Looks like Del Real had an offer from San Diego also and took visits to quite a few other schools. Good size...maybe a sleeper like Doss was...

Davis has always had pretty good TE play (remember Daniel Fells?), and a TE dragging deep across the formation has been a staple of the UCD offense since Biggs was throwing to Mike Belotti in the Miracle Game. :)

I watched Del Real's hudl highlights... and the kid is FAST.

I agree with CA. Del Real appears to be the real deal. Pun intended. Really surprised we landed this kid. Although I will say that I think Noa Masui is the biggest catch of this year. His size reminds me a lot of Mike Wise when he came in as a Freshman at 6’6 220 and left at 6’8” and 40# heavier four years later. If he is as fast as Wise. . . . Well we can all hope, but that would be great for the program.

NFL.com says he was 6'6", 275.

not to mention last years top LB Airey. Secondary will be solid. DE hopefully can get some pressure this season!

By the way, the schedule is final and on the web page. San Diego at home week 2. 11 games, 2 byes.

Did anybody go to the signing day event and hear Hawk talk about these recruits?

I was there as well as Dr. Mike. My impression was that the turnout was lower then last year. And Hawk as always keeps details tight. But he seemed especially pleases with the receivers. Of course the QB situation is on everyones mind. And he brought it up, only to say Coach Plough will be busy working with the candidates.

On a side note, the athletics dept in general is very engaging, and my wife and i always enjoy these events. Helps us when its time to open up the wallet, lol.

Hawk describes the class as 'dynamic' in terms of athletic ability (lots of multisport athletics, and guys who play on both sides of the ball) and personality (eagle scouts, thick off-field resumes, high GPA's). didn't go into much detail about individuals besides the big nose tackle and the LB from San Francisco (QB/LB, very athletic). Said to expect a few more signings in the February time frame. Also said they were really excited about the walk-ons, who they can't mention.

as for the turnout? i was pleasantly surprised by the size of the crowd given the weather and timing (Christmas is coming!). I can't remember if last year was in december or february. agree with Agalum that department staff and the coaching staff makes a point to engage with people, not just the big donors. makes for a lively night.

Even though Idaho is a small state, Larison made an impression there.

Within this article on Idaho players signing yesterday https://magicvalley.com/sports/college/bsu/the-best-player-in-the-state-decides-to-stay-home/article_260788d8-045d-519b-8f6a-7e22065370b8.html there is the quote:

“He plays with a reckless abandon that is rare in football now,” Cody Hawkins, UC Davis’ wide receivers coach, told IdahoSports.com . “I told him, ‘You could run the ball and win us a national championship tomorrow.’ ”

Abe Del Real Hudl: Highlight Link

Chico QB not bad either. Did he get signed anywhere?

A news article I read stated he's only a junior.

I always wonder how players from smaller areas do when the comp increases. We know a player like Luuga was already tested.

Nate Rutchena committed to Cal.

It's been almost a whole month since the last update! But we have a commitment for the later signing period!

OL Brendan Tuholski from De La Salle

6'3", 245#s.

Nohl Williams commits to UNLV

Boom and just like that another commit!

LS/C Tony Villarreal out of Mission Viejo!

Commit Summary:

Offense - 11 + 1 PWO

Defense - 5 + 2 PWO

ATH -1

LS / O - 1

New offer!

ATH Markeece Alexander out of Redondo Union HS! GO AGS!

New offer!

DL 6'4 310 Anthony Mermea from Southwestern Community College. 3 star bounce back from University of Hawaii.

The kind of addition we need to make a playoff run (if he can compete).

RB Payton Dixon*** to transfer to Davis.

Reno-Gazette: Bishop Manogue grad Dixon to sign with UC Davis for football

"Dixon signed with Fresno State out of high school. He injured his knee last August and did not play for the Bulldogs.

"After Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford announced he was leaving the Bulldogs, due to health reasons, Dixon pout his name in the transfer portal.

"His father, Diaz Dixon, said Peyton Dixon will sign officially with UC Davis on Friday."

"Dixon ran for 3,143 yards and 49 touchdowns as a senior at Manogue and helped lead the Miners to the Northern 4A Regional championship in 2018."

https://www.rgj.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/01/22/bishop-manogue-peyton-dixon-transfers-fresno-state-uc-davis-football/4546633002/

If true, that should add depth & youth at RB.

That is a huge signing

Given his injury, he may have 4 years eligibility left.

"Dixon, who signed with Fresno State over offers from Nevada, UNLV and Wyoming, among others, injured his meniscus on the final day of fall camp with the Bulldogs. He's already undergone surgery and rehab is expected to last 6 months."

http://nevadasportsnet.com/news/reporters/manogue-alum-peyton-dixon-now-at-fresno-state-out-for-season-after-knee-surgery

Tape

https://youtu.be/Y1qBlMYE8N4

Hopefully our running backs can stay healthy this upcoming season. Gilliam really became a workhorse. Being able to cycle guys and keep em fresh should help the offense immensely.

I’m in my 70’s and just had meniscus surgery 3 months ago and I am 100% fine now. It is a very minor outpatient arthroscopic procedure that takes about 30 minutes. Great signing and he will be a great RB for us. Big and fast. No worries on that injury.

Davis native DL Marquist Allen commits to Dartmouth over a PWO from Davis.