Marquez Dortch didn't necessarily want to stay close to home in picking a college initially, but at that time the only program recruiting him as a wide receiver -- rather than a defensive back -- was in-state Mississippi State.
After appearing in one game last season as a true freshman for the Bulldogs, Dortch entered the transfer portal last month and had no inhibitions about relocating across the country this time, especially once the Cal coaches made it clear how much potential they saw in him as a pass-catcher.
He committed during his official visit to Berkeley over the weekend and announced the decision on Twitter on Monday afternoon.
"They was on me the most, contacting me every day, making sure I was straight about it. They were the first ones that tried to plan the OV, so I felt like there was a lot of love coming from them," Dortch told Golden Bear Report later Monday evening.
"Seeing the depth chart of the receivers there, there's not too many receivers there already, so I feel I can come in, work."
All Dortch has wanted this whole time was a chance to prove to everybody that he's a natural playmaker on the offensive side of the ball.
Dortch, who is listed at 6-foot, 165 pounds, had 41 catches for 660 yards and 7 touchdowns plus a kickoff return touchdown as a senior at George County High School in Lucedale, Mississippi, before signing with the in-state Bulldogs. He was a four-star prospect and the No. 12-ranked ATH in the 2022 recruiting class.
"Coming out of high school, to be honest, I always wanted to leave the state and go far away, but my offer situation, all the other schools offered me at DB. Mississippi State was the only school to offer me as a receiver," Dortch said. "... I want to prove to everybody -- it's my biggest main focus, prove to everybody that they should have recruited me as a receiver instead of a DB. It's really a chip on my shoulder."
He said in talking with Cal offensive coordinator Jake Spavital, he saw a lot of similarities to the offense Mississippi State ran under Mike Leach last season, and he feels confident he can make a smooth transition to the Bears' scheme.
In terms of how Cal plans to use him, Dortch said "inside and outside, kick returns, special teams, all that."
Asked for his self-assessment of his strengths as a wide receiver, he said, "I've got great speed and once the ball is in my hand I can find green grass and get up the field instantly."
Because he only played in one game for the Bulldogs, Dortch still has four years of eligibility to develop and contribute for the Bears, who are looking for playmakers to emerge alongside top returning receivers Jeremiah Hunter, Mavin Anderson and Monroe Young.
Cal brought in Illinois WR transfer Brian Hightower in the winter, but he was limited throughout spring practice due to injury. The Bears also signed JUCO WR Marquis Montgomery and three-star freshman Nyziah Hunter, who both will join the program this summer.
Cal was down several receivers in spring due to injury, so the competition within the unit should be among the more intriguing storylines in fall camp once all the pieces are in place.
And within that group, Dortch certainly brings a lot of intrigue given his raw athleticism and former four-star recruit status.
UConn, South Alabama and Southern Miss were other programs showing strong interest in Dortch, but Cal was the only school he visited and he was sold before he left Berkeley.
The connection he built with Bears wide receivers coach Burl Toler played a key role in the final decision as well.
"He's real cool. As soon as the first time he offered me, we clicked instantly. Everything was like serious about business, but you could tell we meshed with each other," Dortch said.
Cal has remained aggressive in the transfer portal during this post-spring window, looking to address remaining needs on the roster.
That started last month with the additions of San Diego State safety transfer Patrick McMorris and NC State quarterback transfer Ben Finley, and Dortch likely won't be the last addition.
Cal also hosted two other transfer targets over the weekend in Texas A&M center Matthew Wykoff and Missouri cornerback Marcus Scott II.
