Cal Cornerback Chigozie Anusiem Enters Transfer Portal

Redshirt junior was a starter at the beginning of 2021, but got replaced by a freshman

Cal redshirt junior cornerback Chigozie Anusiem announced on social media on Wednesday that he is entering the transfer portal.

He plans to move to another school as a graduate transfer with two years of college eligibility remaining.

Anusiem began the season as a starter, but he was replaced in the starting lineup by freshman Lu-Magio Hearns III, who has been impressive this season.

Thank you CAL pic.twitter.com/iIZeU1Iy3g

— Chigozie (@chigi_123) November 24, 2021

Cal defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon said Anusiem was not in the doghouse in any way.

"Chigi's in great standing with the program," Sirmon said Wednesday. "He's been a hard worker for us . . . he had a place moving forward. That was not part of any discussion we've had with Chigi. This was something he came to coach Wilcox and communicated his intention to enter the transfer portal.

"We fully support his decision to utilize the transfer portal to his benefit. I think that's what the transfer portal has come to be, an avenue for players to look for other places to play. We wish him nothing but the best. I'm really proud of how he handled himself here and the type of young man he is. I know he's going to get the Cal diploma."

Head coach Justin Wilcox comments on Anusiem's decision in the video below:

In his Cal career, Anusiem recorded 40 tackles and seven pass break-ups while playing in 25 games, including six starts.

Anusiem played in 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2019, and he made his first collegiate start in Cal's Redbox Bowl victory over Illinois that season.

He start two of Cal's four games last season, and played in all four.

Anusiem began the 2021 season as starting cornerback, and started the first two games against Nevada and TCU.  He was replaced by Hearns in the starting lineup for the third game, against Sacramento State, but Anusiem got playing time in that game.

Anusiem got playing time off the bench in the next two games Washington and Washington State, and returned to the starting lineup in Game 6 against Oregon because Hearns was unavailable for that game.

Anusiem played in a reserve role against Colorado, but did not play at all in the Bears most recent three games against Oregon State, Arizona and Stanford.

Another freshman, Isaiah Young, also received increased playing time at defensive bak as the season progressed, limiting Anusiem's playing time further.

Anusiem had 13 tackles and two pass break-ups in the seven games he played this season.

Collin Gamble as well as Hearns and Young have started games at cornerback this year as Anusiem's playing time decreased.

After announcing his intentions earlier today, 2018 4-star DB Chigozie Anusiem has officially entered the transfer portal; he totaled 40 tackles and 7 PD during his time at Cal @rivalsmike @CalRivals https://t.co/aaTpcPvVpI

— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) November 24, 2021

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Cover photo of Chigozie Anusiem (7) is by Neville E Guard, USA TODAY Sports

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