Albert Joins 2015 Recruiting Class

Dec 19, 2014

BERKELEY – Cal head coach Sonny Dykes announced Friday that junior college transfer cornerback Antoine Albert (Diablo Valley College) has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Cal football program in January of 2015. Albert becomes the fourth member of the team’s 2015 recruiting class.

“It was important to address our needs at cornerback and we added a player today in Antoine Albert that gives us both size and length at that position,” Dykes said. “The thing that stands out most with him is that he’s a physical player.”

Albert was an All-American and two-time All-Conference selection who played for a pair of teams at Diablo Valley College in 2013 and 2014 that extended the school’s string of bowl games to five in a row. Albert earned preseason and midseason All-American honors as well as All-Bay League recognition in his second season as a starter during his 2014 sophomore campaign when he helped the Vikings to a 7-4 overall record. Albert was also an All-Mid-Empire Conference selection as a 2013 freshman and prepped locally at Oakland Tech High School where famous Cal alum and NFL standout Marshawn Lynch attended high school.

Fellow junior transfers safety Derron Williams-Brown (Mesa Community College) and defensive end DeVante Wilson (Riverside Community College) were announced Wednesday on the initial signing date for midyear junior college transfers. The signing period for prospective student-athletes enrolling for the 2015 spring semester runs through January 15, 2015. Albert and Wilson will be juniors for the 2015 season, while Williams-Brown comes in as a sophomore.

The trio joins high school quarterback Ross Bowers, who signed a financial aid agreement with Cal in September and will begin his collegiate career as a true freshman in January.

“They are all very high character kids that fit well into our program,” Dykes said. “We’re excited about their potential to improve our football team but most importantly to be good student-athletes, get their Cal degrees and be successful when they graduate.”

The regular signing period kicks off with 2015 National Signing Day on February 4 and runs through April 1.

2015 Cal Football Recruiting Class (as of December 19, 2014)
NAME (POS, HT, WT, YR, EXP – HOMETOWN/LAST SCHOOLS)
+Antoine Albert (CB, 6-1, 190, Jr., JC – Oakland, CA (Diablo Valley College/Oakland Tech HS) Ross Bowers (QB, 6-2, 185, Fr., HS – Bothell, WA/Bothell HS)
^Derron Williams-Brown (S, 6-2, 195, So., JC – Oakland, CA (Mesa Community College/Betty H. Fairfax HS)
^DeVante Wilson (DE, 6-5, 250, Jr., JC – Riverside, CA (Riverside Community College/USC/Corona HS)
+Announced December 19, 2014; ^Announced December 17, 2014; *Announced September 24, 2014

Antoine (an-TWAN) Albert, CB, 6-1, 190, Jr., JC
Oakland, CA (Diablo Valley College/Oakland Tech HS)
Albert was an All-American and two-time All-Conference selection who played for a pair of teams at Diablo Valley College in 2013 and 2014 that extended the school’s string of bowl games to five in a row. Albert earned preseason and midseason All-American honors as well as All-Bay League recognition in his second season as a starter during his 2014 sophomore campaign when he helped the Vikings to a 7-4 overall record. Albert was also an All-Mid-Empire Conference selection as a 2013 freshman and prepped locally at Oakland Tech High School where famous Cal alum and NFL standout Marshawn Lynch attended high school.

