4-Star Football Recruits Todd Barr and Jason Gibson Commit To Cal

Prior to Sunday, Cal's 2011 recruiting class was struggling to keep pace with the likes of USC, Stanford, Washington and Oregon.

But after receiving commitments from 4-star defensive tackle Todd Barr, 4-star outside linebacker Jason Gibson and 4-star safety Avery Wall in the last couple of days, the Golden Bears suddenly have a group of prospects committed with the looks of a top 25 class. 

Barr and Gibson are especially strong recruits, with Barr ranking as the No. 9 defensive tackle in the country and Gibson ranking as the No. 12 linebacker regardless of position. 

Barr has the look of a defensive tackle, but moves like a big linebacker. At 6'3" and 265 lbs., Barr could wind up at defensive end depending on where he lands. 

A really potent pass rusher with a great motor, Barr can harass quarterbacks by penetrating through the middle or coming around from the backside.

Gibson, like a couple other top 25 linebackers, plays defensive end in high school, but his future looks to be at outside linebacker where he rates as one of the nation's top prospects. 

Gibson has the size, athleticism, speed and agility to be very successful at the next level. As a pass rusher he's a real force on the edge, and if he gets a good burst off the line of scrimmage, there's no blocking him.

Along with 4-star defensive tackle Mustafa Jalil, Barr and Gibson are the highlights of the recruiting class that has become very strong on the defensive side of the ball. 

Cal now holds seven 4-star commitments and eight 3-star commitments.

With 4-star quarterback Kyle Boehm, 4-star offensive guard Jordan Rigsbee and 4-star running back Daniel Lasco on the other side of the ball the Golden Bears 2011 class is shaping up to be very strong. 

Barr's commitment might put Cal out of the running for 5-star defensive tackle Viliami Moala though, now that the team has two prized recruits already onboard at the position. 

Cal was believed to be the favorite in the hunt for Moala prior to the commitment from Barr.