For sure we need some stud OT's but the lack of availability shows that every team needs stud OT's and there just aren't that many of them. Finding a 6'6" +/- @ 315# +/- athlete that is strong, nasty, has technique and the athletic ability to take on an edge speed rusher would be like finfing diamonds in your back yard...it just doesn't happen often. I am hoping Bloesch, with a simplified system, can coach our guys up to a point where they will be serviceable. He seems to be high on Rohme; I hope he's right. Rohme has the size and strength now, he is tough and has some nasty, but to me it remains to be seen if he has the feet to be solid at weak tackle. I feel pretty comfortable with the rest of our position group. On another note, USC picked up two absolute OL studs this spring. But they will be vying for a playoff spot and they have unlimited NIL $$.
Wykoff was projected as a RT out of high school and only played Center at TAMU because of catastrophic injury issues last year. He can theoretically play 4 of the 5 line positions but the question is where does he provide the most value to Cal? As for additional transfers, grad transfers can portal at any time so I suspect Cal is hoping for some quality there to happen. They have money to compete for any quality that comes out but it feels like a lot of hope...
As for DL...not worried. They have a lot more than just Brett Johnson coming back from injury so the question is, can they stay healthy? A healthy line allows Sirmon to be more creative with his pressure and blitz packages. They seem to have the appropriate numbers for this year but you have to wonder about longer term. Quality Edge guys from the portal are expensive as, one presumes, would be holding onto any young Edge talent that the staff would have recruited.
For sure we need some stud OT's but the lack of availability shows that every team needs stud OT's and there just aren't that many of them. Finding a 6'6" +/- @ 315# +/- athlete that is strong, nasty, has technique and the athletic ability to take on an edge speed rusher would be like finfing diamonds in your back yard...it just doesn't happen often. I am hoping Bloesch, with a simplified system, can coach our guys up to a point where they will be serviceable. He seems to be high on Rohme; I hope he's right. Rohme has the size and strength now, he is tough and has some nasty, but to me it remains to be seen if he has the feet to be solid at weak tackle. I feel pretty comfortable with the rest of our position group. On another note, USC picked up two absolute OL studs this spring. But they will be vying for a playoff spot and they have unlimited NIL $$.
Wykoff was projected as a RT out of high school and only played Center at TAMU because of catastrophic injury issues last year. He can theoretically play 4 of the 5 line positions but the question is where does he provide the most value to Cal? As for additional transfers, grad transfers can portal at any time so I suspect Cal is hoping for some quality there to happen. They have money to compete for any quality that comes out but it feels like a lot of hope...
As for DL...not worried. They have a lot more than just Brett Johnson coming back from injury so the question is, can they stay healthy? A healthy line allows Sirmon to be more creative with his pressure and blitz packages. They seem to have the appropriate numbers for this year but you have to wonder about longer term. Quality Edge guys from the portal are expensive as, one presumes, would be holding onto any young Edge talent that the staff would have recruited.
Agree 100% with your conclusions. Hoping new coaches can work some miracles.
Don't we need a third QB?
Top 25 Class. That is a stroke cold hard fact. I could care less about what Write for CA thinks about these players.