Diablo Valley College (2013-14)
► An All-American and two-time All-Conference selection who played for a pair of teams in 2013 and 2014 that extended the school’s string of bowl games to five in a row
► Compiled two-season totals of 74 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and 10 pass breakups
► Earned preseason and midseason All-American honors as well as All-Bay League recognition as a 2014 sophomore when he compiled 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss (-9 yards), one fumble recovery and a team-high-tying seven pass breakups as a 2014 sophomore for a squad that finished 7-4 overall and played in the East Bay Bowl
► Recorded a single-game career-high-tying seven tackles as a 2014 sophomore at San Mateo while his 2.0 tackles for loss (-3 yards) and one fumble recovery at Siskiyous were season and career-high-tying efforts, with his two pass breakups at Foothill also a career best
► Recorded 34 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss (-12 yards), 2.0 sacks (-9 yards), one forced fumble and three pass breakups as a 2013 freshman for a squad that won five of its last six regular-season games and played in the Bay Bowl
► Had a single-game career-high-tying seven tackles as a 2013 redshirt freshman at Santa Rosa, as well as a career-high 2.5 tackles for loss (-6 yards) and one his two career sacks (-4 yards) at Siskiyous with the other sack (-5 yards) coming against San Mateo as part of 1.5 tackles for loss (-6 yards)
► Wore No. 14 in both 2013 and 2014

Oakland Tech HS (Class of 2012)
► Played two seasons of prep football during his 2010 junior and 2011 senior campaigns, earning honorable mention All-City honors in Oakland as a junior
► Prepped at the same high school as famous Cal alum and NFL standout Marshawn Lynch

Other
► Born March 30, 1994
► Son of Oliver and Sandra Albert
► Has been clocked at 4.46 in the 40-yard dash, while Rivals has him at a 4.5
► Cousin of former Cal player Chris Little

What They Are Saying
► Sonny Dykes
“It was important to address our needs at cornerback and we added a player today in Antoine Albert that gives us both size and length at that position. The thing that stands out most with him is that he’s a physical player.”
► ESPN
“Albert shows good functional strength working positioning and retaining leverage. He knows how to utilize his physical tools. Blend of size and athleticism out on the perimeter is very coveted. Ball skills and awareness around the ball are excellent. He excels in one-on-one coverage. Shows he is a sure tackler and will deliver a blow upon contact.”

Ross Bowers, QB, 6-2, 185, Fr., HS
Bothell, WA (Bothell HS)
Highlights
Bowers is a four-star ESPN recruit that has led his team to its first Washington state title and also a KingCo crown as well as a current 14-0 record as a 2014 senior. The Cougars will play their final game of the season against Miami’s Central High School in the first annual Burger King State Champions Bowl Series on December 27 in Boca Raton, Fla. Bowers has completed 208-of-294 passes (70.7%) for 3228 yards with 37 touchdowns and six interceptions to earn first-team All-KingCo honors. He also produced one of the most viewed football plays ever in the state championship game when he landed on his feet in the end zone after a full flip over a defender to cap off a four-yard touchdown run. The play has been viewed by millions worldwide and is under consideration for Play of the Year after picking up multiple Play of the Week mentions.

Bothell HS (Class of 2015)
► A four-year letterwinner who took over as full-time starter as sophomore after sharing starting varsity job as true freshman
► Invited to the 2014 National Underclassman Senior All-American Bowl
► Has led team to its first ever Washington 4A state title as well as a KingCo District crown with a current perfect 14-0 overall and 8-0 district records as a 2014 senior with the squad on top of the state’s rankings and 38th nationally
► Has one game remaining in 2014 against Miami’s Central High School in the first annual Burger King State Champions Bowl Series to be televised on ESPNU on December 27 at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla.
► Produced one of the most viewed football plays ever in the state championship game when he landed on his feet in the end zone after a full flip over a defender to cap off a four-yard touchdown run, with the play having been viewed by millions worldwide and under consideration for Play of the Year after picking up multiple Play of the Week mentions
► Has completed 208-of-294 passes (70.7%) for 3228 yards with 37 touchdowns and seven interceptions over the first 14 games of his 2014 senior campaign to earn first-team All KingCo honors
► Completed 17-of-19 passes for 216 yards and one touchdown in the state finals to knock off defending champion Chiawana
► Also posted strong performances in playoff games in the first round vs. Eastlake (18-30, 244 yards, 4 TD), second round vs. Bellarmine (21-29, 305 yards, 1 TD) and state semifinals vs. Newport (12-15, 172 yards, 3 TD)
► Wore No. 20 in his final three games of the season as a tribute to injured teammate Sam McPherson, who suffered a season-ending injury in the team’s final regular season game and has missed the entire postseason
► Top regular-season performance as a senior came when he completed 18-of-19 passes for 333 yards and threw for a career-high five touchdowns as his school defeated Skyline for the first time since 2009 to clinch the KingCo 4A title
► Threw for three or more touchdown passes seven times as a senior, adding four scoring tosses against Newport and three each vs. Eastlake, Redmond and Woodinville in the regular season
► Passed for 2,097 yards and 25 touchdowns as a 2013 junior for a team that finished the season ranked fifth in the state, reached the 4A state quarterfinals and won a 4A KingCo Crest Division title with a 4-0 mark, registering a 9-3 overall record that included a win over a Coeur d’Alene High School squad that was the top-ranked team in Idaho when he threw for four touchdowns including the game-winning TD pass of 39 yards late in the fourth quarter
► Team posted a 6-5 overall record and was 4-0 in district play to win the KingCo Crest District title during his 2012 sophomore season before falling in the first round of the WIAA state playoffs in his first season as the full-time starting quarterback
► A part-time starter as a 2011 freshman for a team that finished 6-4 overall and was 4-1 in KingCo Crown District action
► Also a member of his school’s basketball team and 3.0 Club

