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Recruits react to Dykes' dismissal at Cal

MORE: Dykes out at Cal | Analyzing the Dykes era | 2017 Cal commitment list

Sonny Dykes had one winning season in four and seemed to regularly interview for other jobs during his time in Berkeley, but Cal commits still said they were stunned that Dykes was fired on Sunday.

No players have decommitted at this point, but some said they’re definitely considering other options. Others said the Dykes news changes nothing and they’re sticking with the Golden Bears.

Adrian Martinez, a 2018 four-star quarterback commit from Fresno (Calif.) Clovis West, said the future of offensive coordinator/QBs coach Jake Spavital will be most important.

“It definitely throws a wrench in things,” Martinez said. “However, I love the school and the other guys who are committed to going to Cal. Until more news comes out on the situation I will not make any irrational decisions at this moment.

“Coach Spavital will be pivotal in any decision I will make going forward.”

Many commits said the news came as a complete surprise but that they’re sticking with Cal – for now.

2018 four-star QB Adrian Martinez will consider OC Jake Spavital's future in his decision.
2018 four-star QB Adrian Martinez will consider OC Jake Spavital's future in his decision.
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Three-star wide receiver Jeremiah Hawkins said Dykes’ departure doesn’t change his commitment. Three-star OL Michael Saffell added he’s trying to figure out the details, and three-star OL Casey Roddick said he’s sticking by his decision.

“Same game plan,” Roddick said. “Still committed to Cal. It was a very big surprise. I am shocked.”

Three-star athlete Jordan Genmark-Heath said his commitment still stands but that he’s going to consider some other options. He’s not sure which schools yet since the news just happened, but he will take a look.

“I am committed to Cal as of right now and I will wait until further decisions have been made, but I will be considering my Plan B,” Genmark-Heath said.

Taariq Johnson, a three-star receiver/tight end, was equally surprised as many other commits. He’s sticking with the Golden Bears at this point.

“I’m still committed at this time,” Johnson said. “It’s shocking. I still can’t believe it happened.”

The only four-star in Cal’s 2017 recruiting class, Newport Beach (Calif.) Corona Del Mar quarterback Chase Garbers, also remains committed to the Golden Bears, though he's eager to gather more information about the change.

"I'm still a Cal Bear," Garbers said. "Nothing has changed for me. Still pretty fresh so I need to investigate and get more details on what's going on."

Dykes was 19-30 and 10-26 (Pac-12) in four seasons with Cal. The Golden Bears are ranked No. 55 in the 2017 team recruiting rankings and No. 10 in the Pac-12.

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