Oh yeah! Exactly improved line, two stud running backs, and solid receivers - having him in the mix we could recruit more. We were close to winning many games.
Have to add in that it is altogether possible he got to Eugene, didn't see the damn sun for a few weeks, and said screw that. I can play ACC ball in sunny Berkeley and not live under clouds all day.
Oh man, don't even compare! As a long time resident of the rainforest up here, and coming from Berkeley and the Bay, there is simply no comparison in days of grey and gloom and cold and rain. Not even close! I remember when I was teaching in the Marin Headlands back in that year, 1995, and it rained for about a week straight, and we all went crazy. Let me tell you, it has rained here every day or been deeply dark and gray every day since November! And this is normal. We have great summers, but let me tell you, November to February here is not for the faint hearted or those accustomed to sun like he is.
That was 30 years ago. November this year in Eugene was typical Oregon weather and Berkeley was fantastic. Last month was pretty nice here also. What was it like in Eugene?
The tea leaves certainly point to Cal, where he was committed to for like 6 months.
"I just felt that I wasn't a main priority [at Oregon]," Sagapolutele told ESPN. "Of course there's going to be competition anywhere I go. But I'm just looking at other QB rooms and the best place for me to go get on the field early."
And per Rivals Adam Gorney, he "has a real possibility to transfer to CAL"
Opportunity for a QB to get on the field early is one area where Cal has very much improved over the last month. We also have a QB coach and OC, which wasn't the case when he decommitted.
Maybe he saw that abomination of a game the Ducks just played and decided the bloom was off the rose...with the Duck QB getting sacked 9 times or such. Not that Cal was even in the playoffs this year, but Oregon is a homely pimped up prom queen with an expensive dress and shoes who doesn't have shit else but a rich daddy. A rich daddy who isn't long on this Earth. Perhaps post-Knight Oregon will go back to being simply a hippy town in the armpit of the Willamette Valley that we can like for being mossy and literate.
Sy: That must be an incredibly stacked QB room in Eugene! To have two five star QBs decommit is really kind of unprecedented. I mean at some point they must have known they were going to get their chance to compete and start. I guess that this younger generation is really impatient. It certainly wasn't a money issue.
Well, the older generations didn't really have a chance to get impatient and change their minds. Once they committed and enrolled, it was a lot harder to move to another school. Now it's easy.
Love that Akili Smith tweet. Hoping their just negotiating NIL and it's a fait accompli. I'd be concerned about him transferring to a top tier program in the future if he breaks out, but that's sort of unavoidable in this era.
They haven't replaced Mendoza's scholarship, so another transfer should get recruited. This might scare off a Devin Brown type since he's trying to leave a situation where a highly rated underclassman is expected to leap frog him and start next year. A Ben Finley type may be more likely if Jaron comes.
Harsin is the OC and QB coach, and was formally hired after signing day. Possible it was firm enough to share with important recruits like Jaron earlier than that though. Not sure what's happening to the previous QB coach, Gilbert, who coached the bowl game.
I was just trying to point out that for some reason Gilbert is still our QB coach. He's not released yet. Harsin was announced as OC/QB coach so I'm sure we are not keeping Gilbert.
If you look at the Mendoza commentary (article posted in thread) regarding CAL coaches, I am guessing Gilbert is out. The new OC coaches have a different energy than Bloeasch and Gilbert, and I am not seeing Gilbert in the mix. Are they not just letting the contract run out? They also have never said what is happening to Bloesch. Both probably looking to land a new job? Few jobs are left at this stage and spring ball is around the corner.
It’s all lined up for him to be starter with a revamped offense, proximity as much as possible to home and a great education possible. I’m thinking positive. He would probably be an upgrade over Fernando.
Building that Rookie to Free Agent pipeline. Imagine if this became a way for schools to poach freshman talent after National Signing Day. Means the madness doesn’t end until the portal window closes.
The energy these new OCs are bringing could be a difference maker. And it seems the kids really, really like Anae. That is helpful as the kids compare notes with each other.
Plus they seem to have a better understanding of what it takes to run a successful college offense. Some of Bloesch‘s concepts and play calls simply never had a chance of working, and his in-game adjustments were virtually non-existent. That first 3 and out series after half in the Big Game should be in a textbook somewhere for young OC’s on what not to do…
I still expect they’ll still be getting an experienced or semi-experienced QB in the portal—whether that’s Brown or another in the spring portal. Too much on the line for this staff this year. Even so, his route to QB1 becomes considerably shorter and clearer than it was at UO or would be at UGA. But hopefully the communication and expectations setting is more honest this go around.
