Austin Barry

Thomas Cole 's decision to commit to UCLA was a surprise and a blow. Cal had been in a strong position with him, however, he really felt Westwood vs. Berkeley in terms of a college town feel and give credit to UCLA's staff for building a strong relationship with him.One thing the Bruins can sell is a sparse depth chart on the offensive line, whilst Cal's is far healthier. Generally, that's not a factor at offensive line where players generally take 2+ years to develop into potential starters, however, there's been a real trend of freshman and RS freshman playing early and often.The Bears like where they sit at this position group. With Swinny on board, taking two to three more would be ideal from a group that still contains Austin Barry , Noah Pulealii , Garrett DiGiorgio , and Jordan Moko Despite 16 offers, Moko is unrated and we believe is looking to leave Utah. Cal needs to get him on campus and then the odds go up dramatically.In the wake of Cole's decision, the Bears chances with Barry can only have risen. Puleali is focused on Oklahoma and Cal. In the midst of COVID, it's good to be the hometown school.DiGiorgio will be a battle. He was leaning to the Bruins before the Cole commitment. Cal feels good about where they sit with all four, much as they did with Cole. And remember, this is the one year where the gap between verbals and signed LOIs may be miles wide.

6-6/280 JW North OT Austin Barry talks workouts and recruiting

With the 2021 Class War Rooms' updated, it's time to stick our neck out and do a far too early projection for the class.Quarterback: (1)This is one position where the Cal staff would love to have an early commitment. Things haven't worked out that way as Miller Moss has delayed his decision and Ty Thompson gave his pledge to Oregon.Kai Millner was rising fast up the QB board based on his athleticism and upside and he had a good connection with Musgrave on his visit to Berkeley. He'd like to take a few more visits but in the end we believe he will choose to be a Golden BearUpdate: Millner's committed and Cal is likely doneRunning Back: (2)Johnathan Arceneaux is perhaps the most dynamic RB on the Bears board and he's the type of high character young man the staff covets. Without having yet visited, this is a projection but the timing of Cal's offer and his reaction to the opportunity make this a decent bet.Byron Cardwell has got a ton of options but Cal, UW and Utah have risen to the top. He'd like to wait until after his senior season and it's not clear the Bears will still have room.Update: Cardwell moves up to a projectionWide Receiver: (3)Mavin Anderson - the four-star verbal commitment anchors this offensive class and provides elite speed and explosive athleticism to the WR room. Has tremendous YAC potential with his strong build and he will be a factor in the return game as well.Lonyatta Alexander - the strong-bodied and strong-handed Alexander is a Geoff MacArthur clone with better speed. While UW is pressing him hard, Cal's been his dream school his entire life.Hal Presley is perhaps the best-kept secret in the 2021 class, the 6'3 Presley has effortless acceleration to go with plus length and leaping ability. Bigger and stronger than most of the taller '21 Wideouts. Presley has a great relationship with Coach Toler and plans to visit in JuneUpdate: No change hereOffensive Line: (4)Bastian Swinney is already committed and is a perfect book end tackle.Will Reed has a lot of big time football (Tennessee, Michigan State) and academic (Yale, Brown, Dartmouth) offers and in the end will choose the best combination of both with Cal.Thomas Cole is another long tackle candidate with a great academic profile and that makes him an ideal fit for Angus McClureNoah Pulealii is a mauler with a ton of upside. He really likes the hometown Bears and will finish up this class with power and strengthOthers: Owen Prentice has national recruiting attention and Cal could easily make him the 5th OL if things break right in his recruitment. Austin Barry likes the Bears a lot and could move up the board. Garrett Digiogio is another one to watchUpdate: Pat Coogan committed to ND and Barry and Digorgio became viable optionsTight Ends: (1)Jermaine Terry will end up being the catalyst for a 2021 class with a lot of local flavor. The commit has MVP potential on the field and as a recruiter.Update: No change hereDEFENSEDefensive Tackle/Nose Guard: (2)Jay Toia has been outspoken about Cal being his dream school. While this will be a battle that could easily last until signing day, the consistency of the Bears defense under Wilcox and the quality of coaching he will get in Berkeley will lead to his commitmentJacob Schuster is an underrated beast. Incredibly light on his feet and athletic for a 300lb man. Cal has made him an early priority and in the end that will be the deciding factorUpdate: Less clear now that Toia will leave the USC nest as the Trojans gain momentum. Cal remains the team to beat for Schuster even with the recent UW offer. Kuao Peihopa has given his pledge to UW. Expect more offers to be made here before signing day.Defensive End: (2)Akili Calhoun is the bookend early local commitment alongside his friend Jermaine Terry. Chalk up another explosive pass rusher for Peter Sirmon's defenseDerek Wilkins will not be able to ignore Terry and Calhoun's entreaties and will eschew Stanford, Oregon and Washington to give the Bears his pledgeUpdate: Expect Wilkins to join Cal in the not too distant futureOutside Linebackers: (1 + Rutchena)Will Schweitzer could become yet another local product in this class if McCarron gets a potentially coveted UW offer or if the Bears decide to add another OLB.Update: Don't be surprised to see Cal add two OLBs/WDE on top of Wilkins and Calhoun. Josh McCarron gave his pledge to UVA and the Bears have added a slew of new offers here. Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge is a dynamic athlete and don't count Cal out of the mix. Insider Linebacker: (1)Kaleb Elarms-Orr is the top man on the board and he likes what's hearing from Cal. Feels like a preseason decision for the local OLB/DE who will convert inside for the Bears.Others: Julien Simon and Yanni Karlaftis will be factors here but Simon's a longer shot and distance likely will be a factor for KarlaftisUpdate: Simon will be a Trojan and Cal may prefer KEO to Karlaftis. KEO is a potential near term commitment.Cornerback: (2)Dyson McCutcheon is the ideal nickel back/slot corner with plus quickness and great long speed. The connection with the Cal staff is strong and he will likely be the first DB to commit to the BearsCeyair Wright will be a great boundary cover guy with his length and good hips. A solid relationship with Yates will result in Cal getting his pledge over Oregon and TexasUpdate: Both prospects above are very much in the mix. Add DJ Harvey as a versatile CB/Safety as you may see the Bears grab a total of five DBs in the class.Safety: (2)Mitch Leigber will be a tough pull but he's tailor-made for the Star position and he had a fantastic visit to Cal.Kaleb Higgins will create a house divided with his brother at Stanford. Look for the Bears to convert him to safety where his physicality and versatility make him a great fitOthers: Hunter Barth will likely come down to Cal, Stanford and USC. This feels like one that will go to the FarmUpdate: Barth and Higgins are in the fold with Leigber a potential late pick up at the LB/S hybrid Star position