2017 LB Kyle Harmon Commits to Cal

In his introductory press conference, Justin Wilcox expressed a need to recruit from Northern California outward. That started a couple hours ago with the commitment of Gavin Reinwald, and continued shortly thereafter, with the commitment of Freedom Linebacker Kyle Harmon.

Harmon backed off his commitment to Cal Poly earlier in the day, as the LB from Oakley was on a Cal OV, which certainly helped to secure his commitment. Harmon won the Bay Valley Athletic League Defensive Player of the Year award, along with being named to the all-Bay Area first team at the linebacker spot. Harmon made 146 tackles on the season, as Freedom finished 11-2 after falling to St. Mary's (Stockton) in the Division 1-AA Northern California championship bowl game.

Harmon had visited Cal before in an unofficial capacity, visiting for the UCLA game with many of his Freedom teammates to end last season. But the Bears had not been on him hard until the coaching change was made.

Harmon immediately adds depth at a position where there is none, as the Bears currently have six linebackers on the roster going into 2017, as they likely will move into a 3-4 defensive scheme. Moving some current defensive ends to LB with help with that depth, but Harmon may see some early playing time on special teams and defense for that reason. Harmon also has the academic chops for Cal, recording a 4.0 GPA.

Harmon is a 2-star (5.4 Rivals Rating) linebacker who also had offers from Fresno State, San Jose State, and San Diego State.