Cal WR transfer targets: Marquez Dortch visits, Montana Lemonious-Craig, Dylan Goffney, EJ Horton offered

Cal is looking for new wide receivers in the transfer portal to replace J.Michael Sturdivant.

Cal had two big transfer priority positions. They’re still trying to find an impact offensive lineman; offers are out but no commits have landed for the portal (although one has come for 2024). Cal did find a quarterback in Ben Finley from North Carolina State.

But another place the Bears are urgently trying to get better at is wide receiver, as Burl Toler looks for added depth. J.Michael Sturdivant, reportedly thriving at UCLA this spring, is just not an easy player to replace. Illinois transfer Brian Hightower was limited this spring, so Cal still doesn’t quite have the talent infusion needed to thrive.

Cal has handed out some portal offers to try and improve. Here’s a look at some potential Bears.

Mississippi State wide receiver Marquez Dortch

(Above announcement via Marquez’s Twitter)

Dortch got offered by Cal recently and is on an official visit this weekend to Berkeley. He was recruited for the Air Raid with the Bulldogs and could be a good fit in the Air Raid. Dortch saw minimal action last year with Mississippi State, but this scouting report from 247Sports sounds promising.

Experience all over the field and could project as a high major-caliber receiver or defensive back. Also provides special teams value. Natural playmaker with good functional athleticism. Shows above average acceleration and good top-end field speed. Sudden and slippery in tight quarters. Elusive in the screen game and dangerous as a run-after-catch threat. Displays encouraging route snap and combines that with speed to foster separation, whether short, intermediate, or deep. Multi-sport athletic foundation that includes a strong 10.92 100-meter time and a 22-8 long jump.

Other portal offers include Tulsa, UConn, Southern Alabama, Coastal Carolina.

Colorado wide receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig

(Above announcement via Montana’s Twitter)

Lemonious-Craig was one of many Buffs to enter the portal as Deion Sanders forcefully turned over their roster. He put up 23 receptions for 359 yards and three touchdowns last season, including the game-winning score for their only win against Cal.

Cal has offered, but so has Tulane, UConn, USF, Liberty, Washington State, Arizona, Colorado State, Penn State, Auburn, Arkansas, Oregon State, Cincinnati, BYU, Mississippi State, San Diego State, West Virginia, and Purdue. Safe to say the interest is strong from just about everywhere.

SMU wide receiver Dylan Goffney

(Above announcement via Goffney’s Twitter)

The junior wide receiver from the Mustangs has put up 32 catches, 500 yards and two touchdowns in his career in SMU. Last year, Goffney totalled 18 catches for 369 yards. Early offers include Cincinnati, Fresno State, Colorado State, Arizona State, San Diego State, Louisiana Monroe.

Marshall wide receiver E.J. Horton

Horton entered the portal earlier this month (highlights here). He caught 12 passes for 186 yards in 2022 with the Thundering Herd. He could prove to be a valuable addition to any roster with his speed in the open field. Cal was one of the first major programs to offer. Horton has visited Colorado and Mississippi State and Liberty has also offered.