High School Football: CdM’s Garbers commits to Cal
Corona del Mar High junior quarterback Chase Garbers committed to Cal on Tuesday, citing the Golden Bears’ history with quarterbacks and its prestigious academic reputation.
“It feels awesome to be a part of the Cal family,” Garbers said via text. “[Cal is] is the No. 1 public business school. Since 1960, [the Golden Bears have] had six first-round quarterbacks … so they know what they’re doing [at] my position.
“I really connected well with the coaches and I really like the offense and the program with Coach [Sonny] Dykes and [offensive coordinator Jake] Spavital. The school puts me in position to succeed on and off the field.”
Garbers, the Daily Pilot Newport-Mesa Football Dream Team Player of the Year, is the No. 13-ranked quarterback for the Class of 2017 by Rivals.com and No. 34 by Scout.com. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder said he also had offers from Boise State, Washington, Vanderbilt, the University of Mississippi, Boston College, Washington State, Arizona State, Wake Forest, Colorado State, Purdue, Hawaii, Illinois, Yale, Brown and Cornell.
Garbers is coming off a record-breaking year with the Sea Kings, leading them to quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section Southwest Division playoffs last year. His 2,715 yards and 33 touchdowns through the air are both CdM single-season records, and he only threw three interceptions.
Garbers said he was glad to commit to a college program before the Sea Kings begin practice in August. He can focus on the upcoming season, when he hopes to bring a CIF State title to CdM, which last won one three years ago.
“What we’re doing at Cal is special,” Garbers said. “We’re heating up to put a Pac-12 Championship back at Berkeley, and the final goal [is to win] a national championship.”
