Cal Football

Cardwell Talks Recruiting, Thoughts on Favorites

By Jim McGill

December 26, 2020

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One of the most highly-recruited backs on the West Coast, Morse (San Diego, CA) High School running back Byron Cardwell‍ has been high on the Bears’ target list from day one for the 2021 class. The 6-0/200 RB has offers from much of the Pac-12 along with LSU, Michigan, Penn State, Tennessee and most recently, Notre Dame along with several other programs.

Cardwell was one of the highest-rated recruits to not sign in the early signing period. He watched with interest how things went down for each of his suitors, though he didn’t regret not signing early.

“It didn’t affect what I’ll be doing too much,” said Cardwell. “I was just looking at things like who the programs I’m interested in signed for offensive line and little things like that that might me succeed.”

And where does he stand with some of his top suitors at this stage?

“Things are going well with UCLA,” said Cardwell. “Still communicating on a regular basis with Coach (DeShaun) Foster. I’ve had a good relationship with him since day one. He also recruited (UCLA junior) Martell Irby. He’s a running back that went to my school, also. I feel good about him kind of knowing my area.

“My relationship with with Cal is a really strong relationship with Coach AT (RB coach Aristotle Thompson). I talk to him a lot and to Coach Wilcox here and there. He’s got a little bit of a differenct vibe, giving off a little bit of that spice. You can tell that he’s serious but he also has that chill side so that’s nice.

Former St. Augustine teammate Tyson McWilliams was a 2020 signee for Cal and has given the program good reviews.

“Tyson’s gotten a lot bigger since he’s been at Cal,” said Cardwell. “He’s been in the weight room and his program with (S&C) Coach Becton’s been working well. I’ve talked to him a couple times and I’m going to call him soon. Overall, he said loves it there and is super happy he got the opportunity to play at Cal and is taking advantage of the opportunities it gives him in life there.”

And the other schools Cardwell mentioned?

“With Texas A&M, Coach Robinson, his career of coaching and the players he’s coached and put into the league speaks for itself. The reason why I wear 21 is Frank Gore. He coached him so that’s kind of a big thing.

“With Florida, just talking to Coach Knox, we have a good relationship.”

So far as a prep, the senior has rushed for 1,968 yards, including 34 tds on the ground. Also an excellent receiver, Cardwell has tallied 52 catches for 716 yards (17 ypc), including touchdown catch and runs for 73 and 80 yards.

Cardwell noted that the San Diego area is hoping to get things going again in late January or February for an abbreviated high school season.

“We don’t know for sure,” said Cardwell. “It’s frustrating to see other states playing and not being able to play here. We’re ready to go, you know?”

As one of the few targets out there remaining unsigned, what are Cardwell’s plans for announcing?

“I’ll be committing on the 25^th of January,” said Cardwell.

His announcement can’t come soon enough for Cal fans and fans of his other finalists, who anxiously await the 4 star running back’s decision.