Boy what a week it has been. I leave for vacation and not even 24 hours later hell freezes over with USC and UCLA leaving the conference in a thanos snap. As we have all reflected on the paths that can ensue for our California Golden Bears it is time to reconsider who will be facing the brunt of these impactful decisions. This leads us towards the back half of my preview series, where the focus lies on Nate Burrell, a defensive lineman out of St. John Bosco in Southern California.

The Bio and Measurables:

• 6 ft 2 inches

• 265 pounds

• St. John Bosco HS (via Los Angeles, CA)

What is Cal getting in Burrell?

Nate Burrell is a very large and intimidating man that I wouldn’t want lining up on the other side of me. Burrell moves really well for someone who is 265 LBS, making things look easy for a man of his size. While not overtly dominating on any level, Burrell provides a steady dose of controlled pursuit to the football and possess a good trait in keeping contain and maintaining gap integrity as he rushes. With his frame, I could see him sliding over towards the interior of the defensive line, with his frame and play style coming towards a mix of what Cal has had with Chris Palmer and Ricky Correia. Each of these two guys tend to be late to the party when it comes to blowing up plays, but still find a way to make those plays and finish up what people like Cameron Goode started. Burrell certainly won’t be missing a beat as he transitions to the D1 level, having played in the Trinity League for SJB, going against the likes of other D1 signees from Mater Dei, Servite, and Orange Lutheran.

What can Burrell improve on?

Simply put, Burrell won’t have boatloads of top end talent surrounding him at Cal. He’s going to need to become more than a smart support player who can get in the trenches. Burrell has the tools to do this, and could possibly slide over to the interior of the defensive line like it was mentioned earlier. That body frame and type could do well in overwhelming interior offensive linemen who don’t have a killer first step. I know the coaches will find a place for Burrell because there is simply an intensity that needs to be put on to the field in some capacity.

Best of luck to Nate as he starts his Cal career!

Junior abbreviated season tape can be found at Hudl.