the Cal NIL collective is running a fund raising drive to help keep current players, and bring in new transfers. Unfortunately that's the way of the (college) world now. So everyone that can contribute even a small donation, it would be a good time to do so:
I don’t understand why the transfer portal is open before all the bowl games. Also why are coaches allowed to leave before the bowl games. The team going to the bowl doesn’t end up being the team that got them there. And frankly, as a football fan, it is not enjoyable with all the added uncertainty. I know CF has been taken over by the media people, but who controls the transfer portal and coaches contracts that allow them to go before the end? As a media company I wouldn’t think they would want this for the risk of the fans losing interest.
Also why is Bhaghani leaving. I don’t get it. Still want to know the real reason for Spav leaving.
I’m losing interest in these once super exciting bowl games...
But I am faithful to my Bears and will be watching with more anxiety than I thought I would have after the UCLA game. The guys playing deserve our support and I really want them to win so they leave this season excited for next year and don’t want to leave...
If it helps to calm the nerves.. we're not the only team in the Independence Bowl with players leaving early. TT just lost a couple starters on offense.. including their left tackle!
All I will say is that if we don't get a new kicker in the portal or a freshman that can be consistent, I don't want to see a single extra point for field goal kicked next year rather roll the dice with going for it on fourth down and two point attempts than relive the kicking of the first half of this season
I'll never get used to this. How can anyone leave UC Berkeley, unless they are from a poor family and getting offered mega bucks. Even then, I'll never get used to this. Like everyone else I wish the NCAA got off their asses with all the leagues and imposed salary caps and other devices to promote player well being but provide something other than pure capitalism on the sport.
That's essentially what was in place prior to NIL The portal enables players to leave for another program rather than being “trapped” at a school. NIL hurts programs (the majority) that do not have enough $ rolling in to fund requred NIL deals.
And, IMHO, NIL renders the entire “academic” aspect of college almost worthless to the top tier players.
Agree. Our early kicking was quite an adventure, and not in a good way, even the PATs. After Bhaghani got comfortable, he was accurate from short-range.
JW could offer him but then that means less depth elsewhere. And don't forget, the kid didn't exactly have a strong leg. His kickoffs were so short, Luckhurst was put back in.
Mateen didn't have a big enough leg to be the one scholarship kicker. Maybe this is on Wilcox for not recruiting well enough earlier on or not scouting out Luckhurst well enough. But Luckhurst will have an off season to improve his accuracy and Wilcox will find another walk-on kicker for depth.
Dude hit his longest attempt at 43 yards this year and hit a 53 yarder in HS. As place kicker, he has the leg. Will only get stronger over the next 3 years.
I wonder if he didn’t want to deal with the ACC? But I’m sure it comes down to the scholarship from JW.
Fair point on developing his leg on field goals, but at the same time I'm not sure what could be done if he were to be the one kicker and handle kickoffs. But yeah it was the scholarship issue, and since luckhurst has a guaranteed scholarship it really wouldn't make sense to also give Mateen one. He's shown enough this year that he should get a scholarship somewhere, though, and good for him if he lands one.
While at first blush it might be absurd to give two scholarships to kickers not having a reliable kicker can be the difference in 2-3 games per year. If Wilcox has access to an elite kicker in the portal it’s probably worth another scholarship.
Can't pull a schollie from a recruit. The Pac (and ACC) require a 4-year guarantee. The only schollies that are shorter are a one-year deal for a walk-on.
Luckhurst has a big leg, thats not nothing for kickoffs and maybe 50+ yard field goals but optimally he comes into camp next year with his accuracy fixed.
Seems like the loyalty is sometimes misplaced. Sometimes it's conferred without any regard to merit. Sometimes it's conferred and not reciprocated. Loyalty is a wonderful trait, but every once in a while you have to double check and make sure you're not just being a chump.
I think this issue is more governed by the NCAA rules regarding scholarships, NIL, the portal etc.
As a practical matter, if Wilcox were to pull scholarships from players not starting to recruit new ones, then recuits wouldn't value the scholarship offers from Cal in the first place.
If I were a head coach I would go Juco or transfer portal for a kicker. Finding out, like Wilcox did that you have given a 4-year scholarship to a freshman kicker with the yips is a disaster.
He is a freshman so maybe the academics were too hard for him and he would not have been eligible. This happened to Ross Bowers. Many 1st year students never make the grade at Cal.
Cal can be an intimidating place, especially for HS football players used to being treated as something special in their HS: Public high schools are usually far less rigorous regarding course difficulty, every student in classes (some exceptions) were at the top of their HS class, are talented in areas other than academics (music, band, choir, science club, student government, art, athletics, etc.), professors do not cut scholarship athletes any slack, on and on. It is not uncommon for incoming football players to need special tutoring just to pass Cal’s basic required courses.
That's what makes Cal the highest ranked public university in the world.
I can guarantee anyone who did well enough at Del Norte to get into Cal without the boost of being a scholarship football player can pass classes without much difficulty.
look at the portal.. every team has a bunch of players entering the portal.
Multiple teams have their starting QB & WRs entering the portal.
