From the Land Down Under to the Bay Area - Cardinal Newman OT Josh Bunni Talks Recruiting

One of the Bears’ primary offensive line targets is far from the conventional type of prospect the program - or most programs - would usually pursue. In fact, Cardinal Newman (Santa Rosa, CA) offensive tackle Josh Bunni‍ has not even played a snap of football, yet he holds offers not only from Cal but also from BYU, Arizona State, Utah, Washington, Washington State and more - all on the projection that his frame and skill set will develop into Power-4 caliber play.

Watching the big aussie throw other big bodies around in Saturday’s Rivals Camp at City College of San Francisco, it’s easy to see why so many quality programs are willing to take a flyer on him before he plays a snap this upcoming season.

"Yeah, it was definitely amazing," Bunni said of his camp experience. "The competition out here is great. It was a way to work and see where my skill level's at. I was really happy with how I performed."

The 6-6/330 native of Australia played Australian Rules football in his home country before coming to the states to pursue his dream of playing American football for Cardinal Newman in the North Bay.

“I’ve never played a season,” Bunni noted. “I’ve never played a down of football.”

How’d he learn so fast?

“Oh man, just working with my coaches, watching video, practicing every day, just to get better.”

The 3 star O-lineman noted that though the sports are different, the physicality in both is somewhat similar and helped prepare him for his transition to American football.

“I love football, man,” he said. “The transition has been amazing and smooth so I love it.”

The Bears were one of the earlier programs to recruit Bunni and the relationship has grown well since then. 

“You know, Coach V (OL coach Viane Talamaivao), Coach Anae - the line coaches there - they're amazing. They've shown a lot of love to me and it's amazing to see some coaches believe in me. So I've been there about three times visiting and I think it's an amazing school."

Bunni noted that there are some standout factors that will likely play a role in his decision.

"Honestly, development and relationship and definitely the area," Bunni noted. "So that's my top three (factors)."

The Bears will be getting an official visit from Bunni on their first official visit weekend May 28-31.

As of now, the rising senior noted that his top four programs are Cal, BYU, Arizona State and Washington State.

Don’t sleep on the Bears.