Cal Edges Coach Bryan Barraza on Building the Right Way, What He’s Bringing From Oregon

The first-year position coach returned to California after six years away and is focused on fundamentals before flash.

Edges coach Bryan Barraza opened with a straightforward take on the adjustment to Berkeley.

“The biggest adjustment is just being here at Cal Berkeley. I grew up in Southern California, so I left California for about six years, so it’s just good being a little bit closer to home. As far as what I do with the edges, it’s the same deal I did up at Oregon. I’ve been working with the defensive front at a couple spots for six years. Right now every day is just growth.”

The edge group has been asked to handle a lot, on and off the field.

“These guys are taxed a lot with what we’re asking of them, not only schematically and with technique and fundamentals, but also with their schoolwork. They’ve been doing a great job adjusting to our system, what’s expected of them every single day and how to be an elite edge rusher.”

Solomon Williams has stood out in practice, but Barraza was quick to frame it as a group effort.

“We’ve got a talented young group. Solomon, yes, he is a good player, but having said that, we’ve got a lot of good players. Every single one of them is going to have a role for us this year, and that’s not only stopping the run but of course what everyone cares about, being able to rush the passer. But the fundamentals of the run game is what we focused on primarily in the first two months here.”

He also paused to acknowledge a personal moment for one of his players.

“One of them I’m keeping in my thoughts and prayers is Justin Beadles. He just lost his grandfather the other day. Beadles’s family, I just want to let you guys know that we’re thinking about you. We’re taking care of your boy.”

What drives Barraza’s connection to the group is simpler than scheme.

“I’m fortunate that all these guys are good kids. They want to be the best version of themselves not only for their future, but also for their families, representing themselves. That’s why I really like working with my group.”

On Lupoi, Barraza didn’t try to overcomplicate it.

“Tosh is Tosh. What he’s always going to bring is his attitude and his effort every single day. This is his position group at the end of the day and he’s going to motivate us to become the best version of ourselves as coaches. He’s seen it done at the best levels, not only in college but also in the NFL. His standard for what he’s looking for from the edge group is just something we try to live up to every single day.”

Having Lorenzo Alexander working with the group has added another dimension.

“Being able to work with Zo, a 15-year NFL vet, I mean it’s phenomenal. The advice, the wisdom he’s able to share not only with me but with the group is special.”

He described edge Emmanuel Okoye in terms that spoke more to character than production.

“Thoughtful. A lot of how he approaches it, he cares about his teammates a lot. He hasn’t played football for a long time so there’s a lot of growth factor there, but he’s thoughtful and caring about what he wants to bring to the table every single day.”

The daily competition between the edges and the offensive line has been a point of emphasis.

“We’re only going to be as good as that offensive line. I love challenging that group. I want them to be able to bury our guys up front, and vice versa, us be able to get the best look possible. Iron sharpens iron, that’s what happened at Oregon and that’s what’s going to happen here. We want best on best and we’re going to get best on best with how we practice here.”

Coming over from Oregon, Barraza has a clear sense of what he’s trying to transplant into the Cal culture.

“The biggest thing is we won a lot of football games up at Oregon. What we’re trying to bring is just that winning mindset. That doesn’t just happen in the fall, it starts right now. Picking out those little details, correcting them when you see them, holding a standard not only for our group but the rest of the team. That’s what Oregon has been able to do so successfully. Ultimately, us bringing those traits of what makes a great program and just living it, putting that into our DNA.”