Joshua Pierce, In His Words: Why I Chose Cal

What’s Up Bear Territory! My name is Joshua Pierce (JP). I currently attend and play football for University of California Berkeley.

I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I am the middle child of 6 siblings. I’ve played basketball, and ran track in my past, so sports, football especially, mean the world to me. It takes discipline, perseverance, and courage to play sports. All traits that will make us better people in our near futures.

Bear Insider

Cal edge Joshua Pierce

First off, I would like to say thank you to all the people who have welcomed me to the Cal family. Through my recruiting process and looking at what I wanted in my future, I knew Cal was the right place for me.  

I decided to sign with Cal Football because Cal offered everything I ever wanted in a University. Cal will allow me the chance to compete at the highest level of college football while also receiving a degree from one of the best universities in the world.

Having a place where I could challenge myself on and off the field was extremely important to me and from the beginning, Cal stood out. What really separated Cal from other programs was the people. During my recruiting process, the coaching staff was honest, genuine & consistent with me. They didn’t just talk about football. They spoke about my future, goals, and the type of person I wanted to become. Every conversation felt real and it showed that they truly cared about helping me succeed long after my playing career comes to an end.

I chose this coaching staff because I believe in their vision for the program and culture they are building. They have built an environment where we are pushed to be our best every day while also being supported as students and young men. They showed me exactly how I fit into their scheme and how they will help develop my skills, reach my potential, and prepare me for the next level.

Bear Insider

Cal edge Joshua Pierce

Another reason why I decided to choose Cal was the brotherhood/power of unit within the team. When I spent time around the players, I saw guys who genuinely care for each other and were working toward the same goals. The energy, competitiveness and family atmosphere made me know that I belong. I wanted to be part of a locker room full of guys committed to winning and helping each other win.

Since coming to Cal, school has been really good for me. My main reason for going to California was the education. So far, it has been a fun challenge but nothing I wasn’t prepared for after attending University Liggett High School in Michigan, where the curriculum was made to challenge you to prepare you for a college like Cal Berkeley. Also, I knew there would be high expectations coming into Cal after coming from North Texas with a 4.0 GPA. However, the professors, academic support staff and my teammates have all made it easier to get used to things here.

After an injury-free spring ball at Cal, I noticed some differences from my past programs I've been apart of, especially our attention to detail and the level of competition and grit we bring at each practice.There's a much greater emphasis on the little things leading to big things, being prepared, and knowing why you're doing something than I have seen in prior experiences. The tempo is perfectly fast, the expectations are very clear and everyone is expected to compete every day.

Spring ball gave the team an opportunity to get closer together as well as myself an opportunity to learn more about our defense and develop the team chemistry we have been building.  

Coach Tosh is definitely one of the best coaches I’ve played under. He brings the energy we need every day and wants the best for us as athletes and young men. What I respect most about Coach Tosh is the way in which he holds all players to a high level of expectations but simultaneously creates genuine connections/relationships with his players. It's obvious that he wants to help each one of us grow into the best versions of ourselves.

As far as my position coaches and coordinator go, they're both second to none. Coach Barraza and Coach Hutchings do everything in detail, are extremely knowledgeable, and care about developing players. Every day, they push me and challenge me. They make sure I know exactly what is expected of me. I've picked up a ton of knowledge from them since being here and they've helped me understand our scheme at a rapid pace. Their communication with me has been consistently honest and open, which is something that every player will appreciate.

I feel like we have the opportunity to have a great season - not just because we've got a lot of talented players. It's also because we've got a bunch of players who believe in our culture instilled into us by Coach Tosh and our whole staff daily. Fans are going to see an energetic, tough and confident football team. Fans will see a team that competes for one another and leaves everything out on the field. We recognize the high expectations, as well as the standard we want to achieve. This isn't something that is going to be given to us. But I truly believe this team has both the ability to compete and to win games this year due to its talent, work ethic and coaches.

- JP #15

Go Bears!

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