great energy, man. They’re just great people to be around. They’re a good time, but they also know that it’s a business. So, I gotta take it serious. At the same time, they showed me around. They were really welcoming to myself and my family and brought a great vibe. Honestly, me and my family had a great time.”
Don't underestimate that when looking at how this recruiting class plays out. There's a nice buzz going right now for the Bears. When the on-field product isn't selling the program then the relationships HAVE to be there and right now Cal is making a strong impression in that regard.
“Man, they’re all cool. They all treat me like family, and that’s real valuable. Especially my boy, Benji. He’s been a huge part of my recruitment. ... I’ve felt like a priority since day one. That’s one thing that I do love about Cal.”
“It was a fun experience being able to see my brother (Champion) and see how they do thing. See how they actually run the practices and actually meet with coach Sirmon, because I haven’t really talked to him that much before. Also, seeing how he coaches was pretty cool.”
“I just wanted to make sure that they knew it was a priority for me to come and see the school, and not just wait a long time to come visit. So that after they did offer me they knew who I was and I knew who they were. On Saturday, it was a really good experience.”
“I really enjoyed my experience there, especially with my family. They loved it. It was just great. Ever since I got to the university they did nothing but welcome me, especially my grandma. It was her first college visit, and I wanted to take her. See what it was like, and she just overall loved it. She loved the people there, she loved the place. The spring game was amazing. I was able to talk to the players, coaches and really get in touch with the whole vibe, really.”
“Oh, it was great, honestly. Coach Tre Watson, coach Brown and the other coach Brown as well. They bring great energy, man. They’re just great people to be around. They’re a good time, but they also know that it’s a business. So, I gotta take it serious. At the same time, they showed me around. They were really welcoming to myself and my family and brought a great vibe. Honestly, me and my family had a great time.”
