Bears Round Out Their Defensive Backfield With Commitment from McWilliams

6-3/170 St. Augustine/San Diego cornerback Tyson McWilliams became the fourth defensive back and 23rd commit overall for the Bears' 2020 recruiting class, committing after his official visit this weekend.

At 6-3, the speedy (4.47 forty) 3 star cornerback meets the profile Cal defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander and staff have sought to compete with the big receivers in the Pac-12 in tall, athletic corners. He announced his decision initially tonight on Twitter, saying:

“I want to thank all the coaches that recruited me. I also want to thank God, my Family, & Friends for sticking by my side through this decision. With that being said,I am COMMITTED to The University of California Berkeley. Go Bears . #TAKERS”

McWilliams was already leaning towards the Bears before this weekend but the official visit to Cal sealed the deal with the talented corner, despite the frustrating loss for the Bears.

“It went really well. It was a great time,” said McWilliams of the visit. 

“It was a great atmosphere at the game, despite the result. They just showed me and my family a great time this weekend.

“It got to know some of the players, too, and hung out with them a while. It just felt like the right fit.”

The close-knit relationship and playing style Cal’s veteran defensive backfield share rubbed off on the future Bear, only making him more certain that he wanted to be a part of what head coach Justin Wilcox and staff are building in Berkeley.

“You get that feeling just being around them how close they are,” said McWilliams. “The guys were actually out there at 6 this evening, just putting up work on their off-day together. That showed me a lot, how invested they are on the team and getting better together.”

Learning about how the defensive backfield grew into the tight-knit and successful unit they’ve become has made McWilliams all the more anxious to start his class’s legacy in the program.

“It’s really exciting,” said McWilliams. “That group of guys were in the same position as I was, playing early as freshmen and sophomores. Hopefully we can continue that DB legacy and be like those guys at Cal like Ashtyn (Davis) and Cam (Bynum) and the other guys by the time we finish.”

As the 23rd member of the Bears’ 2020 class, McWilliams is joining a group that’s already become well-established in getting to know each other and building a bond as a class.

“I’ve actually been added to the group chat but I’ve been in contact with Trey Paster for a couple weeks,” said McWilliams. “The guys are just excited about getting up there and building something special.”

To-date in his high school career, McWilliams has 79 tackles, nine interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble on defense as well as 38 catches for 641 yards and four td’s at receiver.

McWilliams joins Argyle, Texas DB Collin Gamble, Buhach Colony DB Trey Pastor, Corona Centennial DB Isaiah Young and Antioch safety Dejuan Butler in the Bears’ talented 2020 DB class as seniors Ashtyn Davis, Jaylinn Hawkins and Camryn Bynum prepare to move on, with hopeful plans for the NFL.

With the class filling up, the Bears have only a few more spots to go before wrapping things up and waiting for early signing day in December.

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