After 11 seasons, Jeff Tedford is no longer the head coach at California. Tedford took a moribund Cal program to new heights in the early ‘00s, but had struggled both on the field and in recruiting late in his tenure. Former Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Dykes has been named as his successor, and he spent most of his first two months at the helm in Berkeley trying to shore up Tedford’s final class.
Cal football recruiting: New coach Sonny Dykes holds Tedford’s last class together
Recruits are staying with the Golden Bears despite the coaching change.
Bradley Leeb-US PRESSWIRE
Jared Goff: If there is one thing necessary to both Tedford’s pro-style offense and Dykes’ air-raid system, it’s the need for a strong-armed pro-style quarterback. Goff, a 6’4, 190-lb. prospect out of Kentfield, Calif., fits the bill. Goff committed to Cal early, but held offers from Boise State, Fresno State, and air-raid master Mike Leach’s Washington State Cougars. He received four-star ratings from both Rivals and Scout.
Khalfani Muhammad: Of all the Cal commits during the Tedford era, Muhammad should be the most solid. He committed on Nov. 27, six days after Tedford was fired and nine days before Dykes took the position. Muhammad is a halfback from Sherman Oaks, with a four-star rating from Rivals and offers from Oregon State, UCLA, Utah, Washington, and Notre Dame, among others. With five running backs graduating, including the team’s top two rushers, Cal should have playing time for Muhammad as soon as he arrives.
Cameron Hunt: The offensive tackle joins Goff as Cal’s two consensus four-star commits in 2013. Hunt received offers from 19 major programs across the country, including Michigan, Ohio State, and Oregon. He might be wavering on his commitment, however; despite giving Cal his verbal commitment on July 7, he took official visits to Oregon and Michigan in January.
Darius Allensworth: Cornerback Marc Anthony and safety Josh Hill graduate from Cal this year, and Allensworth -- a 5'11, 175-lb. defensive back from Romoland, Calif. -- figures to be a replacement. Allensworth received four stars from Rivals and was pursued by a number of Pac-12 programs, including Arizona, Colorado, UCLA, Utah, and Washington State.
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