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Colorado football coach Dan Hawkins might argue the point by the time national signing day rolls around next February, but for now, it appears his three-year streak of landing the top-instate recruit is over.

Steamboat Springs quarterback Austin Hinder, recognized as the top recruit in the 2010 class in Colorado by both Scout.com and Rivals.com, ended the suspense surrounding his decision Monday.

Hinder surprised no one by picking Cal, a school with which he has deep family ties. His grandfather attended the school and is a member of its athletic hall of fame.

Hinder told Scout.com he chose Cal over numerous other offers, including one from Hawkins. However, the Buffs were not among his final five schools. Those included Cal, Stanford, USC, UCLA and Notre Dame.

"I woke up this morning and said 'I need to get this done. I know I am going to Cal'," Hinder told Scout.

Hinder plays in Class 3A and does not have overwhelming numbers considering the level of competition. Those facts have led some to question whether he deserves top billing in the state.

However, his strong arm, 6-foot-5 frame and ability to make plays with his feet, tell others he is destined to develop into a top-notch playmaker at the college level.

Hinder threw for more than 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior. He said earlier this year he planned to make a decision before his senior season, and he always claimed to like Hawkins and the Buffs. CU has one known commitment for the 2010 class (linebacker Danny Spond from Columbine High School) and appears to be following the same recruiting strategy it has used in the past under Hawkins -- aim high.

The Buffs have produced three consecutive losing seasons and recruits might be in need of more proof the program and Hawkins are on stable footing before deciding to become Buffs during this cycle.