Cal remains atop the list for Troy Bowens even after some significant attention from other top programs.
After Cal’s recent junior day where the four-star edge rusher from nearby Sutter, Calif., had an excellent time with first-year coach Tosh Lupoi and others – and even considered committing to the Golden Bears during the visit – Bowens has heard a lot more from Michigan and Oregon.
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But Cal still stands out most.
The Wolverines were his latest offer as new coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff have prioritized some more West-focused recruiting.
Michigan is a big one for Bowens but before the Big 10 superpower can get to the top of the list, Bowens has to develop a closer bond with position coach Lewis Powell.
“The Michigan offer definitely means a lot and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Bowens said. “It doesn’t change a whole lot right now just for the fact that I still need to learn more about the university. Coach Powell and I need to build this relationship more.”
Over the last week, the Northern California prospect also watched some of the national championship game with new Oregon defensive coordinator Chris Hampton as the Ducks continue to push for the four-star edge rusher.
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Still, after that meeting, the Golden Bears are on top.
“The meeting was great (with Hampton),” Bowens said. “He’s a great guy and I enjoyed all of it. Got to know a bit about him and Oregon for sure. I feel Cal still has the edge though.”
It’s been a crazy busy week for Bowens, who also met with coaches from Stanford and Washington, landed a new offer from Nebraska and is also going through his basketball season.
The Sutter standout also met with Cal’s coaches as the program in Berkeley still has the lead in his recruitment.
From Lupoi to new position coach Darrion Daniels and how Bowens sees the program changing, the Golden Bears are setting the pace and dodged a lot of bullets in the last week as other programs look to change his mind.
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“I love that Tosh is at Cal. Cal is definitely No. 1 on my list. I love all the coaches. They have a new defensive line coach and he’s great. He’s coached a lot of NFL players so it’s really awesome.
“Cal is definitely No. 1 right now.”
