California Football: Leaning Heavily on the Legs of Zach Maynard

Although the ship isn’t necessarily sinking out in Berkeley, fans aboard the S.S. Golden Bear have reasons to fear the outcome of their current journey. Last season, Cal suffered its first sub-.500 record in nine years and uncertainty on both sides of the ball raises some warranted off-season concerns. 

Earlier this spring, Head Coach Jeff Tedford tried to put some of these worries to rest by announcing that Buffalo transfer Zach Maynard would be the Bears’ opening day starter at quarterback. 

For years, Cal’s string of highly touted quarterbacks and running backs were the crux that held their fans’ heads high.  However, this season, the amount of productivity that the Bears will get from the otherwise unknown Maynard and their untested backfield is highly questionable.

California Bears Recruiting Round-Up

Colin Blake is leaning towards the Longhorns

Recent Commits

·         No recent commits

Trending on the Trail

Colin Blake, CB, 6-3/270 (****): after talks with Texas’ DB coach Duane Akina, Blake is just waiting for an offer from the Longhorns; if the offer does come, expect him to commit. 

Top Commits for 2012

·         Michael Barton, OLB, 6-1/205 (****): a quick, hard hitter that is always around the ball; expected to play the WILL linebacker position, possibly as a freshman.

·         Zach Kline, QB, 6-2/195 (****): a strong arm gives Kline’s pass some definite pop; he is also praised for his excellent pocket presence and decent accuracy.  


***Check out how the rest of the Pac-12 is doing on the recruiting trail here.  

Power Ranking the Pac-12's Head Coaches

This year’s list of Pac-12 head coaches is a very similar read to last year’s.

While the names may seem the same, the overall presence and outlying atmosphere created by these coaches has certainly changed.

The Pac-10 faithful will be introduced to three new head coaches this season, two experiencing their first year at helm.  How these coaches react to this backyard dog fight called “Pac-12 Conference Play” should be quite interesting.

Let's take a look at where each coach lands in my Pac-12's Coaches Preseason Power Rankings.    

Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.13.2011

*The NCAA has to be the most annoying thorn in Lane Kiffin's side, right now. But, I guess it's still better than dealing with Al Davis.  [Los Angeles Times]

*Pete Carroll threw in his two-cents about the USC and NCAA fiasco.  I’ll give you one guess which side he favors.   [Inside USC]

*Rich Neuheisel is obviously on a short leash this season and his offseason progress report just arrived with varied results.  The end is so close for Neuheisel you can taste it.  [Bruins Nation]

*Seems like this Cal fan cant get over the past.  USC still won the game.  I’d say it's time to move on.  [SF Examiner]

*Apparently Utah quarterbacks also make great linebackers.  [Desert News]     

*Speaking of the Utes, prices for tickets are up for next season.  Welcome to a BCS conference Utah.  [Salt Lake Tribune]

*Ducks Float. The entire Oregon team was named the grand marshal for Portland Rose Festival’s 2011 Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade.  [Register Guard]

Pac-12 Recruiting Roundup

Kevon Seymour could take his talents to Southern Cal

Welcome to the soap opera that sports fans like to call College Football Recruiting! 

For those that are not accustomed to the inner ways of college football recruiting, the easiest way to describe it would be teenage drama with a football twist. 

It is a process where senior high school football players are courted by the fairest hands of all the land like they are the next Peyton Manning.  These 18-year olds are then forced to choose a four-year path that could potentially make or break their football careers.

Think of it as picking a date to the prom, but then also having to marry her for the next four years. While there is always divorce (transferring schools), it comes with its price.

Since we are dealing with sometimes erratic teenagers, a school that they like one week may become fuax pas the next.  And, even after some players do make a commitment to one school, they have the audacity to change their minds before February rolls around.

It’s a fun roller coaster ride, but it can be hard to keep track of.  This round-up will do its best to give you the cliff notes version of this week’s Pac-12 recruiting rumblings.    

