QB Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele commits to Cal: “It’s just a surreal feeling”

BY MICHAEL LASQUERO
PUBLISHED JULY 9, 2024

From James Campbell High School to the University of California, Berkeley.

Quarterback Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele made his commitment to play for the Cal Golden Bears at Campbell’s gymnasium Monday afternoon before a crowd of nearly 100 people in an event that was livestreamed on 247Sports.

Sagapolutele, rated as the No. 1 prospect in the state for the class of 2025, said that the moment was a “surreal feeling.”

“I’m just happy that the process is finally over. I’m just able to lock in on one school,” said Sagapolutele. “It’s just truly a blessing from God that I was able to receive an opportunity and blessing like this.”

Cal won over the likes of Boise State, Oregon State and Utah State, who were in his final top four choices. Sagapolutele also recently picked up offers from Washington, Southern Methodist, Washington State and Colorado in recent weeks after a standout showing at the Elite 11 camp, the nation’s premier quarterback competition.

The left-handed signal-caller was able to see his future campus first hand during an official visit on June 20. Sagopolutele added that the Golden Bears’ “culture and coaching staff” with head coach Justin Wilcox, offensive coordinator Mike Bloesch and quarterbacks coach Sterlin Gilbert was a big deciding factor.

“Those guys, they recruited me hard ever since I received the offer. Just the whole coaching staff being able to come see me throw is just truly an honor and a blessing.”

During the livestream of the event, 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst 247Sports Greg Biggins raved about Sagapolutele’s arm talent and his potential at being an NFL quarterback someday. Sagapolutele now goes to a school that has produced NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Jared Goff.

“I’d say it’s truly a great blessing to be able to be compared and just be able to go to a school that’s produced high-caliber QBs,” Sagapolutele said. “Hopefully I can continue that style of play of high-caliber QBs. Hopefully I just do my thing and be the best QB out there.”

Sagapolutele said it was important to make a decision on his college future so he can lock in for his final season at Campbell.

“It’s definitely a burden off my shoulders now, definitely I just want to finish out my last year with the boys. I just want to make sure we’re locked in for the season. We’re all in this year. I’d say definitely our team bond is definitely tighter this year. We’ve been working hard. I’m just so grateful now that the process is done. I’m not going to be missing any more practices, I’m here and we’re going to try and make this run.”