SF Chronicle: McClymonds' Hill says next stop is Cal

Mitch Stephens, Chronicle Staff Writer

A slight knee injury limited McClymonds High defensive lineman Derrick Hill to just two plays in Saturday's U.S. Army All-American Bowl high school all-star game in San Antonio. But that was OK with Hill.  "I just wanted to get on TV and announce my decision," Hill said.  That decision was his college choice: Cal.  The 6-foot-3, 280-pound senior and first-team All-Metro player picked the Bears over Arizona and USC. Playing close to home, and Cal's strong academic and football programs, were major factors in his decision, Hill said.  "It's a win-win situation," Hill said. "Everything I want is there."  When rumors this week of Cal coach Jeff Tedford moving to the NFL surfaced -- specifically Tedford taking over the vacant Raiders head-coaching position -- Hill was concerned.

"I called coach Tedford immediately," Hill said. "He said there was no truth to the rumors, that the first he had heard about the Raiders' job was what he read in the papers. That made me feel a lot better."  Hill's commitment is only verbal and non-binding until he signs of letter of intent in February. Would he consider de-committing if Tedford changed jobs?

"I haven't even thought about it," Hill said. "I'm firm with my decision. It's a huge weight off my mind. I couldn't be happier."  Hill had 15 sacks and 106 tackles for McClymonds, which finished 11-1 and won the Oakland Section title. He is the third player from his team to commit to major Division I programs, joining linebacker Josh Tatum (USC) and tight end NaDerris Ward (Georgia). Tatum also was invited to the All-American Bowl, but he couldn't attend because of a knee injury.  Hill, one of seven finalists for the Cal-Hi Sports' state Player of the Year, played all season with a knee brace on his left knee. On Saturday, he tweaked his right knee as the East defeated the West 27-16.  "I could have gone back in, but there was no reason to risk it," Hill said.  Said McClymonds coach Alonzo Carter, who was a guest coach at the game: "Cal is a perfect fit for Derrick. He's a great student, a great self-motivator, the complete package. Just like Cal is."  Hill was one of 15 All-Americans to announce their choice before a national-television audience, but he was the only one to pick Cal.  Five other players picked Pac-10 schools. Four chose USC: Lemoore receiver David Ausberry, Colton linebacker Allen Bradford, Aurora (Colo.) offensive lineman Butch Lewis and Coppell (Tex.) running back Emmanuel Moody. Long Beach Poly receiver Terrence Austin committed to UCLA.