Pac-12 Breakfast Link: 06.09.2011

*EA Sports’ release of its NCAA Football team’s rating is almost becoming as important as Blue Ribbon or Phil Steele.  Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy [The Daily Drip]

*The evidence against Ohio State is sure piling up. If their punishment by the NCAA isn't heavier than the recent sanctions handed to USC, then the system will continue to be a running joke. Checks? Come on, Pryor, that's Busch League. [Yahoo] 

*Tom Dienhart poses an interesting question “Do Cal official want to christen a re-done stadium with a new coach in 2012?”  If Tedford cant right the ship, seems like an intriguing possibility. [Belling Hamherald]

* Members of the Oregon’s Alumni Association were “generously” offered tickets to the LSU game at Cowboys Stadium for the not-so low price of $105 per ticket. Jerry-Town doesn't maintain itself I guess.  [Register Guard]

*An aging writer compares the BYU-Utah rivalry to himself, saying that the Holy War will slowly lose its meaning.  Sounds like there might be a new job open at his paper. [Desert News] 

*The campuses of Arizona State, Stanford, and UCLA better be prepared for a stampeded.  Colorado likes to plan parties on the road, so watch out for the roaming Buffaloes.  [Daily Camera]

*What if college football's conferences hit the shuffle button? SB Nation embarks on an interesting project doing just that. [House of Sparky]

Pac-12 Football Daily Breakfast Links: 06.07.2011

*This isn’t the championship you are looking for! USC's 2004 BCS championship is officially vacated by the NCAA. Now all they have to do is erase the memories of everyone that actually witnessed the event. [Inside USC]

*The Nike camp made its way through Eugene over the weekend, where several Pacific Coast recruits continued to gain traction amongst Pac-12 schools. Although Lake Owego’s Alex Matthew is still waiting for an official from any school, his phone should start to light up more this week. [Rivals]

*According to the gossip train, Texas running back Terrance Crowder really, really likes Colorado. But will this is this relationship be more “Zach and Kelly” or “Screech and Lisa”? [Buff Stampede]

                                                                         

*Arizona saddled four-star tight end Taylor McNamara, making him the Wildcats third commit for 2012. Several Pac-12 schools solicited offers, but McNamara apparently coveted early playing time over everything else.  Not a bad a choice considering some of the schools recent products at that position. [ESPN]

*Former Cal quarterback Kevin Riley's pro career has hit the skids.  If Canada Football doesn't want you, there aren’t many places that will. [California Golden Blogs]

Ranking the Pac-12's Top Wide Receivers

Wide receivers are an integral part to any passing game and these guys will be moving the offensive gears for the Pac-12 in 2011.

Thanks to the abundance of talent at quarterback in the Pac-12, the wide receivers of this conference will be presented with copious chances to prove their worth.

While there are a handful of names that are expected to shine in the national spotlight, there could be a few on this list that take the country by surprise.

Here are the Top 10 wide receivers in the Pac-12.

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.24.2011

*Like a nerdy teenager right before prom, UCLA is desperately hoping that they finally “Get Some!” in 2011. But, come one, what are the Bruins' real chances of making any serious waves this season.  These OC boys seem to have faith. [OC Register]

*Two weeks ago, Colorado secured one of the top 2012 quarterback recruits in Shane Dillon. The potential that Dillon brings to the Buffaloes’ future in the Pac-12 is quite interesting.  His high football coach seems to love him, but then again, don’t they all. [Rivals]

*Man Down! Arizona’s junior devensive tackle Willie Mobley suffered an ACL tear playing basketball at the student rec center.  Strangely enough, Mobley is fourth player to go down with an ACL injury for the Wildcats this spring.  [Tucson Citizen]

*A Stanford blogger tells a Cal blogger the “inside scoop” about the Cardinal for 2011.  Seems incestuous.  [California Golden Blogs]

