No. 1 2016 WR Demetris Robertson Picks Cal, Has Skills to Make Immediate Impact

Some recruiting processes feel like marathons. In the case of Demetris Robertson, marathon would be an understatement. 

For months, the recruiting world was held in limbo as Robertson not only took his time with his decision, but also opted to wait almost two months after the Feb. 3 national signing day to announce his destination.

The wait proved to be worth it for University of California fans when Robertson, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, announced Sunday afternoon his plans to attend the school and play for coach Sonny Dykes and the Golden Bears.

"The education was a big part of my decision. I wanted to keep that foundation," Robertson said during his press conference, which was streamed online. "When I went there, it felt like home. Me and the coaching staff have a great relationship. That's where I felt were the best of all things for me."

Three days after seeing one of its most decorated players, quarterback Jared Goff, named the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL draft, Cal will continue celebrating after landing the top-ranked receiver of the 2016 class. Sunday's decision put an exclamation mark on Cal's 2016 class, as Robertson chose the Golden Bears over Georgia, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Stanford and other programs.

The verbal commitment ended a long standing of questioning from those closely following Robertson's process. The Savannah, Georgia, standout now will team up with 4-star all-purpose back Melquise Stovall and others in the Pac-12.

"

5-star receiver Demetris Robertson is headed to @Cal @CalFootball! https://t.co/c679y1z4a7 pic.twitter.com/l7XcsmWhL6

— 11Alive Sports (@11AliveSports) May 1, 2016"

On Friday, Andrew Ivins of Rivals.com reported the decision was one Robertson and his brother and legal guardian Carlos Robertson said wasn't easy. 

Kipp Adams of 247Sports has been following Robertson's recruitment closely for months. Adams said the Golden Bears will receive an immediate-impact player and someone who can be a household name in the Pac-12.

"We [at 247Sports] named Demetris Robertson as the No. 1 wide receiver in the country, and he showed why during practice for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, stretching the field and making a ton of plays in space," Adams said. "His body control and concentration are stellar, and while he does not display elite change of direction at this stage, he does show promise as a vertical threat at the next level."

Robertson is a big get for a Cal class that signed four wide receivers in February. The Bears offense is one that loves to spread the ball to multiple receivers, and with his talent, Robertson could be an immediate go-to option as a freshman, even with the existing talent already in Berkeley. 

Cal's 2016 class includes Stovall, quarterback Max Gilliam and wide receiver Jordan Duncan—three offensive threats who already are on campus as early enrollees. Robertson, who is roughly 6'0" and 175 pounds, gives Cal another powerful option for its dangerous offense.

Adams said Robertson reminded him of former USC and current Philadelphia Eagles receiver Nelson Agholor, primarily because of his frame, athleticism and ability to attack a defense. Robertson can be called upon to play outside receiver or slot receiver, and he is a major threat as a punt returner and kickoff returner.

Robertson signed financial aid agreement forms with Cal, Georgia and Georgia Tech, and many felt the race was down to one of those three schools. Financial aid agreements bind a school to providing aid for an athlete. However, athletes who sign those agreements aren't required to attend a school. Only a national letter of intent binds an athlete to a school, but Robertson missed the deadline to sign.

Robertson and Cal will now work out a financial agreement, and Robertson is expected to join the team this summer, thus concluding a wild yet exciting recruiting process—one the Cal faithful are happy to see fall in their favor.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand, unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles