New Bears in Town: Cal Frosh DL Legend Journey
A week before the Bears kicked off their 2023 season, 6-2/240 Mansfield Summit (Arlington, TX) defensive lineman Legend Journey became the 11th member of the Bears’ 2023 class. During his standout senior season, the future Bear totaled 54 tackles, eight sacks and 17 QB pressures on the season.
"Definitely a good year," Journey said of his final prep season. "I definitely give it to my coaches as well. They definitely helped me out getting through this process and getting me where I am now."
Conveniently, Journey committed just a week before the Bears started off their season an hour or so up the road from Arlington with a 58-21 victory over North Texas and was able to take in his future team’s win in person.
"It was a good experience," Journey said. "I got to see a couple of my coaches. I didn't really get to speak to them but I did get to see them and different players and stuff like that.”
Journey’s official visit to Cal on June 23 coincided with several of his future teammate’s OVs, giving him a chance to get connected with his fellow future Bears.
"When I took my official here I actually got really in contact with the other freshmen that are now here with me so I'm very locked in with them,” Journey said.
The biggest factor for the 3 star DL in Cal’s favor was Cal’s prestigious academic reputation.
"Definitely the degree," Journey said of his primary decision factor. "I'm big on education when it comes to college. So hearing multiple times a day that getting a degree from Cal could definitely set you up for a good life opportunity, it just made me commit even faster."
So far, the transition’s been seamless for Journey.
“The transition's been good," Journey said. "Most people think since I'm a little far from home which is Texas, that I'd get homesick quicker and stuff like that. But the staff here have been doing a great job with helping me settle in and making it feel like home again."
Journey found himself in a room full of veterans and he’s eagerly taking advantage of any advice the vets can pass on to him.
"I'm definitely pretty mixed in with the veterans," Journey noted. "I'm definitely getting some good teaching from them as well."
With Texas experiencing another scorching summer, Berkeley’s moderate climate has struck a chord with the new Bear.
"Definitely," Journey said with a smile. "I'd definitely take this over 100 degree heat any day.”
As for what he’s looking forward to this season, continuing to advance his game is high on the list of priorities.
"Definitely upgrading my technique," Journey said of one of his top priorities. "Maybe (learning) some different life lessons through football that could go on with me along the way.
“Go Bears!
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