New Bears on the Block: Frosh DT Zurich Ashford

July 28, 2023
In August last summer, the Bears received a commitment from 6-2/250 Arbor View defensive lineman Zurich Ashford‍. Since his senior season, where he compiled 109 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, one interception returned 20 yards, one pass deflection, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 10 quarterback hurries while also scoring twice, once each on an interception and fumble return. Since then, the Las Vegas native has added significant size and strength to move up to his current weight of 280.
Ashford noted that Cal’s combination of prestigious academics and his fit with the Cal staff sold him on the Bears after receiving offers from Oregon State, Washington State, Colorado, UNLV and more before choosing the Bears.
"The academics really," Ashford said of his biggest motivation. "I just loved all the academics and all that comes with it and I love the coaches and coaching staff as well."
Playing both inside and outside for Arbor View, Ashford flashed an unusual combination of size and quickness, running a highly-impressive 4.62 forty. While he’s not likely to pull down an elite forty time of the same caliber at his current 280, Ashford feels that he’s managed to maintain a lot of his quickness at his current weight. With his new weight also comes additional strength with the new Bears DT putting up an impressive 445 bench press this month.
The understated new Bear has eased into his transition to Cal as he’s become more acclimated to his new surroundings and teammates.
"At first, it was a little bit slow, but it's getting better day by day," Ashford said.
"My roommate's Tiu. He's a funny guy,"
As for what he’s most looking forward to?
"I'm looking forward to getting built up in the strength program," Ashford said. :I'm also looking forward to the academic side of stuff, getting into classes and all that."
"It's been pretty good so far (working with his new DL coach Andrew Browning). Our meeting time is limited now, but what I'm getting is really good.
"I'm trying to obviously get some playing time, get on the field and just get better - better than I was last year."
"Go Bears!"