QB JT Shrout breaks down Cal commitment

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – JT Shrout landed an important offer from Cal earlier this summer and a few weeks later the three-star quarterback was committed.

The Newhall (Calif.) Hart had seen everything he needed and playing for the quarterback-rich Golden Bears was definitely intriguing.

Off-the-field possibilities were also important.

“Just being able to go up to Cal again and to be able to build a great relationship with the coaching staff,” Shrout said at the recent Battle at the Beach 7v7. “I spent the day with them and then seeing the facilities was obviously great.

“A big part of it for me was talking with some of their counselors and the stuff they can do for you after your football career, the connections they have for internships and job opportunities if you don’t get to play in the NFL.”

Getting to know the first-year coaching staff in a short time was important to Shrout, who impressed NFL coaches this summer at the QB Collective camp.

“The staff is great,” Shrout said.

“Coach (Justin) Wilcox has put a phenomenal staff together. Coach (Marques Tuiasosopo) from UCLA last year, he’s awesome and coach (Beau) Baldwin from Eastern Washington, he’s going to do great things on the offensive side of the ball. And then coach Wilcox is a great defensive mind so they’ll have a good year.”

Following in the footsteps of No. 1 NFL Draft pick Jared Goff is not bad, either. Shrout said playing quarterback at Cal means there is a chance to continue playing pro ball and it’s the kind of place that sets you up for those big opportunities.

He’s looking forward to it. No more visits, he’s all set for Cal.

“I know I’m in the position to get myself where I want to go because others have done it before me,” Shrout said. “I know it’s a possibility if I work hard.

“I’m good. Go Bears.”