SACRAMENTO – Two of the Sacramento areas most sought after college prospects were rumored to be joining forces right here in northern California as members of the Cal Bears. Well, don’t believe everything you hear.
Today, which marks the National Day of Signing for college football prospects, Shaq Thompson of the Grant High Pacers informed the world via Twitter that he would be headed to the University of Washington. This came a day after Pleasant Groves, Arik Armstead announced that he would be joining the Oregon Ducks next season.
The loss of these two prospects has sent ripples of through the Cal fan base. Many believe that it was Cal’s loss of defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi that caused the two prospects to change their minds. ESPN Recruiting’s Greg Biggins wrote, “Before Cal defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi left for Washington, Armstead seemed like a very solid bet to end up with the Bears.”
Shaq, who is considered by many to be a top five recruit nationally and number one amongst defensive back actually gave California a verbal commitment last spring. It was also rumored that Thomson and Armstead had met and made a pact to play their college football together. But in the end, Thompson chose the Huskies citing it as a better fit.
Like Thompson, Armstead was rated as a five star recruit who also considered committing to Washington or California. However, the prospect of playing football and basketball for the Ducks sealed the deal for Armstead.