I cannot express how disappointed I am about this injury. While he doesn't play in a glory position, Brett Johnson is arguably Cal's best player.
This was supposed to be the year that Cal finally had the d-line health/depth to allow Brett to play the 4i position. "4i" means the 4-technique (lines up against the OT) and "i" means lines up inside. That extra 12 inches of inside leverage means that the 4i gets a healthy share of the offensive guard's attention and narrows the inside gaps. This has knock-on effects delaying o-linemen to get to inside linebackers.
The 4i creates problems for offenses that like to run, which is a considerable risk given how Pac-12 offensive lines have evolved to being overwhelmingly big/strong this season. I believe Washington and Oregon's O-lines are supposed to be especially big/strong/experienced this season.
The 4i allows your ILBs to operate in a freer environment. It also requires your OLBs to be plus-players in order to win the edge (which Cal has). A 4i has to be an absolute stud - a Justin Smith of 49ers fame -- who has freakish strength to be able to absorb double teams and still be competitive. The loss of Johnson means that the job of Cal's least experienced group - ILBs - just got that much harder.
There might be help in the form of that Texas D-lineman who appears to be headed to Berkeley via the transfer portal. Anyway, I have the feeling that we need all the help we can get, and I certainly hope one or two frosh are ready to play, but that's sort of a big IF.
Is there any chance he returns late in the year? I don’t know how serious the car crash was, nor the ability to recover from this specific injury, but is there a November return possible?
"But there’s a pretty good chance that the Bears struggle to create backfield havoc, "
Oh man, that was the worst thing about the 2019 defense. A lot of people thought it would be Takers Part II, but without the turnover luck and without the ability to bring pressure without bringing more bodies, we fell from elite to pretty good.
First, I'm absolutely gutted for Brett but I'm relieved that apparently he will make a full recovery and be able to return as a student and athlete. Prior to this news and given the recruiting and coaching by Browning I felt this would be the year for Cal's DL. It still can be a good year but it will have to be without the best player on the entire roster. Obviously 2 guys will need to step up at the NG position. Cherry has taken his name out of the transfer portal, does he remain at Cal and play ball ~ I haven't heard anything, for now. Should he return that will add to depth. A young player will have to emerge for any depth at both DE spots ~ tbd. Best thing going for the DL as they face this adversity ~ Coach Browning ~ the dude is just that good!!
So here is who I am calling that will be one of the dudes to emerge. Erick Nisich. In his 4 years he has played on both the OL and DL, his football acumen is high. Like BJ, Erick is an accomplished high school wrestler. Wrestlers adapt well to MMA and DL, simple. This is an opportunity for Erick and I would be thrilled to see him get some PT and contribute to getting Cal to the PAC 12 Championship Game!!
Losing Brett for a year, especially this year when we have so much experienced returning talent, will hurt us. He has been a force on our defense and won't be replaced by any other player.
I cannot express how disappointed I am about this injury. While he doesn't play in a glory position, Brett Johnson is arguably Cal's best player.
This was supposed to be the year that Cal finally had the d-line health/depth to allow Brett to play the 4i position. "4i" means the 4-technique (lines up against the OT) and "i" means lines up inside. That extra 12 inches of inside leverage means that the 4i gets a healthy share of the offensive guard's attention and narrows the inside gaps. This has knock-on effects delaying o-linemen to get to inside linebackers.
The 4i creates problems for offenses that like to run, which is a considerable risk given how Pac-12 offensive lines have evolved to being overwhelmingly big/strong this season. I believe Washington and Oregon's O-lines are supposed to be especially big/strong/experienced this season.
The 4i allows your ILBs to operate in a freer environment. It also requires your OLBs to be plus-players in order to win the edge (which Cal has). A 4i has to be an absolute stud - a Justin Smith of 49ers fame -- who has freakish strength to be able to absorb double teams and still be competitive. The loss of Johnson means that the job of Cal's least experienced group - ILBs - just got that much harder.
Next man up.
There might be help in the form of that Texas D-lineman who appears to be headed to Berkeley via the transfer portal. Anyway, I have the feeling that we need all the help we can get, and I certainly hope one or two frosh are ready to play, but that's sort of a big IF.
Is there any chance he returns late in the year? I don’t know how serious the car crash was, nor the ability to recover from this specific injury, but is there a November return possible?
"But there’s a pretty good chance that the Bears struggle to create backfield havoc, "
Oh man, that was the worst thing about the 2019 defense. A lot of people thought it would be Takers Part II, but without the turnover luck and without the ability to bring pressure without bringing more bodies, we fell from elite to pretty good.
First, I'm absolutely gutted for Brett but I'm relieved that apparently he will make a full recovery and be able to return as a student and athlete. Prior to this news and given the recruiting and coaching by Browning I felt this would be the year for Cal's DL. It still can be a good year but it will have to be without the best player on the entire roster. Obviously 2 guys will need to step up at the NG position. Cherry has taken his name out of the transfer portal, does he remain at Cal and play ball ~ I haven't heard anything, for now. Should he return that will add to depth. A young player will have to emerge for any depth at both DE spots ~ tbd. Best thing going for the DL as they face this adversity ~ Coach Browning ~ the dude is just that good!!
So here is who I am calling that will be one of the dudes to emerge. Erick Nisich. In his 4 years he has played on both the OL and DL, his football acumen is high. Like BJ, Erick is an accomplished high school wrestler. Wrestlers adapt well to MMA and DL, simple. This is an opportunity for Erick and I would be thrilled to see him get some PT and contribute to getting Cal to the PAC 12 Championship Game!!
Go Bears!!
Gonna hurt. Kuony is going to have to play like an NFL prospect...think 2nd half of the Oregon game....
He was a freshman All-American. It will hurt. Plus he is a lot of fun to watch. I like seeing him using his wrestling skills.
Losing Brett for a year, especially this year when we have so much experienced returning talent, will hurt us. He has been a force on our defense and won't be replaced by any other player.