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With thousands
of high schools and junior colleges and the highest population in the
United States, California is one of the top states in producing Division
I football talent. A good third or more of all Pac-10 team rosters
are made up of players from California.
One of the
main obstacles faced when recruiting in California is going up against
Pac-10 foes USC, UCLA, California and Stanford for players. The Beavers
can't match USC's tradition or national presence nor can they match Stanford's
academics. Throw in the fact that all universities recruit California
and there is a lot of competition for highly regarded recruits.
Luckily,
there is a scholarship limit and with so many talented players there is
always a sleeper recruit that can slip through the cracks.
Climate is
an another obstacle as California has warmer, drier weather, but it is
also a negative with the pollution. The green landscape and clean air
of Oregon coupled with loads of outdoor activities is definitely a draw.
Population
can also work as a negative or positive as occasionally there is a player
that wants to get out of California away from the traffic and pollution.
On the other hand some athletes crave the spotlight and need to be around
a big town.
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