Recruiting Rankings and Notes (Class of 2015)
► Stars: ESPN (4), 247Sports (3), 247Sports Composite (3), Rivals (3), Scout (3), Tom Lemming (3)
► National Overall Player Ratings: 247Sports Composite (522)
► National Quarterback Ratings (Pocket Passer): ESPN (13)
► National Quarterback Ratings (Pro-Style): Rivals (16), 247Sports Composite (22), 247Sports (24)
► National Quarterback Ratings: Scout (62)
► Regional Overall Player Ratings: ESPN (51)
► Washington Overall Player Ratings: ESPN (2), Rivals (8), Scout (9), 247Sports Composite (11), 247Sports (12)
► Ratings/Scout Grades: 247Sports (87), 247Sports Composite (0.8672), ESPN (80), Rivals (5.7)
► An Elite 11 finalist and participant at The Opening in 2014
► Won QB MVP honors at the 2014 Oregon Nike Football Training Camp
► Has also attended Elite 11 Regional events in Los Angeles and Oakland, as well as the Oakland NFTC in 2014 where he was named a top performer by Scout in addition to camps at Cal, Colorado State, UCLA and the Washington Rising Stars event, the NLA Elite 7on7 event in Las Vegas in 2013, and the Barton Football Academy and Barton Combine where he was named the top underclassman in 2012
► The ninth Elite 11 quarterback since 2003 to attend Cal and fourth in as many years following Luke Rubenzer (2013), Jared Goff (2012) and Zach Kline (2011)

Other
► Born November 19, 1996
► Son of James and Joanne Bowers
► Father recently finished his first season on the football coaching staff at his alma mater James Madison, while mother is the head women’s gymnastics coach at Washington
► Recorded a 4.28 20-yard shuttle run and 30.8” vertical in June of 2014

What They Are Saying
► Sonny Dykes
“We are excited to have Ross join the Cal football program. He’s exactly what we are looking for in a quarterback. He has shown great leadership and does all the things we want a quarterback to do. We’re excited about his future and what he will bring to our program. We’re also excited that he will join our team in January and be able to start learning the offense and get into the mix at the quarterback position.”
► ESPN
“This kid is flying way under the radar in our opinion. There are a lot of tools here and he has a very high ceiling for development. His best football is ahead of him.”
► Rivals
“He has a plus arm, and can zip the ball in or put some touch on it. The fact that his throws looked equally good when he was throwing a short, timing route like a slant or lofting the ball 40+ yards downfield was a pleasant surprise. He can also throw on the run, without having his feet set and being able to step into his throws, a testament to that arm strength. He also consistently shows the ability to put the ball where it needs to be, accurately and on time.”
“Bowers is a coach’s son, and that’s illustrated in how he plays. Couple that with a strong arm and it’s a very good thing.”
► Trent Dilfer
“Bowers is what I’m looking for in the fiercest of competitors. Nothing bothers this kid ... Ross has tremendous twitch in his body. He can challenge the entire field with his arm. He plays bigger than he is when you watch the tape.”
“A dynamic leader.”
► Scout
“Bowers has a good arm and can make all the throws.”

