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.

• LB Nick Barnett (A.B. Miller HS) - First team All-Pac-10, starting linebacker for Green Bay Packers
• WR James Newson (Edison HS) - Held almost all of OSU's receiving records at the end of his career
• CB Dennis Weathersby (Duarte) - Four time All-American and two time first team All-Pac-10 selection
• DT Eric Manning (Dominguez) - First team All-Pac-10 selection, started 36 straight games
• RB Ken Simonton (Pittsburgh HS) - held most of OSU's rushing records at the end of his career, All-American, Heisman Trophy candidate