Taariq Johnson on his Cal commitment

Taariq Johnson committed to Cal shortly after an unofficial visit to Berkeley. We caught up with the four-star Buena Park wideout to talk about this visit and his commitment.

Johnson visited with his dad on April 1, taking in campus and a spring practice. Having visited as a freshman, he liked everything he saw just as much this time around.

"The visit went great. This was my second time being there. Everything is still as I remembered it, and I just love the school as a whole."

After taking a couple days to mull things over, Johnson committed two days after his trip, becoming the second commit of Cal's 2017 class. Why was now the time? Turns out Johnson had always had a soft spot for the Golden Bears.

"I had liked Cal for years. It was kind of always that dream school for me. That never changed either, ever since a visit my freshman year. I just never told anyone."

"I've said it before and I'll say it again; it's important for me to have an equal balance in academics and athletics. Cal offers that."

Practice showed Johnson what to expect on the athletic side, and he liked what he saw.

"I like what Cal is doing in the system. I can see something special coming out of the program. Something I can be a part of."

The highlight for Johnson on his visit, and the thing that primarily helped him feel comofprtable and ready to make a commitment, was his time spent with Cal's coaching staff...primarily lead recruiter and Inside Receivers Coach Jacob Peeler.

"I had a lot of time with the staff. I've gotten really close with them and just that was a great experience on its own."

"I didn't see anything new or that pushed me. It had always felt like the place for me."

As for where the 6'3", 210 pound Johnson may be deployed, Cal sees a lot of flexibility and versatility in Johnson's skillset. And he appreciates that.

"The whole thing about Cal is I get the freedom to play both the inside and outside like I've wanted to. I was told I can play the versatile role in Cal's system, both in the slot and outside."

So how did the staff take the news when he informed them of his plans to commit?

"They were ecstatic, just like I was. It was mutual excitement and I hope to continue a great relationship with them."

Ultimately Cal beat out Nebraska, Maryland, Arizona, Mississippi State and Michigan as the schools most closely vying with the Bears for Johnson's commitment amongst his almost 20 scholarship offers. He's ready to get to work.

"I'm just a hard working guy that comes to play. I'll help out in any system."