Isibor Down to Cal and Auburn, Almost Ready For Decision
6-3/260 UCLA portal transfer OLB Odua Isibor was one of four portal transfer prospects on campus last weekend on official visits to Cal. Two -former ASU offensive guard Spencer Lovell and Montana State offensive tackle TJ Session are already committed and signed with Cal. Will the former Bruin be next?
As a redshirt junior playing as an undersized DT, Isibor totaled 14 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks on the season. As a redshirt frosh in 2018, isibor was a part-time starter at outside linebacker and a move to Cal would see him return to Cal at his more natural position to help boost Cal’s pressure potential on the edge in ‘22.
Isibor’s visit to Cal made a strong impression on him as he’s going down to the wire choosing between Cal and Auburn.
“It was really cool at Cal,” said Isibor. “I liked it. We toured the facilities, did a photo shoot, watched film, things like that. The players and coaches were cool. I really like the culture there. I thought they were very authentic and meant everything they said. They seemed like really good people.”
After spending time at DT in the last two seasons, Isibor plans to make a move to his more natural position at his next destination.
“I’d be playing outside linebacker at Cal,” said Isibor. “I think that's where my body type is more geared to. My pass rush and my experience are probably my two biggest strengths.”
If Isabor makes the move to Cal, he’d do so already holding an undergrad and master's degree and would enroll in one of Cal’s certificate programs.
“I already have my undergrad degree and am just wrapping up my master’s in Transformative Coaching and Leadership,” noted Isibor.
Besides Cal, Isibor made the trip down to Alabama and also enjoyed official visit to Auburn.
“That was cool, too,” said Isibor. “I like the culture there, as well. They’re nice people. Very family-oriented. It was nice. The campus, it’s still Auburn, Alabama so it’s obviously not the same as Cal would be but it was nice. It was homey.”
As for what will be driving his decision, he noted:
“I would say a good portion of it would be how successful I would be at football at my next school,” said Isibor. “Definitely life after football and what a new program could provide for me, where I could take advantage of their resources. Both programs do that very well, which makes the decision harder.”
With regard to playing time opportunity, Isibor talked about the situations he’d be walking into with both programs.
“I know for a fact that they have two guys at Auburn returning who started last year who are pretty good,” said Isibor. “They also moved a few guys, including a tight there. I think I could come in and make an impact immediately. And then at Cal, I think they only have one or two experienced guys on the outside.”
With slots dwindling and time a big factor at both Cal and Auburn, Isibor is looking to make a decision on a short timeline.
“Hopefully soon,” said Isibor. “When I know, I’d like to decide then and there.”
Stay tuned for the latest on Isibor’s decision in the coming days.
More stories:
Bears Make Another Big OL Portal Addition in Lovell
Bears Make a Key Addition With Portal Transfer OT TJ Session