OL has pretty much the same starters as last year with the exception of a new LT. I've heard Session has improved a lot ~ hopefully that is true. He was a turnstile last year at RT. I can't say I'm "excite" about this OL and I'm looking forward to being surprised come next Saturday.
As usual, we have lots of talent at the top with questionable depth at most positions. LBs and DBs look like the best groups, and OL could be the most improved. Sam Jackson V will obviously be the single biggest difference maker for this team. His dual-threat ability, Ott, the WR group, and Spav calling plays should be a recipe for success. The loss of J Mike to the southern campus still stings. He and Hunter were a dynamic duo.
We have far less questionable depth at several positions than we've had in the past. You also have to consider that the current pretty-good depth chart is the way it is BECAUSE we had good pre-camp depth, before several guys got the injury bug. If it wasn't for that good pre-camp depth, this Week 1 depth chart would look a lot more precarious.
Yeah that might have sounded negative, but overall I feel good about all the position groups. The weakest link in my view is run defense and getting pressure on the opposing qb, especially with a scheme that essentially only has 2 tackles. Although BRETT JOHNSON can never be discounted.
Interesting that no #1 listed at any DT or OLB position. For DT, I think it's a good sing and means we have 6+ guys good enough to start; and at both DT+OLB we'll see a lot of rotation. I was hoping there'd be named OLB starters who separated themselves because the quality doesn't appear as deep.
ESPN is highlighting a minor development at Cal. I take it to mean that they are promoting Cal because they know that we'll be part of the ACC in '24. Not that I really believe it, but I'm desperate for signs about what's going to happen.
Starling did flash and had a good fall camp. Unfortunately he got banged up at the end pretty good between friday and saturday of last week. It's unknown what happened but significant enough to leave him off
Starling has an NFL body and skillset but the availability is just a dagger, unfortunately. He has the makings of a guy that could make an big impact if he can see the field, but staying healthy is just a struggle.
good point, that's a surprise from my end. Either he got dinged up late or simply not good enough (which would be surprise on my end). Wilcox's presser already happened but next one he's scheduled for I can ask
Regardless, this cal team will be a thousand times more fun to watch on Saturday than old school bill musgrave’s offense which was piss poor and outdated in today’s college game. Spav will utilize the skill positions better and allow ott and the talent we have wide receiver to operate more in space.
I think this group could have gone 9-3 last year, maybe 8-4 this year with a tougher schedule. Cal is the ONLY PAC-12 school to play all of the ranked conference schools this year! Still, 9 wins is within the realm of the possible.
Excited to see Trond Grizzell at the top of the list for the Z WR position. Love to see an FB listed. Was looking forward to perhaps seeing Beaux Tagaloa there, but apparently he's got a long-term injury that might keep him out all season.
Is King Doerue not on the roster?
The 25 Universities That Spend the Most on Athletics
https://www.sportsmanagementdegreehub.com/the-universities-that-spend-the-most-on-athletics/
Our first two opponents are both within the top 15 on this list.
Where's the Purdue transfer RB? Injured? Hard to imagine someone with that much experience doesn't even crack a 4 deep.
He has been straight up absent from camp for unknown reasons
Interesting comment by Spav. He said Malik McMorris is one of his top 5 favorite players he's ever coached!!
Montgomery looked good in last week’s scrimmage. Big target.
OL has pretty much the same starters as last year with the exception of a new LT. I've heard Session has improved a lot ~ hopefully that is true. He was a turnstile last year at RT. I can't say I'm "excite" about this OL and I'm looking forward to being surprised come next Saturday.
As usual, we have lots of talent at the top with questionable depth at most positions. LBs and DBs look like the best groups, and OL could be the most improved. Sam Jackson V will obviously be the single biggest difference maker for this team. His dual-threat ability, Ott, the WR group, and Spav calling plays should be a recipe for success. The loss of J Mike to the southern campus still stings. He and Hunter were a dynamic duo.
We have far less questionable depth at several positions than we've had in the past. You also have to consider that the current pretty-good depth chart is the way it is BECAUSE we had good pre-camp depth, before several guys got the injury bug. If it wasn't for that good pre-camp depth, this Week 1 depth chart would look a lot more precarious.
Yeah that might have sounded negative, but overall I feel good about all the position groups. The weakest link in my view is run defense and getting pressure on the opposing qb, especially with a scheme that essentially only has 2 tackles. Although BRETT JOHNSON can never be discounted.
It's Stredick's time! Seriously, this team's variability rests almost entirely on whether Jackson pops or not.
Interesting that no #1 listed at any DT or OLB position. For DT, I think it's a good sing and means we have 6+ guys good enough to start; and at both DT+OLB we'll see a lot of rotation. I was hoping there'd be named OLB starters who separated themselves because the quality doesn't appear as deep.
Hyperlink: https://calbears.com/documents/2023/8/24/23FB-Cal-Depth_Chart_at_North_Texas.pdf
This looks like a Pac 12 conference championship team to me.
https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/38251293/cal-names-sam-jackson-v-starting-quarterback
Short article at espn.com.
ESPN is highlighting a minor development at Cal. I take it to mean that they are promoting Cal because they know that we'll be part of the ACC in '24. Not that I really believe it, but I'm desperate for signs about what's going to happen.
Somebody asked about Dortch, I have the same question about Starling. He flashed last year against Colorado.
Wasn't Dortch the pledge in Animal House?
Starling did flash and had a good fall camp. Unfortunately he got banged up at the end pretty good between friday and saturday of last week. It's unknown what happened but significant enough to leave him off
Starling has an NFL body and skillset but the availability is just a dagger, unfortunately. He has the makings of a guy that could make an big impact if he can see the field, but staying healthy is just a struggle.
curmudgeon alert 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Dumb comment. He's been a standout every camp and game he's been available for.
Exactly. What stood out in Boulder last year was that Mason seriously looks like the kind of guy you see playing on Sundays.
Silly take.
Good to know, thanks for the info
Go Bears!
It's nice to get back to football in the midst of our existential crisis.
It reminds me of JP Sarte's No Exit or Malraux's Man's Fate, both staples of my Philosophy 7 class freshman year.
I'm more of a Camus guy..The Plague!
It looks like a group with some potential. How big a jump is anyones guess. It better be big if they go to the ACC
I did not see M Dortch on the depth chart. Any info?
good point, that's a surprise from my end. Either he got dinged up late or simply not good enough (which would be surprise on my end). Wilcox's presser already happened but next one he's scheduled for I can ask
I'm pretty confident we are going to turn some heads next Saturday
Regardless, this cal team will be a thousand times more fun to watch on Saturday than old school bill musgrave’s offense which was piss poor and outdated in today’s college game. Spav will utilize the skill positions better and allow ott and the talent we have wide receiver to operate more in space.
As long as they turn our heads.
Our necks will be getting whiplash from watching SJV & Ott doing nasty cuts
I think this group could have gone 9-3 last year, maybe 8-4 this year with a tougher schedule. Cal is the ONLY PAC-12 school to play all of the ranked conference schools this year! Still, 9 wins is within the realm of the possible.
Excited to see Trond Grizzell at the top of the list for the Z WR position. Love to see an FB listed. Was looking forward to perhaps seeing Beaux Tagaloa there, but apparently he's got a long-term injury that might keep him out all season.