Saturday, January 07, 2006

Contra Costa Times: McClymonds star Hill headed to Cal

Defensive lineman will make an oral commitment today, his coach says, choosing the Bears over USC and Arizona

By Jay Heater

McClymonds High School coach Alonzo Carter said Friday that his star defensive tackle, Derrick Hill, will commit to Cal today at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Hill is a 6-foot-2, 285-pounder who is arguably the top recruit in the East Bay this year. "It came down to Cal, USC and Arizona," Carter said. "Derrick wants to stay close to home. But Cal had been the front-runner all along. He's going to Cal." McClymonds will have three players on the Cal roster next season with Hill joining quarterback Kyle Reed, who will be a redshirt freshman, and tight end David Gray, who will be a senior.

"I send Cal the best of the litter," Carter said. Rated the No. 44 prospect in the nation by Scout.com (and the nation's fourth-best defensive tackle), Hill should be able to play right away, according to Carter. "He won't be a starter, but he should be in the rotation," Carter said. "Derrick is a rare big dude. Most big dudes aren't motivated, but this guy always is on. He is a high-motor guy who is very athletic and very physical. He is a great student and is in the student leadership program here." Carter compared Hill to current Cal defensive tackle Brandon Mebane. "He's going to be a good fit for what they do at Cal. And I could tell Cal liked him. At Cal's football camp, Coach (Jeff) Tedford stopped, came over and sat next to me just to watch him. He doesn't often watch the defensive players because he lets his staff do that, but he watched Derrick disrupt everything." Another factor also swayed Hill to Cal. "He and (defensive line coach) Ken Delgado have a vibe going on," Carter said.

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