The Bears stayed active on the portal recruiting trail, picking up a commitment from former 4 star DE/edge TJ Bollers‍ after his visit last night.

The Bears were in the running for the former #8 WDE and 147th-rated overall player in the 2021 class but lost out to Wisconsin, where he saw limited playing time before entering the portal. Bollers was reportedly being looked at as a starter coming into spring ball with the Badgers making the switch from outside linebacker to defensive end but ended up running more often with the 2s and 3s.

“Honestly my impression of the staff was the same as it was from when I had visited during high school,” Bollers said. “A hard-working, honest, and great group of coaches. That trickles down to the players as well. I only got to meet a couple of the guys but from the conversations I was able to have, I could already feel the vibe and energy of the team and I liked it.

“The facilities are top notch. At first I was a little concerned because they never showed me an indoor practice field but then I remembered we were in California. Then lastly, it’s hard to pinpoint one thing that made it the right fit because I feel like everything I was able to see, talk about and do, fits me. Everything from the scheme, to the players, to the school and even internship opportunities and real-world experiences that Cal has to offer fits everything that I want to do and accomplish, both in football and life.”

The 6-2/290 Tiffin, Iowa native will likely come in to play the 3-tech position on the D-line for the Bears. Bollers is the son of former Iowa Hawkeyes fullback Trevor Bollers. He initially chose the Badgers over a host of top programs, including Alabama, Notre Dame, Penn State, Michigan, Washington, Virginia Tech, Florida, Iowa and more.

Bollers becomes the forth late signing period portal addition along with Michigan State OT Braden Miller‍, Princeton ILB Liam Johnson‍ and Maryland TE Corey Dyches‍ and the 34 overall addition to the 2024 recruiting class.

Related:

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Bears Make Big Impression With Recruits on Spring Showcase Weekend