Is Tiny Ready To Be Large?

Not since the famed 2004 season, when the Bears trotted out Lorenzo Alexander and Brandon Mebane, has Cal featured a pair of legitimately terrifying defensive interior linemen. There is a chance, however, that this season might be the first in a long, long, time.

Two years ago, Vilami "Tiny" Moala was one of the crown jewels of the 2011 recruiting class, heralded as a massive run-stopper that would clog up the middle of the trenches like a mini Gilbert Brown. And now, Moala might finally be ready to play up to his post-high school projection. The massive Moala put together a very good Fall Camp, which despite Cal's own struggles along its offensive line, is a great sign for the coming season.

Cal needs big #55 is to make a big impact. (SF Chronicle)

With the attention that Deandre Coleman is sure to see from opposing teams, Moala potentially gives the Bears a much needed asset that has been lacking from the Bears' front-7 for years and Tiny's presence couldn't have come at a more opportune time given all the question marks that surround the Cal defense. A couple years back, I was fortunate enough (thanks to a colleague and good friend of mine) to have the opportunity to get to know a little bit about the Nevada coaching staff (when Colin Kaepernick was still in school).

One name that kept coming up in various conversations about the Nevada program was Barry Sacks. Of course, Sacks is now the interior defensive line coach for Cal that I cannot underestimate how fortunate the program is to have a guy like Sacks. People around the "business" absolutely rave about Sacks and from what I understand his former and current players sing his praises as well. So count me in the not surprised category to hear and see first hand all the improvements that guys like Moala and Mustafa Jalil has made these past couple months working with Sacks. In other words, the guy can flat out coach.

And there might not be anyone on the roster who has benefited more from a new position coach than Moala himself. While his nickname is Tiny, the guys who are actually tiny along the Bears' defensive line would benefit greatly if Moala really ends up holding down the fort in the trenches this season. Chris McCain, Puka Lopa, and Brennan Scarlett -- for all their strengths (and there are many) -- are all on the smallish side as defensive ends. If Coleman and Moala draw attention inside like they could, that'll alleviate quite a bit of pressure off of McCain and company which in turn would allow them to do what they do best -- rush the passer.

Cal will get tested right away with Northwestern's Venric Mark coming into town come next week. Hopefully Moala will be up to the task.

Go Bears!