One of the highest highs from the latest era of Cal football was the strength of the defensive backs. Under Justin Wilcox the position group got a reputation for sending sturdy players to the league that are currently flourishing, building off their development at Cal. Fans are eager to see this tradition they have become accustomed to continue under new tutelage. The room is under the guidance of Da’Von Brown, longtime Western Kentucky coach, a program known for quickly acclimating new players and solid backfield play. Additionally, cornerback was a position the new coaching regime attacked in the portal, the primary evidence sits next to QB1 leading stretches; Ole Miss Transfer Ricky Fletcher. Fletcher is joined by fellow portal get, fellow senior, Georgia transfer. Daniel Harris.
Prospective Starters:
Ricky Fletcher was a touted portal signing, and has risen to the role of team leader by fall camp. Fletcher was a rotational player last year on Ole Miss’s playoff run and has seen a significant number of snaps against tough competition. His breakout came as a sophomore at South Alabama, followed by a year of injury before returning to his home state of Mississippi. At 6’3” 210 he adds height and size to a position that was proficient, but smaller last year.
Daniel Harris is a former four star recruit and Florida native. He is a former track star and has compared his game to Tariq Woolens because of their size and speed. While he lost his starting role for the Bulldogs, he was battling injury, and looks to have a statement season to potentially close out his college career.
Rotational Players:
Marquis Groves-Killebrew is another strong transfer. Coming from the Arizona Wildcats, this senior also has stops at Texas A&M and Louisville. Groves-Killebrew has seen a significant amount of snaps against tough competition, and his experience may help him see the field early in the field operating a new defense.
Jae’on Young is a smaller back who’s fast, with both burst and tracking ability. He’s scrappy and plays bigger than he measures. He and Khamani Hudson fill out a deep room, but there’s been some chatter about promising safety Kingston Lopa potentially getting some snaps at corner.
Josiah Wagoner had strong moments in camp, if he is healthy it’s expected he’ll gain a rotational place in the pecking order, primarily in nickel.
Very excited to see DBs Fletcher, Harris, and rotational players shine this season. Roll on you Bears!