Yes we like to think we are cursed and we can't have good things (which is kinda true for sports), but this portal business... it's the new norm.
but yes, I was so delighted our kicking game got better... time to go scout the junior colleges... or what I was begging Cal to do earlier in the year - have an open try out and invite soccer players, rugby players and any one will to try... bc anyone would have been better than our kicking game first few games.
the Cal NIL collective is running a fund raising drive to help keep current players, and bring in new transfers. Unfortunately that's the way of the (college) world now. So everyone that can contribute even a small donation, it would be a good time to do so:
calegends.com
Thank you and Go Bears!
So so so important.
Easy to sign up for monthly contributions. Even $10 a month go a long way. (get your Cal Friends and Family to all contribute!)
Embrace the moment. Go Bears.
Imagine just half the alumni "tithing" as little as 0.05%.
Thanks Hoop! Nice work!
I don’t understand why the transfer portal is open before all the bowl games. Also why are coaches allowed to leave before the bowl games. The team going to the bowl doesn’t end up being the team that got them there. And frankly, as a football fan, it is not enjoyable with all the added uncertainty. I know CF has been taken over by the media people, but who controls the transfer portal and coaches contracts that allow them to go before the end? As a media company I wouldn’t think they would want this for the risk of the fans losing interest.
Also why is Bhaghani leaving. I don’t get it. Still want to know the real reason for Spav leaving.
I’m losing interest in these once super exciting bowl games...
But I am faithful to my Bears and will be watching with more anxiety than I thought I would have after the UCLA game. The guys playing deserve our support and I really want them to win so they leave this season excited for next year and don’t want to leave...
#GoBears
If it helps to calm the nerves.. we're not the only team in the Independence Bowl with players leaving early. TT just lost a couple starters on offense.. including their left tackle!
Cal having the Cal football curse, I’m still worried...Cautiously optimistic as usual! Go Bears!
I'm not a doctor, but may I recommend 2 Cal Legends NIL and call me in the morning.
Seriously, Avi said it well, we're in the middle of an existential crisis. If we do not build this program on our own backs, it may be curtains.
All I will say is that if we don't get a new kicker in the portal or a freshman that can be consistent, I don't want to see a single extra point for field goal kicked next year rather roll the dice with going for it on fourth down and two point attempts than relive the kicking of the first half of this season
-Chip Kelly
we are not getting anyone from the portal without a scholarship offer. So, our only choice is a HS walk-on
only Chip shots
I'll never get used to this. How can anyone leave UC Berkeley, unless they are from a poor family and getting offered mega bucks. Even then, I'll never get used to this. Like everyone else I wish the NCAA got off their asses with all the leagues and imposed salary caps and other devices to promote player well being but provide something other than pure capitalism on the sport.
fit matters, context can matter, and other situational things matter, its all revolving
Make all athletes sign contracts just like pro athletes. Then once they're signed, they can't play for another team until the contract is up.
Or get traded to another school! And to get around all the academic and degree nonsense, institute a universal college degree!
And if you don't live up to the programs expectations your scholarship gets yanked. Just like a real world job performance!
It may come to that.
That's essentially what was in place prior to NIL The portal enables players to leave for another program rather than being “trapped” at a school. NIL hurts programs (the majority) that do not have enough $ rolling in to fund requred NIL deals.
And, IMHO, NIL renders the entire “academic” aspect of college almost worthless to the top tier players.
or, from a poor family and hoping for a schollie.
He’s a good enough college kicker that he should have a scholarship, but kickoffs will be an issue. Maybe he goes to altitude ;-)
maybe Luckhurst kicks in the bowl, and has an epiphany? (Or work with Simon Biles' psychologist to combat teh yips.).
Longwell struggled with kicks and eventually righted the ship…hopefully Luckhurst can too.
While Bhaghani didn’t have the strongest leg, he was consistent on his PAT’s and was pretty solid up to 40.
Just hate losing a player that proved himself capable and like Nando really helped turn the season around….
Here's hoping the nice kickoff game and fumble recovery @UCLA provided a nice sense of accomplishment and a confidence boost
Very true... and remember, he nailed the 52 yarder at the end of the 1st half against Auburn. Wiped out by a phantom holding call
(Thankyou SEC REF$)
THAT was awesome. Loved that play.
And I’m rooting for him.
Agree. Our early kicking was quite an adventure, and not in a good way, even the PATs. After Bhaghani got comfortable, he was accurate from short-range.
I can't imagine Wilcox would not be offering the young man a scholarship...but what do I know?
JW could offer him but then that means less depth elsewhere. And don't forget, the kid didn't exactly have a strong leg. His kickoffs were so short, Luckhurst was put back in.
With Mateen the only thing I can conclude is Wilcox won’t guarantee him a football scholarship and another school will.
Yup. Luckhurst is the scholarship kicker...can't have 2 scholarship kickers.
This one's on Wilcox...it's good that he's loyal, but....
