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Reno OL Vatikani Keeps the Bears' Commitment Train Rolling
A week after his official visit last weekend, 6-4/295 Bishop Manogue (Reno, NV) High School OG Sioape Vatikani announced his commitment to Cal. Despite offers from USC, UCLA, Tennessee, Nebraska and more, Cal ended up being Vatikani’s only official visit after cancelling a planned visit to UCLA next week, and he saw all he needed to see to jump on board with the Bears.
“My visit was great,” said Vatikani. “It was awesome.
“Oh man, I honestly felt really comfortable. All the coaching staff, the players. Even though it was just a recruiting trip, I could really feel the love between the coaches and all the players. Then hanging out with the players, everyone was like a family. The vibe was everyone was welcome with the Bear family.
“My pops loved it there, too.”
The Bears had a solid connection with the 3 star lineman coming into the recruiting season, obviously benefitting them in helping beat out tough competition for his commiment. The Bears were also one of his earliest offers, with Cal’s offer coming in during February of Vatikani’s soph season.
“Coach Angus, I go to school with with his son so we’re already close,” said Vatikani. “He helps me out a lot with all my techniques and how to translate it to the playing field.”
The official visit also allowed Vatikani to get acquainted with Cal’s scenic setting and the facilities.
“It was great to go around and see campus in the golf cart and tour the football facilities,” said Vatikani. “It was awesome hanging out with (former Cal OL and current director of on campus recruiting) Benji Palu. He really broke things down nicely.
“The campus, I was surprised. I wasn’t thinking it would be so green and scenic. I was expecting it to be more urban. It was really nice.”
Cal’s academic rep figured largely in the academically-oriented (4.0 gpa) Vatikani’s decision process, as well.
“We were talking about me possibly majoring in engineering or mathematics,” said Vatikani. “Obviously Cal is top tier when it comes to either of those.”
Vatikani’s commitment fills the first of 3-4 expected OL slots available in the covid-limited ‘22 recruiting class.
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