Cal names true freshman Jared Goff as starting quarterback

California named true freshman Jared Goff as their starting quarterback. (Photo courtesy of CalBears.com.)

California named true freshman Jared Goff as its starting quarterback, as he beat out redshirt freshman Zach Kline and junior Austin Hinder, head coach Sonny Dykes announced.

Goff threw for 7,687 yards and 93 touchdowns with 18 interceptions in three seasons at Marin (Calif.) Catholic High School.

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“We have had a fiercely-contested competition for our starting quarterback position,” Dykes said. “It’s important to name a starter and give them the reps they need to be prepared to play. We feel that right now Jared Goff gives us the best chance to be successful as a team, but we are very fortunate to have three outstanding quarterbacks we feel we can be successful with.”

California opens the season Aug. 31 at home against Northwestern.

“I’m honored to get the chance to start for Cal and am looking forward to going out and helping the team win,” Goff said. “I’m super excited and ready to get rolling. My competitors are great quarterbacks as well. It was a tremendous competition that has helped all us become better quarterbacks.”