Essentially, he was implying that Coach Wilcox, Bloesch, and Gilbert lacked the ability to develop him, which led to his departure. These players are definitely signaling to others who the truly good coaches are. Mendoza's brother and family experienced this difference firsthand, especially with both kids being quarterbacks. I wish the kid well - we can not blame him for owning his dream and trying to make his dream happen.
Regardless of how you feel about the individual coaches (Spavital, for instance, seems pretty good and much better than Bloesch/Gilbert), Cal has it's 4th OC and QB coach in 4 years, so Mendoza has a new coach each year, not the ideal situation to develop. He'll have another new coach at Indiana, who almost certainly won't get fired during Mendoza's time, but they've got a new OC next year and the coach could get poached, so there's risk there too. We'll see if he advances considerably at IU and gets drafted reasonably high. For all his hard work, preparation, and intangibles, Mendoza's never seemed to have that it factor when it comes to recognition and execution, so I'm not sure he can just be coached into a legit NFL guy, though those positive traits give you confidence that if there's a way then he just might find it. Definitely a good QB, who should at least get into an NFL camp and could prove me wrong, but not confident he makes an impact at the next level. I remember watching Goff as a freshman navigating pressure in the pocket and thinking he's got it and has a real chance to be a good pro, and he's subsequently proven that. I've never felt the same about Mendoza, or any other Cal QB in awhile, based on his on-field performance. It's the intangibles that can talk you into it. 98 yards with my boys didn't change that for me despite being an awesome college football moment, though a bit tarnished by abandoning the boys weeks later.
I agree with everything you are saying. It is the old saying how can you get from good to a great athlete? Some you can control and some you can not. In my sports circle, folks are not talking about Mendoza unless they are Cal alums - and they remain bitter over Mendoza leaving.
Absolutely! Some kids will never walk away from talented coaches, especially those they see as father figures. For college football coaches, being that mentor and role model is just part of the game. It is a hard job for sure.
I think there are a lot of factors at play—diet, strength, experience—and yeah, Gilbert too. Honestly, I haven’t seen Mendoza say much about how helpful Gilbert was or if they had a strong connection. Maybe I missed something, but Mendoza rarely mentioned Gilbert. The feedback on Gilbert from the CFB Reddit channel is painful.As for Harsin, seems like he’s solid as an OC, but isnt seen as a nice guy. That Reddit channel really has some great insider takes on coaches.
I hope things work out for Mendoza. Saw Toler is headed to UCLA, and I’m curious to see where Bloesch and Gilbert end up. Coaching jobs are tough to come by, and now with NFL coaches following Prime’s lead, it’s getting even harder. And the coaching job seems like hell with NIL/Portal etc. Larranaga, Saban left because of it. We are in a different era.
It would be nice, but I've been battered enough by the Wilcox regime to not get my hopes up.
Shining…you got to shine!
Come on back, no hurt feelings! We've even recruited more OL.
Oh yeah! Exactly improved line, two stud running backs, and solid receivers - having him in the mix we could recruit more. We were close to winning many games.
Just seeing a photo with Desean and Marshawn together makes me happy. What young man would not want to be associated with Beast Mode? Go Bears!
Have to add in that it is altogether possible he got to Eugene, didn't see the damn sun for a few weeks, and said screw that. I can play ACC ball in sunny Berkeley and not live under clouds all day.
Sunny Berkeley? In January 1995 it rained everyday of the month!
Oh man, don't even compare! As a long time resident of the rainforest up here, and coming from Berkeley and the Bay, there is simply no comparison in days of grey and gloom and cold and rain. Not even close! I remember when I was teaching in the Marin Headlands back in that year, 1995, and it rained for about a week straight, and we all went crazy. Let me tell you, it has rained here every day or been deeply dark and gray every day since November! And this is normal. We have great summers, but let me tell you, November to February here is not for the faint hearted or those accustomed to sun like he is.
That was 30 years ago. November this year in Eugene was typical Oregon weather and Berkeley was fantastic. Last month was pretty nice here also. What was it like in Eugene?
Went to grad school in Portland in the 70's. People don't tan there ...they rust.
