Focus 2021: OT Bastian Swinney

With Cal set to enter to 2020 season with at least three senior starters on the offensive line, the position is sure to big a big priority in the 2021 recruiting class. They will have a decent amount of depth behind those seniors, but this class will be new offensive line coach Angus McClure’s chance to sculpt the long-term future of his unit.

One player that Cal was recruiting prior to McClure’s hire is 6’6” 270 pound offensive tackle Bastian Swinney from Edina Senior High School in Minneapolis, MN. While it obviously remains to be seen if McClure will continue to pursue Swinney, the rising junior’s existing relationship with Cal and strong national interest makes it likely that he will continue to be one of Cal’s top offensive line targets for 2021.

Swinney’s high school coach Derrin Lamker speaks highly of his leadership abilities, something that has been a common theme among many of Cal’s recruiting targets.

“His overall leadership is phenomenal,” said Lamker. “He’s been a captain since his junior year and he’s done every single thing we’ve asked both on and off the field. The younger kids just flock to him and follow him and he does a great job [with them].”

Swinney is also a high achiever in the classroom.

‘As you could tell he’s got a lot of high-end [academic] colleges after him, including Cal,” said Lamker. “He’s gonna get a great job someday. I wish I could hire him right now.”

If McClure does decide to go after Swinney, it seems like he will be in a good spot to start. However, he won’t be without competition.

“I think Cal is one of his top schools. He loves Michigan also, as well as Iowa State. That’s probably his top three as of right now.”