*Ever wanted to see and hear what a QB does when he is in the pocket at game speed?  Then you have to check this out. At Washington’s spring game, Keith Price and Nate Montana wore cameras on their helmets.  It’s pretty sick! [Seattle PI]

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.23.2011

*There has been discussions in Pullman about creating a signature entrance song/ceremony for Washington State.  Im not quite sure how this is going to help the on field product, but hey, pre-game traditions is what college football is all about.  [WSU Football Blog]

*Jeff Tedford chatted in a rare off-season interview about the state of California Golden Bears football.  While there is still a great deal of uncertainly for next season, Tedford does a great job subduing the situation. [Bay Area SB Nation]

*USC added running back Jahleel Pinner to its 2012 recruiting class.  Thanks to his size (6’0”, 225lbs), the recruit from Mission Viejo HS is projected to be a full back for the Trojans. [OC Varsity]  

*Stanford and Notre Dame continue their long-lived tradition for another eight years.  I gotta say, this is one of my favorite rivalries in college football.  It needs to continue for the next century  [San Jose Mercury]

*Colorado’s head coach Jon Embree attended his first meeting of Pac-12 Coaches early this month. He described how it feels being the new kid on the block and the different roles played by the coaches.  But, Dennis Erickson as the Godfather...Come on! [Daily Camera]

Ranking the Pac-12’s Top Defensive Backs

Whether it is making a touchdown saving tackle or swatting down a threatening pass downfield, defensive backs are the lifeline for any defense.

The corps of DBs in the Pac-12 is definitely no exception, and this group of ball hawks are more than capable of changing the makeup of any game in a heartbeat.

Let’s take a peek at which defensive backs rank at the top of the Pac-12 for next season. 

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.17.2011

*Like the Jeffersons, Utah’s moving on up. However, with new neighbors comes a new lifestyle. The Utes need to start sprucing up its sports programs to portray their new status. No one likes the neighbor that doesn’t keep up outward appearances. [Salt Lake Tribune]

*Speaking of changing neighborhoods, Colorado played in its last Big 12 event last weekend, also saying good-bye to the old and hello to the new.  It’s amazing how much history the Buffaloes made with the Conference in only 15 years.   Take some time to reflect, Buffaloes fans. [Denver Post]

*With the addition these teams, the chances of catching a few Pac-12 cupcake games definitely increases just a smidgen.  Colorado has been known for setting difficult non-conference schedules in the past, but Utah is in a completely different boat this season.  Check out this breakdown of each teams’ non-conference schedule with various interesting schedule stats.  [Sporting News]

*Five-star safety recruit Shaq Thompson may be nursing a foot injury, but that didn’t stop him for wowing onlookers at the Nike Camp in Palo Alto.  Thompson’s de-committed from Cal earlier this spring, but claims they are still No. 1 on his list.  Washington, UCLA, and USC are circling Thompson as he decides. [Rivals, YouTube]

*The Oregon vs. LSU matchup on opening weekend is a huge carrot pulling the horse throughout the rest of this offseason.  It is going to be hard to pick an outright winner in that game.  My pick seems to change depending on the hour.  [Autzen Zoo]

  

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.16.2011

*According to a poll run by ESPN, Utah was picked by an overwhelming majority to surprise the Pac-12 this season.  However, with the othe Pac-12 teams provided in the five-team poll, it wasn’t hard to pick the Utes.  [ESPN]

*After an impressive spring, Jeff Tedford finally selected Zach Maynard to be California’s starting quarterback on opening day against Fresno State.   Armed with an accurate cannon and speedy wheels, fans are definitely leaning on Maynard to turnaround the Bears’ offensive woes. [San Francisco Chronicle]

*Palo Alto hosted The Elite 11 regional camp this weekend where committed QBs like Travis Wilson (Utah) and Zach Kline (Cal) continued to impress, and undecided QB Jake Rodrigues drew even more interest from Pac-12 suitors.  [Rivals]  

