Cal Secondary Transfers Provide Depth And an Edge, with Something to Prove
New faces from across the country are settling into Berkeley with an aggressive, physical identity, all while chasing a new standard.
The Cal secondary has gone through significant turnover this offseason, but the newcomers arrived with a clear sense of what they’re walking into. Safety Kingston Lopa followed Tosh Lupoi from Oregon, where he’d already spent two years learning the defense.
“I kind of already knew the defense, so that’s what really made me transfer over. I’ve been in it for about two years. That was really the biggest thing. And Tosh already been with him for a couple years, so it was an easy transfer.”
He didn’t hesitate when asked how good this group can be.
“It’s going to be aggressive, violent. We got DBs. Strapping. It’s going to be fun.”
Cornerback Marquis Groves-Killebrew came over from Arizona and sees a group with the pieces to carry on what Cal has built in the secondary.
“Our DBs, we got a lot of depth. I feel like we definitely going to hold up to that standard. We going to be a real good group this year for sure.”
He described his own game simply.
“I’m going to bring aggressive press man, go get after it, try to go get the ball in zone. Ball hawk corner.”
Safety Michael Hurst Jr. transferred from Southern California and found a room that welcomed him quickly, even with so many new faces adjusting at once.
“I’m from Southern California, so it’s a five, six hour drive, but I got to stay home. Everyone was really welcoming. I love Coach T and what they’re trying to push within the program.”
All three described a room still learning each other but moving in the same direction. Lopa put it plainly.
“Just with the energy we bring, these first three days have just been great. Excited, pumped, hyped every day. Just come with the energy every day.”
The competition in practice has been its own education. Groves-Killebrew said going against Cal’s offense daily has pushed him in ways he didn’t expect.
“This offense is probably the most different offense I’ve played against since I’ve been in college. A lot of under center, a lot of stretch, fakes and that type of stuff. Different, but good for sure.”