Cal Football – 2013 Spring Update

Spring Summary

New was the watchword. New coach. New offense. New style of practice. New quarterback. Indeed, very little looked the same about these Bears, even compared to just six months ago. Coach Sonny Dykes has been hard at work instilling a new culture around the program, and it shows even in the little things – like the decision to open up all spring practices to fans.

Coming into those spring practices, though, the biggest worries were the offensive line, quarterback, and the secondary – and while we have gotten some clarity into each group’s respective situations, it wouldn’t really be accurate to say that they were “successfully addressed”.

Take, for example, the quarterback situation – the Bears have three capable candidates, in Zach Kline, Jared Goff, and Austin Hinder, each of whom could take the title of Bear Raid Commander. Despite solid play from all three, there has been no clear winner just yet.

The offensive line appears slightly improved from last season, but that says very little, considering that Cal’s front five was one of the worst in the country.

In short, everything is still developing.

Name a few unknown players who could become stars this season

Kyle Kragen – DE – A JUCO transfer, Kragen has stepped in and been a pass rushing nightmare this spring, playing extremely low to the ground and with a relentless drive. With the Bears needing true defensive ends to run Andy Buh’s 4-3 scheme, don’t be surprised if Kragen is an impact player off the edge.

Stefan McClure – CB – McClure was a highly touted cornerback coming out of high school, and played well as a freshman in 2011. Unfortunately, an ACL injury suffered in the 2011 season finale kept him out all last year. Too bad. The Bears could have used him. Well, he’s back now, and his year off wasn’t wasted – McClure is bigger, stronger, and just as fluid as he was before. This spring, McClure has been nearly invisible on the field, and not in a bad way – he’s been erasing every receiver he matches up against. A sleeper for the All Pac-12 team.

Freddie Tagaloa – LT – The first thing you should know about Freddie is that he is massive. Like, 6’8″, 350 pounds of massive. Sonny Dykes has been effusive in praising him all throughout spring, calling him one of the most impressive players overall – he’s even threw around the word “NFL tackle” a few times. Tagaloa should be a vast upgrade over last year’s starter at left tackle, though. You’re not going to push him around.

Grade each position group & special teams

QB – B – The good news is that they definitely have a quarterback. Now to figure out which one…

WR – B– Bryce Treggs was the only consistent performer in this unit and looks primed for a sophomore breakout. He’ll be joined by running mate Chris Harper soon enough. Harper sat out spring with a shoulder injury, but had arguably the best freshman season for a receiver in Cal history. Other names to watch for: Kenny Lawler, Richard Rodgers, Maurice Harris.

RB – INC – The Bears are missing both Brendan Bigelow and Daniel Lasco, who are expected to take the carries come fall. Nothing to be learned here.

OL – C– Better than last year. How much better? Wait and see. Snaps remain an issue.

DL – A– Dominant all through spring camp, and they’ll get some much needed depth when injured players like Chris McCain, Brennan Scarlett, Sione Sina and Marcus Manley return to the rotation.

LB – A– Cal rolls deep here, with six or seven players all capable of playing. Fast, athletic, and young.

Secondary – C+ – Dangerously thin – after the starters, there is nobody who can effectively fill in after them. Starting safeties Avery Sebastian and Michael Lowe are still weak in pass coverage, and the team has yet to settle on a third corner.

Are there any “surprises” we can expect from this team? 

The team will be better, but it might not show up in the record book just yet. Cal will play tough games @UCLA, @Oregon, @Stanford, not to mention two home dates against Ohio State and a fringe Top 25 team in Northwestern.

Still, having an actual quarterback will help immensely, as will a streamlined offense that aims to better take advantage of the talent currently on hand. Add in a season of maturity from a very young defense, and you have a team that could surprise people.

Six or seven wins seems realistic for Sonny Dykes’ first year, but don’t be surprised if the Bears end up knocking off one or more of the above teams.

Check out our California 2013 Spring Preview here.

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Nam Lee of California Golden Blogs provided the information for our California football spring update.  For more Cal football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Nam on Twitter @OneLifeOneMic.

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