Derron (dur-RON) Williams-Brown, S, 6-2, 195, So., JC
Oakland, CA (Mesa Community College/Betty H. Fairfax HS)
Highlights
Williams-Brown has been ranked as high as No. 3 among junior college safeties in 2014 according to Scout. He was a second-team All-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference selection in his lone campaign at Mesa Community College as a true freshman in 2014, recording 48 tackles and 6.0 tackles for loss. Williams-Brown was also an All-Arizona selection as a prep in his 2012 junior season at Betty H. Fairfax High School before missing his entire 2013 senior campaign due to injury.

Mesa Community College (2014)
► Earned second-team All-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference honors as a true freshman in 2014 as he recorded 48 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, three interceptions and three pass breakups in nine games played, tying for the team lead in each category other than tackles and interceptions for a squad that finished 5-5 overall and 4-4 in the ACCAC
► Recorded a career-high-tying eight tackles twice (at Glendale, at Scottsdale) and picked up a career-high 5.0 tackles for loss vs. Arizona Western in his lone junior college season, while picks came against Pima, Eastern Arizona and New Mexico Military Institute (first two in back-to-back games), and forced fumble was at Glendale
► Wore No. 2

Betty H. Fairfax HS (Class of 2014)
► Missed his entire 2013 senior season due to injury when his squad was 7-3 overall and 7-1 II Section I games
► A first-team Arizona Central All-State selection as a 2012 junior when he recorded 46 tackles and five interceptions that he returned for 178 yards to go along with three pass breakups and one fumble recovery for a team that finished 7-4 overall, 4-3 in II Section I games and reached the first round of the AIA state playoffs
► Added 1,097 all-purpose yards as a junior with 23 receptions for 667 yards and a 29.0 yards per reception average with nearly half (11) of his receptions going for scores and two rushes for 12 yards, as well as eight kick returns for 223 yards (27.9 ypr) including a 95-yard touchdown against Kellis, one punt return for 17 yards and one blocked punt on special teams
► Scored at least one receiving touchdown in each of the team’s first seven games and eight of 11 contests overall as a junior, including three consecutive two-touchdown reception games against La Joya Community, O’Connor and Tolleson, adding a third score against each of the latter two on interception returns of 42 and 60 yards, respectively
► Had single-game career bests as a junior of eight tackles (Millennium, South Mountain), 107 yards receiving (La Joya Community), and five receptions (87 yards) and 162 all-purpose yards (Independence)
► Contributed 34 tackles, five interceptions and four pass breakups as a 2011 sophomore
► Also ran track and field (100 meters, 4x100 meters) and was on the Phoenix Union High School District winning 4x100 meter team (43.18) as a 2014 senior

Junior College Recruiting Rankings and Notes (Class of 2015)
► Stars: ESPN (3), Rivals (3), Scout (2)
► National Safety Ratings: ESPN (10)
► Ratings/Scout Grades: ESPN (75), Rivals (5.5)
► Ranked as high as the No. 3 junior college safety in the nation at one point during the 2014 campaign

High School Recruiting Rankings and Notes (Class of 2014)
► Stars: 247Sports (2), 247Sports Composite (2)
► National Overall Player Ratings: 247Sports Composite (3161)
► National Athlete Ratings: 247Sports Composite (244), 247Sports (284)
► Arizona Overall Player Ratings: 247Sports (50), 247 Sports Composite (68)
► Ratings/Scout Grades: 247Sports Composite (0.73333), 247Sports (70)
► Ranked No. 48 among the top players in the state of Arizona by Arizona Varsity heading into his 2013 senior season, while he was No. 22 by the same publication in the summer of 2013
► Ranked as the No. 11 defensive back and No. 16 wide receiver heading into his senior season by Scout
► A member of the school’s Dean’s List as a senior in 2013-14