The tea leaves certainly point to Cal, where he was committed to for like 6 months.
"I just felt that I wasn't a main priority [at Oregon]," Sagapolutele told ESPN. "Of course there's going to be competition anywhere I go. But I'm just looking at other QB rooms and the best place for me to go get on the field early."
And per Rivals Adam Gorney, he "has a real possibility to transfer to CAL"
Opportunity for a QB to get on the field early is one area where Cal has very much improved over the last month. We also have a QB coach and OC, which wasn't the case when he decommitted.
Akili Smith also seems to think he's going to Cal.
https://x.com/ByEliLederman/status/1875305776413339835
But Georgia is also theoretically possible, given the desire to start.
Maybe he saw that abomination of a game the Ducks just played and decided the bloom was off the rose...with the Duck QB getting sacked 9 times or such. Not that Cal was even in the playoffs this year, but Oregon is a homely pimped up prom queen with an expensive dress and shoes who doesn't have shit else but a rich daddy. A rich daddy who isn't long on this Earth. Perhaps post-Knight Oregon will go back to being simply a hippy town in the armpit of the Willamette Valley that we can like for being mossy and literate.
Sy: That must be an incredibly stacked QB room in Eugene! To have two five star QBs decommit is really kind of unprecedented. I mean at some point they must have known they were going to get their chance to compete and start. I guess that this younger generation is really impatient. It certainly wasn't a money issue.
Well, the older generations didn't really have a chance to get impatient and change their minds. Once they committed and enrolled, it was a lot harder to move to another school. Now it's easy.
Good point.
Austin Hinder would have easily transferred in today's system.
He stayed for 5 years without ever starting and HC change.
He had offers from Alabama, Notre Dame, etc. out of HS.
He’s not playing any time soon in either Eugene or Athens. Those rosters are CFP or bust every year and aren’t rolling with a true FR.
Love that Akili Smith tweet. Hoping their just negotiating NIL and it's a fait accompli. I'd be concerned about him transferring to a top tier program in the future if he breaks out, but that's sort of unavoidable in this era.
They haven't replaced Mendoza's scholarship, so another transfer should get recruited. This might scare off a Devin Brown type since he's trying to leave a situation where a highly rated underclassman is expected to leap frog him and start next year. A Ben Finley type may be more likely if Jaron comes.
Our QB coach is still the same.
Harsin is the OC and QB coach, and was formally hired after signing day. Possible it was firm enough to share with important recruits like Jaron earlier than that though. Not sure what's happening to the previous QB coach, Gilbert, who coached the bowl game.
Yeah I know, your point is valid.
I was just trying to point out that for some reason Gilbert is still our QB coach. He's not released yet. Harsin was announced as OC/QB coach so I'm sure we are not keeping Gilbert.
If you look at the Mendoza commentary (article posted in thread) regarding CAL coaches, I am guessing Gilbert is out. The new OC coaches have a different energy than Bloeasch and Gilbert, and I am not seeing Gilbert in the mix. Are they not just letting the contract run out? They also have never said what is happening to Bloesch. Both probably looking to land a new job? Few jobs are left at this stage and spring ball is around the corner.
Tell the kid to lose Fernando Mendoza's phone number, stat...
Who?
Yeah, "New phone, who dis?" is EXACTLY how I want that conversation to go...
Well Well Well how the turntables...
….are on the other foot.
Let’s fricking goooooo!!!!!
How about a new #Calgorithm video?
It’s all lined up for him to be starter with a revamped offense, proximity as much as possible to home and a great education possible. I’m thinking positive. He would probably be an upgrade over Fernando.
Building that Rookie to Free Agent pipeline. Imagine if this became a way for schools to poach freshman talent after National Signing Day. Means the madness doesn’t end until the portal window closes.
Can Fernando also change his mind and come back? Can we has both and run some two QB formations?
Hopefully not.
The Mendoza ship sailed and it’s for the best.
We got Haskin and Rolovich. The word is getting out, kids will start giving us a serious look now...... Mendoza who?
Anae could very easily end up being the best hire of the Wilcox era.
I hope so...if we could come close to ND O-line I would be happy. That was football poetry!
The energy these new OCs are bringing could be a difference maker. And it seems the kids really, really like Anae. That is helpful as the kids compare notes with each other.
