Three-star offensive guard (ranked No. 23 by Scout.com) Mitchell Schwartz (6-5, 300, 5.3), from Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades, Calif., announced his commitment to California today, as previously reported. His other choices were No. 2 Virginia, followed by Stanford and Oregon.
"I knew the day before Christmas that I was going to commit to California," Schwartz said. "It was a very hard decision to make. California and Virginia were very similar with good academics and football programs. California was the best choice for me. I had a good feeling, felt more stability and most comfortable there. The weather and location is great. If I just want to get away from everything, I can go to San Francisco or Oakland."
"I am committed 100% to California." Schwartz said. "Coaches (Jeff) Tedford and (Ron) Gould (running backs) were very honest and have good coaching and track records. The football team didn't have a great history of winning. But when Coach Tedford took over five years ago, they (immediately) had two 10 win seasons."
"I didn't like Stanford because they went through three or four coaches in four seasons," Schwartz said. "They just hired a new coach (Jim Harbaugh) two weeks ago.
"I am not going to visit them (Stanford) or make any other officials visits," he said. "There are no other reasons to visit. I have made up my mind and nothing will change my decision."
"It would be cool if I can play against my brother Geoff Schwartz, who is an offensive lineman for Oregon," Schwartz said. "I don't know who is better between us, but I think it would be fun to play against him."
Palisades Charter finished 5-6, losing in the first round of playoffs.
Schwartz reports a 4.3 core GPA and a 34 ACT.