Cal football lands John Gayer, JUCO defensive player of the year in California
The California Golden Bears might have found a havoc maker in their backyard of San Mateo.
The California Golden Bears landed perhaps one of the biggest diamonds in the junior college ranks as they continue to grab some of the best players from the College of San Mateo. With quarterback Dominic Ingrassia, tight end Simon Mapa, and edge Odera Okaka all committed, the Bears also landed productive outside linebacker John Gayer.
Gayer had a season to remember. Standing at 6-4, 245 pounds, he compiled 15.5 tackles and 21.5 tackles for loss, both stats topping the state of California in the junior college ranks (Hudl highlights). He also racked up 53 tackles (tied for first on the team) For his efforts, he ended up winning the honors for best defensive player in California and first team All-American. Gayer has three years of eligibility left to play two. Offers came in from UMass, Akron, and UTEP during this portal cycle. He originally hails from Sherman Oaks.
With Okaka, LeBron Williams, and Washington transfer Jayden Wayne joining Gayer, Cal has added quite a bit of edge talent in the 2025 class. The Bears are definitely looking to upgrade their pass rush profile in a hurry to continue to wreak havoc on opposing backfields.
Welcome to Cal John! Go Bears!
We love JUCO and we love transfers
Great pick up and he's local which means he's likely a California fan. The local stars should be the first people we recruit.Since they live here and it will be easy for them to get here and have their familiy here.