Other
► Full name is Derron Rene Williams-Brown
► Born December 26, 1995
► Son of Robert Brown and Krissaundra Williams
► Has been clocked at 4.45 in the 40-yard dash according to Bear Insider, while ESPN and Hudl have him at 4.63 with a 33.5 in the power throw
► Born in Oakland and still has family in the area
► Moved to Arizona in the seventh grade
► Friends with current Cal cornerback A.J. Greathouse

What They Are Saying
► Derron Williams-Brown
“The reasons I chose to sign with Cal is because of the family-like atmosphere and the combination between its amazing academics and great football program with coaches who I plan to learn a lot from. I feel Cal will help me excel in many areas of my life, especially the classroom and on the field. I am extremely blessed to have an opportunity to play for the Bears and I can’t wait to contribute.”
► Sonny Dykes
“Derron gives us an athletic safety that is physical, has good length, and can run sideline to sideline and make plays. He’s also a good tackler.”
► Ryan Felker (Mesa Community College Head Coach)
“We loved him earlier in high school as a receiver. He has great hands and ball skills. But he has just great upside as a DB.”
► Chenelle Jones (Mesa Community College Defensive Coordinator)
“Derron’s a very good football player. His ceiling is really high. I think he’s going to be a very good Pac-12 football player. He has a chance to be one of those elite players in the top echelon of the conference. I think the best part of his transition to Pac-12 ball is being able to come into Cal in the spring to learn the system and get adjusted. He’ll be able to do whatever Cal needs him to do, whether it’s hit somebody or cover somebody. The sky’s the limit for this kid.”
► ESPN
“Overall, Williams-Brown displays a productive skillset and gets the most out of his physical tools. He has a good upside if he can continue to add size and speed.”
“Williams-Brown is a well-rounded safety prospect with a good blend of size, athleticism and range. He is instructive as well – gets a good jump on the football in both run and pass support. He runs well, pursues faster than 40-time would indicate. He shows solid deep ball range, tracking and ball skills. Solid tackling skills.”

DeVante Wilson, DE, 6-5, 250, Jr., JC
Corona, CA (Riverside Community College/USC/Corona HS)
Highlights
Wilson was a Prepstar All-American as a 2010 senior and a four-star recruit in the 2011 class from Corona High School after a prep career that included 192 tackles and 11.5 sacks over three campaigns (2008-10). Wilson missed the 2011 season and spent the 2012 campaign at USC but injuries kept him on the sidelines both years and necessitated a transfer to Riverside Community College for the 2013 and 2014 campaigns. Wilson returned to form as a 2014 sophomore when he recorded 36 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss (-41 yards) and 3.0 sacks (-18 yards) to earn first-team All-Southern California Football Association National Central League honors for a 10-2 team that reached the Southern California Regional final.

Riverside Community College (2013-14)
► Played in all 12 games and earned first-team All-Southern California Football Association National Central League honors as a sophomore in 2014 when he recorded 36 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss (-41 yards), 3.0 sacks (-18 yards), one fumble recovery that he returned 34 yards for a touchdown and two pass breakups
► Sophomore team finished 10-2 overall, registered a 6-0 record in SCFA National Central League action to win a league crown and reached the Southern California Regional final before falling as the No. 1 seed with a loss that snapped a 31-game home win streak dating back to 2010
► Recorded single-game career highs as a sophomore of 2.5 tackles for loss (also a career-high -9 yards) vs. Citrus, one solo sack (Fullerton) and six tackles (Saddleback), also picking up his fumble recovery and 34-yard touchdown return against Saddleback
► Had at least 0.5 tackles for loss in 10 consecutive games at one point in his sophomore season as well as at least a half sack in three straight
► Played in five games and compiled nine tackles and 1.0 tackle for loss (-1 yard) as a 2013 freshman when his squad also finished 10-2 overall, 6-0 in the SFCA National Central League to win a league crown and won the Southern California Bowl before falling to Fullerton in the SCFA Championship Game
► Wore No. 95 both seasons

