Cal commit sees UCLA, USC

Four-star safety Shurod Thompson committed to California earlier this month but intends to maintain an open mind heading into his senior season.

The Rivals100 member from Brentwood (Calif.) Liberty stopped by UCLA and USC last weekend when he was in town for the Passing Down "Best of the West" tournament. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back remained firm in his stance on the Golden Bears, but mentioned he had very productive conversations with the Bruins and Trojans.

"It was a blessing," Thompson said of seeing the Los Angeles schools. "I got to talk to coach (Keith) Heyward at USC a little bit and he knows I'm committed but still keeping my options open. I'm still taking visits.

"I also went up to UCLA and talked to coach (Demetrice) Martin, coach (Jim) Mora and coach Angus (McClure) a little bit as well. It was my first time at UCLA and it was just beautiful. I love the campus and you can get a great degree going there."

Thompson, the No. 7 safety in the 2016 class according to Rivals.com, is the highest rated prospect committed to Cal. Yet, he knows signing day is far away and wants to continue the process, especially with his former high school teammate and good friend Jordan Parker now committed to the Bruins.

"Both coaching staffs at USC and UCLA told me they won't put too much pressure on me," Thompson said. "I told them I'll still have them in the mix, but I'm committed to take a lot of pressure off me and focus on my grades."

Other programs could find it difficult to pull him away from hometown Cal. Thompson likes everything about the Golden Bears, but one of the biggest factors was the opportunity to stay close to home. Cal was his first offer and Thompson always felt loyal to the program.

"They're all on me and they believed in me most," Thompson said. "That was definitely a plus.

"I have no other visits planned right now. I'm just chilling. TCU is supposed to be coming out to the school this week and then Notre Dame after that. That's all I know of right now."

Thompson was credited with 51 total tackles, including three for a loss, and he added three interceptions and six pass breakups. He also caught 14 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns.