"If You Build It, They Will Come"

The California Golden Bears are getting a new home. The facilities are new. The stadium isn't new, thankfully, but its sparkling like new with a facelift. The difference is stunning in the players it seems to be attracting. "If you build it, they will come" is proving true.

In the past decade, coach Jeff Tedford has changed the culture and attitude at Cal. The students and alumni have seen that the Bears can play with the USC's of the world. Haven't always won but the playing field is no longer tilted away from Berkeley. Cal's recruiting classes have improved dramatically since the sad '80s. The classes have improved even more dramatically under Tedford. Still, the recruits pale compared to USC and some other schools in name and talent. Receiver DeSean Jackson, and possibly defensive ends Reagan Upshaw and Andre Carter, are the only 5-star recruits to come to Cal that I can recall. There's been a bunch of the 4- and 3-star variety but few 5's. That looks to be changing this year. Its due mostly to the facilities. Cal's weight room was below the standards of even some high schools. Certainly below the standards of their competitors in the Pac-12. I would imagine that some recruits had to laugh. This year Cal already has a commitment from 5-star receiver Bryce Treggs and a likely commitment from another in safety Shaquile Thompson. Apparently these two outgoing, enthusiastic kids have taken on the role of recruiters. They're bringing in other top talent. Among them might be the top player in the nation in lineman Arik Armstead. In turn, Armstead might be bringing his brother, and current USC lineman, Armond to Cal as well. Its stunning to see players of this level mentioning Cal, let alone seriously considering the school.

Of course, all of this beautiful on paper. Rankings and player ratings mean little if they don't translate to play on the field. Getting the talent is the first step and Cal is making an impressive first step. The long overdue improvements on campus facilitated it all. Now, it's up to the coaches and players to take that next step. Taking care of business and improving on the football field.