Cal lands Utah defensive end Xavier Carlton in transfer portal, QB Jack Plummer confirms too

Two huge pickups for the Bears.

After entering the transfer portal earlier this month, Utah transfer defensive end Xavier Carlton has chosen the California Golden Bears.

Carlton played in 11 games this season, started twice. He produced 18 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, a quarterback hit and one pass breakup backing up Mika Tafua with the Utes.

Xavier T. Carlton @xaviercarlton44

Thank you for all your support. It was a tough decision and my family and I decided that Cal Berkeley is where I will continue my academic and athletic pursuit of excellence. Go Bears!!!!!!!!!

Carlton was a four-star prospect out of college and was recruited strongly by the Bears, and really enjoyed his visit.

Xavier T. Carlton @xaviercarlton44

Feeling beyond blessed! Had a great unofficial visit @ Cal today! Thanks to all of the coaches & staff for an amazing visit & letting me experience what it means to be a Cal Bear 🐻🐻🐻!#GOBEARS @CalFootball @TimDeRuyter @CoachTuioti92 @CalCoachEdwards @hsweinberger @CNicol_Cal

Carlton joins a crowded battle for playing time at defensive end. Ethan Saunders, Jaedon Roberts, Darius Long all figure to vie for playing time, and the young freshmen Derek Wilkins and Akili Calhoun are expected to enter the fray. (click here for part 2 of his highlight reel)

Xavier T. Carlton @xaviercarlton44

Wanted to say thank you to everybody for all the support and love.

This is Cal’s third big pickup in the transfer portal this cycle. As expected, quarterback Jack Plummer officially announced his commitment to the Bears after transferring from Purdue.

Jack Plummer @Jackplummer13

Next chapter! Let’s get it 🐻

Plummer will definitely be in the mix for the starting job with Kai Milner and Zach Johnson—he has the most game experience, and started plenty at Purdue with effective stats.

Linebacker Jackson Sirmon also has come down from Washington after leading the Huskies in tackles..