Mateen didn't have a big enough leg to be the one scholarship kicker. Maybe this is on Wilcox for not recruiting well enough earlier on or not scouting out Luckhurst well enough. But Luckhurst will have an off season to improve his accuracy and Wilcox will find another walk-on kicker for depth.
Dude hit his longest attempt at 43 yards this year and hit a 53 yarder in HS. As place kicker, he has the leg. Will only get stronger over the next 3 years.
I wonder if he didn’t want to deal with the ACC? But I’m sure it comes down to the scholarship from JW.
Ya, he may not be a kickoff specialist, but he’s a fine college kicker that strikes the ball well.
He will likely be missed next season.
Big difference between HS and college footballs. Kickoffs that allow runbacks and a max of 43 yards FG not good enough.
Fair point on developing his leg on field goals, but at the same time I'm not sure what could be done if he were to be the one kicker and handle kickoffs. But yeah it was the scholarship issue, and since luckhurst has a guaranteed scholarship it really wouldn't make sense to also give Mateen one. He's shown enough this year that he should get a scholarship somewhere, though, and good for him if he lands one.
Love it when coaches double down on their mistakes…
While at first blush it might be absurd to give two scholarships to kickers not having a reliable kicker can be the difference in 2-3 games per year. If Wilcox has access to an elite kicker in the portal it’s probably worth another scholarship.
Can't pull a schollie from a recruit. The Pac (and ACC) require a 4-year guarantee. The only schollies that are shorter are a one-year deal for a walk-on.
Yes, I know the rules.
Unfortunately, Luckhurst is not the guy. Wilcox will ride with him next year simply because he’s
on scholarship, and it will likely cost the Bears a win next year, as well, just like it did this year.
Luckhurst has a big leg, thats not nothing for kickoffs and maybe 50+ yard field goals but optimally he comes into camp next year with his accuracy fixed.
Agreed. No doubting Luckhurst’s leg strength, and having a PK that’s consistent and has range is a vital weapon.
I was aware of how well-struck Bhaghani’s kicks were as compared to ML’s…they always seemed to have a hook or a tail, like my drives.
Seems like the loyalty is sometimes misplaced. Sometimes it's conferred without any regard to merit. Sometimes it's conferred and not reciprocated. Loyalty is a wonderful trait, but every once in a while you have to double check and make sure you're not just being a chump.
I think this issue is more governed by the NCAA rules regarding scholarships, NIL, the portal etc.
As a practical matter, if Wilcox were to pull scholarships from players not starting to recruit new ones, then recuits wouldn't value the scholarship offers from Cal in the first place.
Just landed the #2 transfer LB in the country! https://247sports.com/Player/Teddye-Buchanan-46084926/
Nice!
Noooo mateeeeen
That Auburn game was a huge let down.
How did we find Mateen to begin with? I was under the impression that we only had one kicker in the roster (the same one who lost us the Auburn game).
Mateen leaving makes me sad b/c he was serviceable for the second half of the season.
If I were a head coach I would go Juco or transfer portal for a kicker. Finding out, like Wilcox did that you have given a 4-year scholarship to a freshman kicker with the yips is a disaster.
why the heck would Bhaghani leave? smh.
Jeez, how did we lose another kicker? Bummer. (Yeah it's a scholarship issue but...sigh)
I'm guessing we'll be scouring the portal and we'll see if Luckhurst can compete himself back in for field goals.
NNNNNNNOOOOOO!!!! Not Mateen!!!!
His resume, as listed on 24/7 is sparse. Maybe he comes back with a NIL side deal
He is a freshman so maybe the academics were too hard for him and he would not have been eligible. This happened to Ross Bowers. Many 1st year students never make the grade at Cal.
Walk-on (minimal athlete bump, if any, to clear admissions) from an academically competitive public high school. I doubt it's his grades.
Cal can be an intimidating place, especially for HS football players used to being treated as something special in their HS: Public high schools are usually far less rigorous regarding course difficulty, every student in classes (some exceptions) were at the top of their HS class, are talented in areas other than academics (music, band, choir, science club, student government, art, athletics, etc.), professors do not cut scholarship athletes any slack, on and on. It is not uncommon for incoming football players to need special tutoring just to pass Cal’s basic required courses.
That's what makes Cal the highest ranked public university in the world.
I can guarantee anyone who did well enough at Del Norte to get into Cal without the boost of being a scholarship football player can pass classes without much difficulty.
Yeah, but that Bowers Flip should have gotten him some points with the professors.
I think the profs scored his best flip 5.4 out of 6. Not quite high enough for the tastes of Cal’s professors.
Good luck at your next destinations! It will take me a while to get used to this portal
Could this be Mateens way of pushing the issue?? Power move!
Before everyone freaks out...
look at the portal.. every team has a bunch of players entering the portal.
Multiple teams have their starting QB & WRs entering the portal.
Yes we like to think we are cursed and we can't have good things (which is kinda true for sports), but this portal business... it's the new norm.
but yes, I was so delighted our kicking game got better... time to go scout the junior colleges... or what I was begging Cal to do earlier in the year - have an open try out and invite soccer players, rugby players and any one will to try... bc anyone would have been better than our kicking game first few games.