*Oregon State defensive tackle Castro Masaniai was arrested on a slew of charges last Saturday after an altercation with his girlfriend.  I guess it isn’t a college football offseason without at least TWO arrest from the Beaver state. [Oregonian]

*Do you remember last season USC/California game?  Ya, me neither. It might not have landed as the most interesting game of the season for most Pac-12 fans, but Avinash (in the hopes of selling a few pdfs) does a very interesting job breaking the plays of this wishy-washy game.  [California Golden Blogs] 

Ranking the Top Linebackers of the Conference

With the season creeping closer following each turning day, it is never too early to start ranking the players from the most intriguing conference in college football (at least to me!). 

Linebackers kick off my series of “The Pac-12’s Top 10 by position”.

Watching these linebackers patrol the line like a hungry velociraptors can send shivers directly to your soul.  It’s shame we have to wait so long to see these beast in action.

Let’s check out the list.   

Pac-12 Football Breakfast Links: 05.08.2011

*Arizona lands three-star recruit offensive lineman Beau Boyster.  Nothing screams exciting like an OL signing. [Arizona Daily Star, You Tube]

*According to a “source that has no authority to talk on the subject matter”(whatever that means), highly sought-after tight end Morrell Presely and fifth-year senior cornerback Courtney Viney will transfer out of UCLA.  Not sure if people need authority to talk about players that never see the field.  [Los Angeles Times]

*College Basketball play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson is expected to join FOX to call Pac-12 Football games.  Although he lost out to Brad Nessler for the NFL Network job, he should be a shoe-in for this position.  [Examiner.com]

*Four-star prospect linebacker Michael Barton commits to Cal, adding to a pile of East Bay recruits in the Bears' arsenal.  The De La Salle standout also received offers from Arizona State, Colorado, LSU, Oregon State, SMU, UCLA, Washington and Washington State. [Contra Costa Times, You Tube]

*It is no surprise that UCLA is having troubles figuring out which quarterback to go with next season.  It IS a surprise OC Mike Johnson still hopes that he is going to find “consistency, decision-making, and leadership” in one of his three candidates.  If these skills haven’t reared its head yet, he could be looking for a long time. [OC Register] 

Pac-12 Football Breakfast Links: 05.06.2011

*Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso is suspended for a second straight season after his arrest on burglary and trespassing chargers. Perhaps Chip Kelly should cut his losses. This recruit from Los Gatos isn't going pan out as he expected. [Seattle Times]

*Speaking of the Seattle Times, Bob Condotta reminded us that the Pac-12 Bowl schedule pretty much blows.   Thanks Bob for ruining my Friday.  [Seattle Times]

*Colorado Coach Jon Embree talks about DE Forrest West's departure without really saying anything at all about what actually happened.  Great job coach.  [Denver Post]

* Steven Threet's decision to retire after a gnarly concussion last year could not have been easy.  He was a promising player and it just plain sucks that we wont get a chance to see him next year. [AZCentral.com]

*With its first real conference schedule staring them square in the face,  Utah's yearly rivalry game with BYU seems to be losing a bit of its luster.  Wait, did it have that much to begin with?  [Salt Lake Tribune]

Pac-12 Football: California Bears Spring Game Report Card

Spring Game Type: 11-on-11 Full Team Practice

Final Score:  N/A

California suffered its first sub-.500 record under Jeff Tedford last season.  Armed with several new staff members, the Bears started the process of erasing those scathing memories during a successful spring.

Offense:

The first task for new quarterback coach Marcus Arroyo and Tedford’s revamped offensive staff was to find a new signal caller.  Brock Mansion did not impress most people after taking over for Kevin Riley and he did even less to change the minds of the coaches this spring.

Zach Maynard, on the other hand, keeps improving and took the majority of the Bears offensive snaps during their final team practice.  He finished the scrimmage completing seven of 12 passes with a touchdown and should be named the starting quarterback in the near future.

