Hooper plans to remain patient
Austin Hooper stopped by the student bookstore after the Cal spring game last weekend and while perusing the aisles the Concord (Calif.) De La Salle defensive end had some time to recap his day.
"I liked it a lot," Hooper said. "It was really cool. I watched the spring game and it was definitely fun. I still want to check out some other schools and then weigh my decision from there."
Advertisement
During his time in Berkeley, the 6-foot-4, 233-pound three-star prospect had a chance to mainly talk with Cal recruiting coordinator and linebackers coach Kenwick Thompson.
Hooper, rated No. 18 at weak-side defensive end by Rivals.com, said he enjoyed the genuineness of the conversation.
"I mainly talked to coach Thompson during the day," Hooper said.
"He is very straightforward and he said, 'We like you a lot as a player but I'm not going to tell you anything special,' and I liked that because he was very personable and very forward and it was great."
Cal made a good impression but Hooper has a lot of other opportunities and wants to take some other visits before making his commitment.
Oregon recently offered him and Hooper is expected to visit Washington this weekend for its spring game and junior day. He said the Ducks offer is a big one but he's going to consider all schools equally.
"I thought it was cool to get that offer," Hooper said. "Oregon is a great school and they've been great the last four or five years. I'd love to go up there and check it out."
The three-star from Northern California lists offers from Arizona State, Army, Boise State, Cal, Colorado, Houston, Northwestern, Oregon, Oregon State, Utah, Washington and Washington State.
"I'm still going to be patient about everything," he said.