We will definitely get more in-depth on the moving and shaking but some quick thoughts:
Quarterback
I felt Jared Goff earned the job with his play throughout Spring Ball and Fall Camp but I don't by any means think that Zach Kline is a below average quarterback. Quite the opposite actually. Kline is a tremendous talent in his own right and would honestly start for a lot of Division 1 programs out there right now. It's just that for this offense, at this particular time, given what Cal is trying to accomplish, Goff is simply the better fit. But, with a potentially shaky offensive line and daunting schedule ahead, I don't think anyone would be surprised one bit if Kline eventually sees some serious reps this season.
Running Back
Has Cal ever had a speedier group of ball carriers? Between Brendan Bigelow, Daniel Lasco and Khalfani Muhammad, there is some serious gas there folks. I am concerned about the health of all three of those guys and it'll be very intriguing to see how Dykes splits up the reps between the trio.
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| I'm pretty sure Chris Harper is going to be doing a lot of this. (Cal Athletics) |
Unproven? Sure. Young? Definitely. Talented? Absolutely. Of all the units on this year's squad, I am most excited about the wide receivers and how they potentially could perform this season. In my mind, Chris Harper is the clear star of this group but guys like Bryce Treggs (who has looked tremendous in Fall Camp), Richard Rodgers, Ken Lawler, and Darius Powe should make major contributions. Also, big standing ovation for Jackson Bouza, who entered the program as an unknown walk-on and has worked his tail off to earn a starting position.
Offensive Line
If the wide receivers pose the most potential excitement, the offensive line pose the most potential headaches. There are certainly some skilled players that will see time this year and I'm sure they will learn and get better. The concern is obviously their youth and inexperience. Freddie Tagaloa will be in the NFL - there's not much doubt about it. But is the Richmond native ready to pull a Mitchell Schwartz impression and hold down the fort as a freshman? I am happy to see that Jordan Rigsbee and Chris Adcock will round out the left side of the line if for nothing giving Cal two guys who have some playing experience. The right side of the line, however, is the major question. Is Matt Cochran ready to be a full-time starter? Can Steven Moore carry his strong Fall Camp performance into the season? So many questions.
Defensive Line
Super pumped to see Tiny Moala play alongside Deandre Coleman. Good luck blocking those two guys opposing offensive lines. Some fans out there in the blogosphere have expressed concerns about the defensive line but I am not one of them as I predict that the Bears' strength defensively will be the defensive line. Word coming out of camp is that Moala is finally playing up to his potential and I love the speed and quickness that Brennan Scarlett and Chris McCain bring off the edge.
Linebackers
Depth is an issue here and count me as surprised to see Hardy Nickerson Jr. listed as a starter. I watched young Hardy on several occasions when he was in high school at Bishop O'Dowd and I didn't feel he would adjust to the college game nearly as fast as he has so major props to him. Even though I think we all believe Nick Forbes will eventually be the starter at that position it is great news to see Nickerson Jr. doing so well. Also, if there is a player out there more anxious to finally play in a real game than Khairi Fortt let me know.
Secondary
The cornerbacks should be fine (if Stefan McClure is truly recovered from his knee injury) but I am very worried about the safety position. Even before Avery Sebastian went down with his concussion, I didn't feel the Bears had the talent there to really compete at a BCS (or whatever it's called now) level. With Sebastian out, I am even more concerned.
Go Bears!
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