Jackson Sirmon, Daniel Scott make Pac-12 preseason first team; BRETT JOHNSON second
Seven other Golden Bears were recognized.
Pac-12 Media Day is on the horizon tomorrow. Here’s a look at the Golden Bears honored in early preseason lists.
1st team
Linebacker Jackson Sirmon: The Washington transfer was the leading tackler for the Huskies a season ago. Can Sirmon take the mantle and lead two Pac-12 teams in tackling this season?
Defensive back Daniel Scott: Scott will have a tradition of excellence to uphold in the Takers backfield, and figures to be in the buzz to join his compadres in the NFL next season. The buzz is high.
2nd team
Defensive lineman BRETT JOHNSON: A year after not playing college football, JOHNSON finds himself back on a list. The talent before his injury was undeniable. Can JOHNSON be that disruptive force yet again?
Seven other Cal Bears got properly honored.
Honorable mention
Running back Damien Moore: Moore didn’t have quite the breakout sophomore campaign the Cal offense needed, but he appears fully healthy and ready to break through this spring.
Offensive linemen Ben Coleman and Matthew Cindric: Cal’s two best men up front are expected to be critical in protecting Jack Plummer or Kai Milner upfront, as well as trying to unlock the Cal run attack.
Linebacker Femi Oladejo: There were many signs during spring camp that Oladejo could have a breakout season and be right up there with Sirmon for best linebacker on the squad.
Defensive back Lu-Magia Hearns III: Hearns was, at times, Cal’s best defender on the field as a true freshman. Expect Hearns to leap himself into the discussion of best defensive backs in the conference.
Placekicker Dario Longhetto: After a rocky start against Nevada, Longhetto missed only two field goals the remainder of the season. Expect him to be Cal’s most reliable scoring option, at least for the early part of the season.
Special teams standout Nick Alftin: Alftin has found his home in the third field of football, blocking two kicks last season. Cal is going to continue to need good special teams to stand out in their contests.
It seems like the talent on the team is getting increased recognition this season. Our secondary, linebackers, and D-line all look to be improved. O is a huge crapshoot and the prognosticators reflect this by naming Plummer only the 11th-best QB in the league. If he plays down to this level the Cal braintrust will probably have to give Millner a shot, but we all know they are reticent of backups getting any playing time which hamstrung us in the Arizona game and literally caused Cal to miss a bowl opportunity. Our receiving corps is a giant question mark, whilst the running backs are capable but we lack elite speed. There is no Jahvid Best out there.
By the end of the season (assuming he is healthy) Brett Johnson will be on the first team......