Harbor junior Whiteside confirms he’s going to Cal

Newport Harbor High junior Cecil Whiteside has verbally committed to Cal, he confirmed Saturday.

The two-time All-Newport-Mesa Defensive Player of the Year said he made his commitment Thursday after an unofficial visit earlier in the week. Nebraska, Texas A&M;, Washington, San Diego State, Utah and Colorado have made offers to the 6-foot-3, 225-pound linebacker, while USC and UCLA have also shown interest, among others.

“They stress school a lot,” Whiteside said of the Golden Bears. “I would like to graduate from college. The Cal degree is strong. And the football program is good, and when you combine the two you really can’t go wrong with that.”

Whiteside said he will still continue his recruiting process just in case he doesn’t qualify for Cal. He plans to take official visits to the University of Colorado, USC and Virginia. A standout in the discus, he said he wants to compete in the event at Cal.

— Steve Virgen