Ise Sofele, also hoping to nail down a starting role, looked powerful in the running game, gaining 77 yards on three carries with a touchdown.     

Grade: B+

Defense:

California returns only five starters from last year’s 18th ranked defense, but the Bears appear to be heading in the right direction following the spring.

The Bears’ defense picked Maynard off two times during the final scrimmage and were able to tap on his red jersey twice. 

With several holes to fill on every level of the defense, seeing consistent improvement from recruits will be necessary to keep pace in this high powered conference.  

Grade: C+

Pac-12 College Football: Quarterback Spring Report Card

The success of most teams lie solely in the hands of the player taking the snaps.

While an excellent defense can certainly take teams to the glory land, the quarterback is the one player than can completely change the makeup of a team. 

The Pac-10 produced several outstanding quarterbacks during its existence and things should not be any different with the addition of Colorado and Utah.

With Andrew Luck returning for another season and several other gunslingers looking to make their mark in 2011, the quarterbacks of the Pac-12 will be as dangerous as ever.

Let’s hand out grades to the possible starting quarterback of the Pac-12.    

Andrew Luck, Stanford

Stanford fans should send the Carolina Panthers a Thank You note for helping Andrew Luck to decide to stay another year. 

Luck’s success last season was fun to watch and it is great that college football fans get to ride the experience one more time.

As a red shirt sophomore, Luck dazzled the nation.  Not only did he lead the Pac-10 in yards (3,332), completion percentage (70.7), and touchdowns (32), but he helped Stanford to its largest single season win total (12) and marched the Cardinal to its first ever BCS bowl victory.    

Although Stanford losses a chunk of his stout offensive line, Luck’s unbelievable talent should shine the brightest in the Pac-12.

Grade: A+

Darron Thomas, Oregon

Darron Thomas dazzled the Pac-10 last season, ranking 11th in the nation with 30 passing touchdowns and coming just shy of a National Championship.

Thomas’s explosive dual-threat ability makes him a dangerous weapon again in 2011.  Add LeMichael James to the equation and Thomas is primed for another outstanding season.

Grade: A

Matt Barkley, USC
Matt Barkley showed extreme improvement in his sophomore campaign, ranking third in the Pac-10 in passing touchdown (26), yards per game (232.6), and completion percentage (62.6).

USC’s offense will be fun to watch in 2011 with Barkley hounding the calls to his troops.  His talent is quickly falling in line with the many other successful USC quarterbacks. 

Grade: A

Nick Foles, Arizona

Despite his horrendous performance in the Alamo Bowl, Nick Foles should flash several signs of brilliance throughout his senior season. 

Foles seems to be on track early. He sparkled in Arizona’s spring game, connecting on 11 of 16 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. 

Grade: B+

Brock Osweiler, Arizona State

Steven Threet’s unexpected departure from the sport due to post-concussion symptoms opened the gates wide open for Brock Osweiler to retake the starting job in 2011.

Oswieler didn’t waste any time getting the fans back on his side either.  In Arizona State’s spring game, he hammered home five touchdowns and collected 237 yards on 22 attempts.

If Arizona State wants to be a serious South Division title contender this season, they will need Oswieler to become one of the top passers in a conference with a gaggle of golden arms.

Grade: B+

Zach Maynard, California

With the departure of Kevin Riley, the Bears’ list of possible successors is widely uncertain. 

While the competition between Zach Maynard, Allen Bridgford, and Brock Mansion will stay tight throughout the summer, the money of most people around the Bay Area is on Maynard. 

Maynard has had an impressive spring, and with a new quarterback coach guiding him, this could be a surprising weapon in Jeff Tedford's shed.

Grade:  B-

Jordan Wynn, Utah

Shoulder surgery has sidelined Jordon Wynn this offseason.  After a stagnant spring game without him, it appears that Utah definitely needs Wynn to make a full recovery in order to stay competitive in the much deeper Pac-12.