USC (2012)
► Began his collegiate career at USC in the spring of 2012 but suffered a knee injury during his first training camp in August
► Originally signed at USC in February of 2011 and was set to enroll for the 2011 fall semester but took that semester off while recuperating from a knee injury

Corona HS (Class of 2011)
► Compiled three-year prep totals of 192 tackles and 11.5 sacks
► Earned Prep Star All-American, Super Prep All-Farwest, Prep Star All-West, All-Area and All-Big VIII League first-team honors as a 2010 senior when he had 59 tackles, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble, while adding one catch for 12 yards for a first-round playoff team
► Had the top three games of his senior season against Norco (season-high 13 tackles, 2.0 sacks), JW North (11 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and Temecula Valley (career-high 3.0 sacks, forced fumble)
► Picked up All-CIF Inland Division Section, All-Big VIII and second-team Riverside Press-Enterprise All-Riverside selections as a 2009 junior when he had 84 tackles, 1.0 sack, two quarterback hurries, two passes defended and two forced fumbles, while also returning three kicks for 80 yards
► Recorded a career-high 20 tackles as a junior against Poly, while adding 17 stops against Arlington with forced fumbles coming against JW North and Roosevelt
► Had 49 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, two passes defended and three quarterback hurries as a 2008 sophomore
► Recorded a season-high 12 tackles against Poly during his sophomore campaign
► Wore No. 11

Junior College Recruiting Rankings and Notes (Class of 2015)
► Stars: 247 Sports (3), 247 Sports Composite (3), ESPN (3), Rivals (3), Scout (3)
► National Overall Player Ratings: 247Sports (124), 247Sports Composite (146)
► National Defensive End Ratings: ESPN (9)
► National Strong-Side Defensive End Ratings: 247Sports (12), 247Sports Composite (12)
► California Overall Player Ratings: 247Sports (32), 247 Sports Composite (41)
► Ratings/Scout Grades: 247Sports (81), 247 Sports Composite (0.8033), ESPN (74), Rivals (5.5)
► On the JCGridiron.com watch list for strongside defensive ends prior to his 2014 sophomore campaign
► Named to the 2015 ESPN Junior College Watch List in October of 2014

High School Recruiting Rankings and Notes (Class of 2011)
► Stars: Scout (4), ESPN (3), Rivals (3)
► National Defensive End Ratings: ESPN (128)
► National Weakside Defensive End Ratings: Rivals (20)
► Regional Overall Player Ratings: ESPN (148)
► California Overall Player Ratings: Rivals (38), ESPN (98)
► Ratings/Scout Grades: ESPN (76), Rivals (5.7)
► On a MaxPreps Watch List of the nation’s top 100 players prior to his 2009 junior season

Other
► Full name is DeVante Euguen Wilson
► Born December 15, 1992
► Son of Gregory and Cynthia Madden Wilson
► The father of a newborn daughter, Avery Denell Wilson
► Has run a 4.6 40-yard dash according to Rivals
► Camped at Cal and Colorado with high school team
► Attended the Oakland NFTC in 2010

What They Are Saying
► DeVante Wilson
“I chose Cal because it’s closest to home, the degree will set me and my family up for life, and the opportunity to come and play right away was very appealing.”
► Sonny Dykes
“I feel like DeVante Wilson gives us an athletic, long and explosive pass rusher who is going to make us instantly better.”
► ESPN
“Wilson is a solid prospect and is similar in many ways to the prospect he was coming out of high school with better size.”
“Excellent size. Displays ability to come off ball with pad level and flashes good fight at point of attack. As pass rusher has good length and is active with his hands. Is a solid wrap-up tackler.”

Albert Joins 2015 Recruiting Class

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