Is the third Cal Player in the last 3 years to declare early
Cameron Morrah, who stands 6-4, 245 pounds and started all 13 games this past year, tied for the second on the team with 27 catches for 326 yards. He caught eight touchdown passes in 2008 to set a Cal season record for tight ends. Morrah finished his Golden Bear career with 19 starts in 33 games, totaling 41 receptions for 484 yards and 10 scores.
"We work with NFL candidates to educate them on their prospects for the draft as well as the benefits for staying in college," head coach Jeff Tedford said. "I don't necessarily agree with the decision, but I am supportive of Cameron and hope that he is successful at the next level."
Morrah opened the 2008 campaign against Michigan State when he hauled in five passes for 93 yards, which included a career-long 50 yard catch plus a four-yard TD reception. He later put together a streak of five consecutive games with a score against Maryland, Colorado State, Arizona State, Arizona and UCLA.
As a sophomore, Morrah made 13 catches for 155 yards, starting four times and scoring his only TD of the year at Washington. He also saw action at tight end and on special teams in 10 games as a redshirt-freshman in 2006.
Morrah is the third Cal player in the last three years to declare early for the NFL Draft, following Marshawn Lynch (2007) and DeSean Jackson (2008).
Morrah’s statement:
“I would like to thank Coach Tedford, Coach Michalczik and Coach Alamar for
giving me the opportunity to come to Cal. In the past four years, I have
enjoyed my time at Cal, and it has meant so much for me to attend such a
great institution. To have the opportunity to experience the learning
environment that Cal offers educationally and athletically is something I
will take with me for the rest of my life. I realize the importance of
earning a Cal degree and I will make it a priority to complete the 14
units that I have left.
“I would also like to thank the whole coaching and academic staffs for
helping me develop as a student-athlete. Coming out of high school, it was
important for me to attend a college that ran a pro-style offense that
would help me prepare for the next level, and Coach Tedford's offense has
been a perfect fit for me.
“The decision to leave Cal has been a hard one for me. I have spent time
going over it with Coach Tedford, my family, and praying about it. My
Grandma's recent illness played a role in my decision to leave because she
means so much to me and my family. She has seen me play at every level and
it is important for me to try to give her the opportunity to see me play
at the next level. With that said, I would not have made this decision to
leave if I did not believe I was ready to be successful in the NFL.
“Once again, I would just like to thank everyone in the Cal family for
their support over the past four years, and I am looking forward to making
them proud in my future endeavors. Go Bears!”