2017 California CB Michael Onyemaobi Talks Commitment to Cal Golden Bears

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Options on the recruiting trail can change quickly but then again some things never change. For Chaparral High School’s Class of 2017 Michael Onyemaobi, he had six offers in late February but by the beginning of May his offers had jumped to 14 reported. Regardless of all the offers, one school remained in his heart throughout the accolades.

The early schools after Onyemaobi, pronounced own-yen-mo-bee, included Arizona State, UCLA, Hawaii, Idaho, and Washington State. In the early mix was Cal. Since then, the flood of offers have included Colorado, Iowa State, Oregon State, UNLV, New Mexico, Utah State, Purdue, and Arizona.

On Sunday, the 6-1, 187 pound, talent essentially ended his recruitment process by verbally committing to the Golden Bears. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Onyemaobi after he returned from his unofficial to Cal getting the inside scoop on his commitment.

Interview

Michael, first thing first, congratulations on your commitment to Cal.

“Thank you.”

The big question first, what led you to commit to the Golden Bears on Sunday?

“First of all, they were really high on my list. They were one of my first offers. They believed in me early. It came down to UCLA and Cal. Between the two it came down to where I felt more at home in my gut and that was Cal. I felt more at home there.”

How did the commitment take place?

“After the first day of my visit I knew I was going to do it (commit). On the second day, I was talking to the coaches. We were talking about where I would be there in their system. I whispered to Coach (Jacob) Peeler (inside receivers coach) letting him know. It was a great moment for me and my family.”

How did the coaches react when you committed?

“They were ecstatic, even hours after they were all still tripping about my commitment.”

After Day 1 you knew you were going to commit, but at that moment when you said something to the coaches how did you feel?

“I felt absolutely happy! The biggest weight came off my shoulders. Recruiting can be overwhelming. I felt happy to find a home.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Most definitely. The Class of 2017 will be a big class. They coaches have a lot of big targets and I will help recruit. I have a couple of friends in mind.”

Can you share the names of the players you want to help recruit?

“That is secretive.”

Understood. How are you going to pitch the other players to join you?

“Real simple – it really comes down to taking a visit to Cal. The environment and school is amazing. If they come for a visit they will see for themselves.”

Which position is Cal recruiting you to play?

“They want me to play in the secondary at corner.”

What are you going to do or what did you do to celebrate your commitment to Cal?

“I spent the rest of the weekend in San Francisco and we went to Oakland. We had a big dinner. I’m sure my parents will throw a big sendoff party in a year. That is their style.”

Michael, again, congratulations on your commitment to Cal and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Onyemaobi family; Michael Onyemaobi with head coach Sonny Dykes (right) and Coach Peeler (middle).