Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
PROVO — Recruiting ties are forged in a variety ways, and a somewhat casual social media interaction blossomed into BYU securing a promising running back recruit as part of its 2025 signing class.
Cale Breslin is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back prospect from Las Vegas who announced his commitment to BYU recently. Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, Breslin claims offers from the likes of Wisconsin, San Diego State, Indiana and Syracuse, among others.
So why accept an offer from BYU in the relative early process of the recruiting cycle?
As with everything else in his life, Breslin went about it in a faith-based manner, which ultimately led him to his Cougars commitment.
"I've been talking to coach (Harvey) Unga since January, and getting to know people since that time, so it's been a decent recruiting process," Breslin said during an interview conducted on ESPN 960. "But the main thing is to keep your head down and keep working, and knowing that God will bless you down the road. So that's made it easy — my commitment to God."
Breslin recalled Unga, who coaches running backs at BYU, giving him a follow on social platform X, to which he immediately followed him back. All of that led to several direct messages in which Unga spoke positively regarding Breslin's game film, along with other attributes that would make him a good fit within the BYU football program.
All of this ultimately led to Unga driving down to Las Vegas to meet with the young running back prospect and his coaches. The meeting went well for all parties involved, with Unga's positive impressions being reinforced and even enhanced, and Breslin gaining a level of trust that eventually led to his BYU commitment.
"Coach Unga just seems like a real genuine guy," Breslin said. "He doesn't just switch up for the recruiting, and I feel like I can connect with him on a personal level. It's not just about football … but I like how he coaches his guys. He's honest and I like how he's handled the recruiting process."
Family values
Breslin was born in South Carolina, and grew up there until he was 11 years old before moving to Las Vegas. The move was prompted by the death of his grandmother, who was a big part of his upbringing, and why the Palmetto state was considered home.
The family found a new home in Las Vegas, with Breslin's parents forming a strong, faith-based home environment that doesn't cut corners.
"My parents are both veterans in the Air Force, so we all work very hard," Breslin said. "We just make sure, that as a family, we just keep our heads down and work, and then we make sure we don't talk too much. If you work, then you don't have to say anything, you know? That's the culture of the Breslin family."
Due to his upbringing, Breslin believes his transition to BYU's unique cultural environment won't be a challenge, but an opportunity to develop as both a student and athlete amongst like-minded individuals.
All of this led Breslin to accept BYU's offer a few months after it was proffered. True to form, he made his commitment without any fanfare, but after diligent investigation and conversations with those he trusts most.
"I was just at my house talking to my dad — talking about BYU and stuff, and I just decided that day that it was where I wanted to be," Breslin said. "So I just texted coach Unga, and then called him to tell him I was committing. And that's about it."
Breslin has since canceled his other visits, including one scheduled to Wisconsin in June, and plans to visit BYU unofficially on a date yet to be determined.
Workout at TNDO Gym@Giavanni_Ruffin@dhgloverpic.twitter.com/Cz088CQ4zl
— Cale Breslin (@calebreslin) May 1, 2024
James Connor-like
Players often struggle to draw comparisons of themselves with notable athletes, but after several suggested to Breslin that he runs like Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner, he decided to take a look for himself, and generally agrees with the comparison.
"I'm a downhill runner who doesn't play games in the backfield," Breslin said of his style. "When I see (the hole) I just hit it; and the No. 1 thing is (to have) no fear. … I want to be a three-down back who can juke you or run through you to get some hard yards."
He's also aware of how important speed is on the gridiron, and has focused his workouts in the pursuit of becoming more explosive. His intent is to never rest on the work he's accomplished while striving to improve every aspect of his game.
"If you look at my sophomore year film, I was a lot slower. ... I'm much faster now, coming up to my senior year," Breslin said. "It's going to be a different speed that everyone is going to see. All I do is analyze because it never stops. As long as you're playing this game you're going to have to continuously get better."
Criddle conclusion:
I love this young man's film. I love his build, athleticism, mindset, explosivity and how it translates to strength and power on the football field, and I also thoroughly enjoyed our conversation during an interview on ESPN 960.
He's a perfect fit for BYU.
The ineffability of my joy in knowing that he comes from a military home cannot be overstated. Individuals that are reared in homes that value grit, discipline, elite habits of consistency, order, and high academics often perform well at BYU. I'm very optimistic about his chances of becoming a high impact running back while in Provo.
