[Farm93]

I see two big draws for Kelly at ןɐɔ: proximity (he won't have to move) and the California recruiting network he enjoyed while at Oregon. If he were to go to the Big 12 (which school?), does he have the relationships with Texas high school coaches and families needed to recruit competitively? His name has cache in California, not just from his stint at Oregon but also with the 49ers.

When at Oregon, the program was really hitting the big time.  They were recruiting well beyond Oregon and California.  Most of the Big12 pays better than UCB.  Also, by going to the Big12 he avoids returning to the same conference.  Going big to the NFL and coming back to college doesn't look as big of a failure if he goes to a big budget, big brand Big12 program. 

Going to UCB is just a big step down from Oregon.

But whatever.  If he goes to UCB every coach in the conference will tell recruits he is just there until a better option opens up.  A player thinking about making a 4 or 5 year commitment will likely want a coach with slightly more established roots.

[Farm93]

I see two big draws for Kelly at ןɐɔ: proximity (he won't have to move) and the California recruiting network he enjoyed while at Oregon. If he were to go to the Big 12 (which school?), does he have the relationships with Texas high school coaches and families needed to recruit competitively? His name has cache in California, not just from his stint at Oregon but also with the 49ers.

When at Oregon, the program was really hitting the big time.  They were recruiting well beyond Oregon and California.  Most of the Big12 pays better than UCB.  Also, by going to the Big12 he avoids returning to the same conference.  Going big to the NFL and coming back to college doesn't look as big of a failure if he goes to a big budget, big brand Big12 program. 

Going to UCB is just a big step down from Oregon.

But whatever.  If he goes to UCB every coach in the conference will tell recruits he is just there until a better option opens up.  A player thinking about making a 4 or 5 year commitment will likely want a coach with slightly more established roots.