Former U of I WR and 4 Star Prep Recruit Hightower Signs With Cal

The Bears 2023 portal class grew again today with the signing of University of Illinois redshirt senior receiver Brian Hightower‍.

The 6-3/215 WR was a 4 star commit out of IMG Academy in Florida who fielded offers from Notre Dame, Michigan, Clemson, Georgia, LSU and more before signing with Miami in 2018. He also played in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl his senior year.

After the signing, Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said: "Brian is a talented veteran wide receiver who came into his own last season and we are excited that he has decided to finish his collegiate career in our football program. The transfer portal is a tremendous vehicle to add talented players like Brian to our roster."

Hightower took an official visit to Cal over the weekend and saw enough to know that Cal was the right spot for him.

“Really it was just a fun trip,” said Hightower. “I felt like it was the best situation for me to succeed. Great atmosphere, great environment, and at the same time, it was fun.”

WR coach Burl Toler was another drawing card for the talented receiver.

“I’ve got a good relationship with Coach Toler,” noted Hightower. “I’ve gotten to know him very well. We connected immediately. I knew we’d have a great relationship and it just took off from there.”

Hightower started his prep career at Calabasas High School where he had 71 catches for 1,344 yards and 14 touchdowns before transferring to IMG Academy in 2016 to play as a junior and senior. On a loaded IMG squad in 2018, he led the team with 35 catches for 445 yards and five touchdowns before playing in the Army Bowl after his season.

After signing with Miami, Hightower had 12 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown before transferring to Illinois where he had 48 catches for 662 yards and 4 TDs, redshirting in 2021.

Even though new Cal OC Jake Spavital has only been back at Cal for the last month, he’s been on Hightower’s radar far longer.

“Watching Coach Spavital’s system at West Virginia and Cal growing up, I saw them do great things so they didn’t need to sell me much on what they’ll be doing there. When they said his name, I knew what time it was.

“I know there’s great talent on the offense at Cal. I’m excited.”

Hightower will be a grad transfer who will enroll at Cal for spring semester and have one year of eligibility. 

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