Darius Long has had a long and unusual journey to Cal. After graduating from Encinal (Alameda, CA) in 2017, he went to CSM for one season before suffering two successive knee injuries and a season canceled due to Covid. So he’ll be a fifth-year athletic sophomore – perhaps inheriting the “old man” title from Zeandae Johnson.
Darius’ has tape from 3.5 years ago, where he played a defensive end in a 4-3 defense – usually in the 5, 7, and even 9 technique. He has good north-south power, quick feet, and some good explosiveness. Honestly, I think he will be better suited to putting on more weight and filling in as a backup DT role at Cal given his strengths. He excels at getting his body into position by bulling his way there rather than using his hands.
Who knows what he’ll look like a good 4.5 years after his last tape highlights, but as we all know – you can’t have enough DT depth. (*cough* *Washington game canceled* *cough*).
If he was given a scholarship then the coaches see something indicating that this guy is ready to play in a P5 conference. At '2" he's got the build of a plug. I could see him as one tech. He's not a 340 lb. monster but he's big enough to be a stopper and force a double team if he is quick and can get position. It will be interesting to see how he does. Two knee injuries in two years worries me though.
Yep, Welcome to Cal Darius. I think we need big bodies who can contribute immediately. It seems like we are recruiting well on the D-line, but those guys are 1-2 years away. The Brett Johnson out-for-the-season problem may have been slightly ameliorated.
CAL coaches had the inside track on this kid. He's not ranked because hasn't played in a while, but apparently he has what it takes. I said earlier I saw him as a smaller one tech. I take that back, he'll be good in a 5 tech spot. Here's a good write up on Darius Long: https://bearinsider.com/s/2699/bears-add-depth-up-the-middle-with-21-csm-dt-darius-long
I'm curious if we think Cal keeps a close eye on the transfer portal; seems it's MIGHTY active these days. I'm thinking more for an RB, but if a D-lineman were there I hope Cal would be tracking (as I think they can play right away given covid.....).
Darius Long has had a long and unusual journey to Cal. After graduating from Encinal (Alameda, CA) in 2017, he went to CSM for one season before suffering two successive knee injuries and a season canceled due to Covid. So he’ll be a fifth-year athletic sophomore – perhaps inheriting the “old man” title from Zeandae Johnson.
Darius’ has tape from 3.5 years ago, where he played a defensive end in a 4-3 defense – usually in the 5, 7, and even 9 technique. He has good north-south power, quick feet, and some good explosiveness. Honestly, I think he will be better suited to putting on more weight and filling in as a backup DT role at Cal given his strengths. He excels at getting his body into position by bulling his way there rather than using his hands.
Who knows what he’ll look like a good 4.5 years after his last tape highlights, but as we all know – you can’t have enough DT depth. (*cough* *Washington game canceled* *cough*).
If he was given a scholarship then the coaches see something indicating that this guy is ready to play in a P5 conference. At '2" he's got the build of a plug. I could see him as one tech. He's not a 340 lb. monster but he's big enough to be a stopper and force a double team if he is quick and can get position. It will be interesting to see how he does. Two knee injuries in two years worries me though.
Is Bequette really coming back?
Curious as to where this rumor started, or even if it is true.
this is happening? I love the breadcrumbs that keep getting dropped.
Yep, Welcome to Cal Darius. I think we need big bodies who can contribute immediately. It seems like we are recruiting well on the D-line, but those guys are 1-2 years away. The Brett Johnson out-for-the-season problem may have been slightly ameliorated.
True, Aaron was overlooked out of high school and wasn't on anyone's radar as a JC freshman.
Nice. Thanks Rob. Darius should help.
CAL coaches had the inside track on this kid. He's not ranked because hasn't played in a while, but apparently he has what it takes. I said earlier I saw him as a smaller one tech. I take that back, he'll be good in a 5 tech spot. Here's a good write up on Darius Long: https://bearinsider.com/s/2699/bears-add-depth-up-the-middle-with-21-csm-dt-darius-long
I'm curious if we think Cal keeps a close eye on the transfer portal; seems it's MIGHTY active these days. I'm thinking more for an RB, but if a D-lineman were there I hope Cal would be tracking (as I think they can play right away given covid.....).
I should have said, I SUSPECT Cal does, but don't see us being active there.......
For sure they are watching the transfer portal.
Welcome to Cal, Darius. Go Bears!
I would read this article