Letter of Intent day. Today is the first day that high school football recruits can sign their name and commit to their chosen college. Some have already made verbal commitments. None of those truly matter until they sign today. Some wait longer. Terrelle Pryor didn't sign with Ohio State until weeks later. The pressure on these kids is immense. Family, friends, teammates(past and future), media, coaches and the notorious boosters all demand to know. All want a say. All have an opinion. Ultimately, this is the kid's decision, his life.
Only a couple weeks ago, Cal had a recruiting class unlike any they had ever seen. A national top-10 ranking with great potential for more. All that exploded when Washington bought Cal recruiter and defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi. 5-star defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy dropped Cal for UCLA. 5-star safety Shaq Thompson hints at following Lupoi to Washington. 5-star lineman Arik Armstead, thought to be leaning towards Cal, verbally committed to Oregon. We'll find out today how things shake out. Even if things fall as they seem, this looks to be a terrific Cal recruiting class. The play on the football field over the next 3-5 years is far more important than any ranking now.
San Ramon Valley quarterback has been the ideal recruit. He went to a Cal interview wearing team colors, riding a blue and gold bike. He's attended Cal football camps since jr. high. He's already enrolled at Cal and attending classes. There's little doubt where he's signing today. Kline had comments about the kids wavering and bolting after the Lupoi heist. Comments about committing to a school and a program rather than the whim of a position coach.
Today should be a day of celebration for the kids. They're committing to the next step in their life. For some it could be their last four years of football. For the very best it could be the last step before the NFL. For all its the end to the chaos of recruiting.
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