Wynn threw 17 touchdowns and 2,334 yards in the WAC last year.  With the increase of talented defenses slated for this season, it might be difficult for him to improve on these numbers. 

Grade: B-

Keith Price, Washington

Although Keith Price will have to fight off the son of a quarterback legend to be Washington’s starting quarterback, he definitely made a convincing case of his worthiness in this spring.  In the annual game, he aired out three passing touchdowns and used his mobility to collect another one on the ground.  

Nick Montana also showed off signs of promise in the game, making sure this stays a competition until the end.

However, Steve Sarkisian contends that the quarterback position will be a group effort between the two to start off the season.   

Grade: B-

Tyler Hansen, Colorado

Tyler Hansen dazzled onlookers in Colorado’s spring game, looking very fluent in Jon Embree’s new offense.

This was Colorado’s first glimpse of the senior since he was knocked out for the season in late October, and he certainly provided fans with a glimmer of hope. 

Unless something dramatic occurs from now until August, expect to see Hansen calling signals at least to start off the season.     

Grade: C+

Jeff Tuel, Washington State

In an off-season that Coach Paul Wulff is calling the best he has seen since he took over in 2008, Jeff Tuel will be the key to truly changing the tide for Washington State.

Tuel looked sharp in the Cougar’s spring game, connecting on 11 of 16 passes with a touchdown.  His continued consistency this spring has given him a decent edge over junior Marshall Lobbestael, making him a favorite to start on opening day.

Last year, Tuel ranked fourth in the Pac-10 in passing yards per game (231.7), but threw the second most interceptions (12).

Grade: C+

Ryan Katz, Oregon State

Wrist surgery in January is keeping Ryan Katz from seeing that much field time this spring.

Katz experienced a turbulent season in 2010 and things will not get any easier this year with Jacquizz Rodgers making the leap to the pros. 

While Oregon State searches for an identity, Katz will be an easy scapegoat if things go awry fast.

Grade: C

Kevin Prince, UCLA

UCLA’s problems at quarterback have yet to be answered and expect this trend to continue through the fall.

As the incumbent, Kevin Prince has a slight edge in the starting quarterback race. However, Rick Neuheisel insists that he has not been impressed by any of the candidates and that the competition is wide open.

Although Prince is still recovering from a knee injury, expect him to rise to the top by the time opening day comes around.    

Grade: C-

One Outrageous Prediction for Each Pac-12 Football Team

In the off season, it is always fun to take a far look ahead and try to make predictions.  Even though the makeup of some teams might completely change from now until the spring, let’s make one outlandish predictions about every team in the Pac-12.

Arizona: Nick Foles and Juron Criner will combine for more touchdown passes than any other quarterback/wide receiver.

Arizona State: The Sun Devils manage to survive South Division play with only one loss, take the first division title.

California: Because of the competition nipping at his heels, Brock Mansion finally transforms into the talented quarterback that scouts saw in him five years ago.

 

Colorado:  Running back Rodney Stewart makes a name for himself and the Buffaloes, rushes for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Oregon: The Ducks lose three or more games in 2011 because their defense struggles to hold the leads provided by LaMichael James and Darron Thomas.

Oregon State: The Beavers will post back-to-back losing season for the first time since 1997-1998.

Stanford: Corner Back Delano Howell will lead the conference in interceptions and linebacker Shayne Skov will win Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

UCLA:  Mere minutes after losing to USC in the final game of the 2011 season, Rick Neuheisel will get fired walking to his car in the parking lot.

USC:  The Trojans’ defense finally “gets” what they are supposed to do when they are on the field, helps USC to a 10-win season.

Utah: The Utes will win five or less Pac-12 conference games in 2011.

Washington: Running back Chris Polk blazes the trail for the Huskies the entire year, finishes the season as the Pac-12’s leading rusher.

Washington State:  The Cougars win two Conference games this season…hey, it could happen!