Plus they seem to have a better understanding of what it takes to run a successful college offense. Some of Bloesch‘s concepts and play calls simply never had a chance of working, and his in-game adjustments were virtually non-existent. That first 3 and out series after half in the Big Game should be in a textbook somewhere for young OC’s on what not to do…
Should be a day 1 starter as a FR.
Meanwhile, will Wilcox try and tab CJ Harris after a QB competition.…. ;-)
I still expect they’ll still be getting an experienced or semi-experienced QB in the portal—whether that’s Brown or another in the spring portal. Too much on the line for this staff this year. Even so, his route to QB1 becomes considerably shorter and clearer than it was at UO or would be at UGA. But hopefully the communication and expectations setting is more honest this go around.
...I see memes in his future!
The Saga continues ;-)
Like Wu Tang, the saga continues…
We can only hope!
Sort of the flip side of Mendoza. He was interviewed by the Indianapolis Star and basically said he wasn’t growing at Cal and would get to his goal to be playing in the NFL better working with Cignetti and his QB coach Chandler Whitmer. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2025/01/03/why-cal-qb-transfer-fernando-mendoza-picked-iu-football-curt-cignetti-indiana-hoosiers-portal-news/77434787007/
Essentially, he was implying that Coach Wilcox, Bloesch, and Gilbert lacked the ability to develop him, which led to his departure. These players are definitely signaling to others who the truly good coaches are. Mendoza's brother and family experienced this difference firsthand, especially with both kids being quarterbacks. I wish the kid well - we can not blame him for owning his dream and trying to make his dream happen.
Regardless of how you feel about the individual coaches (Spavital, for instance, seems pretty good and much better than Bloesch/Gilbert), Cal has it's 4th OC and QB coach in 4 years, so Mendoza has a new coach each year, not the ideal situation to develop. He'll have another new coach at Indiana, who almost certainly won't get fired during Mendoza's time, but they've got a new OC next year and the coach could get poached, so there's risk there too. We'll see if he advances considerably at IU and gets drafted reasonably high. For all his hard work, preparation, and intangibles, Mendoza's never seemed to have that it factor when it comes to recognition and execution, so I'm not sure he can just be coached into a legit NFL guy, though those positive traits give you confidence that if there's a way then he just might find it. Definitely a good QB, who should at least get into an NFL camp and could prove me wrong, but not confident he makes an impact at the next level. I remember watching Goff as a freshman navigating pressure in the pocket and thinking he's got it and has a real chance to be a good pro, and he's subsequently proven that. I've never felt the same about Mendoza, or any other Cal QB in awhile, based on his on-field performance. It's the intangibles that can talk you into it. 98 yards with my boys didn't change that for me despite being an awesome college football moment, though a bit tarnished by abandoning the boys weeks later.
I agree with everything you are saying. It is the old saying how can you get from good to a great athlete? Some you can control and some you can not. In my sports circle, folks are not talking about Mendoza unless they are Cal alums - and they remain bitter over Mendoza leaving.
I feel that Gilbert really developed Mendoza. Mendoza made a huge leap this year which was way beyond my expectations.
If Gilbert was so good, Mendoza probably wouldn’t have left.
Absolutely! Some kids will never walk away from talented coaches, especially those they see as father figures. For college football coaches, being that mentor and role model is just part of the game. It is a hard job for sure.
I think there are a lot of factors at play—diet, strength, experience—and yeah, Gilbert too. Honestly, I haven’t seen Mendoza say much about how helpful Gilbert was or if they had a strong connection. Maybe I missed something, but Mendoza rarely mentioned Gilbert. The feedback on Gilbert from the CFB Reddit channel is painful.As for Harsin, seems like he’s solid as an OC, but isnt seen as a nice guy. That Reddit channel really has some great insider takes on coaches.
I hope things work out for Mendoza. Saw Toler is headed to UCLA, and I’m curious to see where Bloesch and Gilbert end up. Coaching jobs are tough to come by, and now with NFL coaches following Prime’s lead, it’s getting even harder. And the coaching job seems like hell with NIL/Portal etc. Larranaga, Saban left because of it. We are in a different era.
That's true. Haven't seen much mention of Gilbert from Mendoza.
I don't care if Harsin is a nice guy. Wilcox is a nice guy. If he can deliver, he can be tough and mean.
Chip Kelly also got out of head coaching because of the f'n NIL
Yes. The NIL and Portal needs to be revisited. I think we have learned enough from the test.
eh