Even after he committed to USC back in May, the University of California remained convinced that they were the place where Birmingham (Van Nuys, CA) running back belonged and always made it clear that Trajuan Briggs had a home in Berkeley if he decided to change his plans.
This past weekend, the Bears' persistence paid off as Briggs paid a visit to Cal along with a host of some of the top recruits in the nation.
"Honestly, I just really love Berkeley," said Briggs. "It was a great time and I just really felt happy there. It just really blew me away.
"I know Cal's a school where I'd really have to apply myself but I just have the impression that, not only am I going to be happier and more satisfied there, also I know I'd be able to concentrate more and be able to take care of my work more reliably there.
"It's a great vibe for me up there. I love it."
After a big junior season where the powerful Briggs ran for 1,513 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground and two more through the air, injuries kept him off the field for much of his senior season, though he is healthy now after rest and rehab.
One of Briggs' main reasons for committing to the Trojans after being so high on Cal when he received his first written offer from them was a desire to keep family happy by staying close to home. But his second trip up to Berkeley caused him to continue to reconsider his earlier decision.
"Family's going to always be there," said Briggs. "I know they're not going to make it to every home game and everything, but I know that as long as they try to make what they can and keep it real with me, I was going to be better as a person and it was going to work out better for me up there.
"I'm trying my best to keep everyone happy but it makes me happy up there no matter what and I want to be where I feel like will make me the happiest.
"I'm going to have a lot on my plate with everything and with my family but God doesn't give you more than you can handle. I know I can get through it."
At this stage, nothing's official and it technically won't be until Briggs signs his National Letter of Intent as an early entrant on December 16th, but he knows what his heart is telling him.
"I've talked to both schools and I haven't made anything official yet, but I know where my heart is," said Briggs. "I guess it's not really official until I sign and that's coming up soon. Other than that, I want to just get my classes out of the way and have things be peaceful for me."
