2017 DB Tyriq Hardimon Commits to Cal

Cal bolstered their defensive backfield today with the commitment of another defensive back in 2017 defensive back Tyriq Hardimon, from Lassiter High School in Marietta, GA. Hardimon chose Cal over offers from Minnesota, Navy, and West Virginia. Hardimon joins Je'Quari Godfrey and Michael Onyemaobi in the defensive backfield for the Bears in the 2017 class, becoming the 10th commit in this cycle for the Bears.

In an interview with The Gopher Report last month, Hardimon noted that Cal and West Virginia were tied for the lead with him, with one of the key factors in his decision being academics. At the time he planned on making a decision in September or October, and decided to pull the trigger now.

"I chose Cal because, from the educational standpoint, it's amazing. It's the number one public school in the nation. I feel like they're going to be doing great things while I'm there," Hardimon said about the final decision, "Also, I felt like it was a good fit for me, because when I got there (during his visit on spring break), I automatically fell in love with the school."

Hardimon also credits his friend, Cal CB Nygel Edmonds, as someone who sold him on Cal so to speak and someone who will help make the transition from Georgia to California easier. "It's gonna make the process a lot easier, switching from the East side to the West side, so he'll help through the process of being a freshman."

Hardimon can play any DB position that the Bears want, which is a sticking point for cornerbacks coach John Lovett. Safety is where Hardimon plays currently, and welcoming him into that position group would immediately help the depth of a group that lost Demariay Drew and Griffin Piatt to an injury and medical retirement respectively.

Having the chance to compete for playing time at any one of the defensive back spots early is a draw for Hardimon as well. "I love the game of football, I love playing, and I haven't really sat on the bench. Seeing the field is a really big thing for me, since I love the game, and I hate the feeling of not being able to impact the game or to help my team."

Hardimon is planning on taking a few official visits to other schools, but he feels confident in his choice of Cal. He is planning on coming up to Cal in January before National Signing Day. Hardimon is planning on majoring in business or finance.

Hardimon is a 3-star (5.6 Rivals Rating) cornerback per Rivals, and is the 58th ranked CB in the country.

You can find exclusive Rivals.com video analysis of the commitment here.