Cal Position Groups Preach "Brotherhood" as they Acclimate to the Golden Bears and Tosh Lupoi's Standard
Chemistry is still apart of the winning formula
With all the roster turnover happening and money flying around in this day and age of college athletics, the ability to be a “team” can get lost in the shuffle. One or two bad eggs can derail a season, forcing you to look in the mirror as you spent a lot of NIL dollars for not a ton of return.
As Cal Football wraps up Spring Ball this week, there’s been consistent themes among the position groups when they get to the post practice media banner.
Despite the battles they go through on the field, where they want to leave no doubt about who won reps, they’re building camaraderie off it as Tosh Lupoi expresses his desire to be “the most connected team in the country.”
Finding their Soul in the Bay
Across multiple days of position group scrums, Cal players came together to discuss how their acclimation to the Bay Area has been both a journey yet worthwhile.
One of those adjustment areas, is the food scene.
ILB Tristan Jernigan among others are from the South and as they look for a taste of home, it took some adventuring. Jernigan, a Tupelo, Mississippi native, noted the different backgrounds that have come together to bring the best out of one another.
Enter Y’s Choice in Oakland. A place cited by more than three players, has become a spot to relax, refocus and enjoy each other for who they are.
“I love soul food, coming from the south. Y’s Choice and Rob Ben’s, Marshawn Lynch’s spot. I eat them on the weekends because I’m on a diet. I work with that, eat good on the weekends.” - Cal ILB Tristian Jernigan
In a game that’s fast paced, its the things that slow you down that may end up paying dividends down the line for the Golden Bears.
Home Away from Home
You remember the day you left home to head to college. Whether it was a couple of miles down the road, moving across the country or heading internationally, its an adjustment.
Not everyone is fit or ready for change.
Now add in the expectations to be a D1 football player where you are viewed to perform and it can be a lot.
Freshman TE Taimane Purcell touched on how having people from Hawaii on the team and the coaches emphasizing taking care of yourself off the field has assisted his transition to Berkeley.
On the other side, Edge rusher Justin Beadles, who was been at an array of schools, values the balance of how these coaches demand the best but also check in on the person as well.
“I’ve had some good head coaches …. Tosh is a great coach, great role model. He checks in, he can tell when you’re down. He’s the same guy everyday.” - Cal Edge Justin Beadles
In acknowledging where Cal is and where they’re expected to go under this revamped recruiting outlook, you still need to take the baby steps required to succeed.
As the team continues to iron out their installs before the Spring Game on Saturday, the work behind the scenes is currently setting Cal up to be more than just a group of individuals who want to win.
Yep. Got to keep guys moral up. It looks like Tosh is doing that. It's so important.
Go Team! Looking forward to Saturday.