If Cal could bring one player back...

by Rishi on Jul 24, 2008 10:51 PM PDT

Yeah, so I shamelessly stole this from Scout.com. Except their post is all about the SEC (best league ever amirite guyz?!), so I thought it'd be interesting to apply it to our team.

So, think of any player in the past four years you'd bring back for 2008.

My feeling is Aaron Rodgers. He's a great QB and he'd bolster the abilities of our inexperienced receiving corps. They're fast, he's accurate, and Jahvid Best is a beast. That'd be a great offense.

Maybe you'd bring back Beast Mode/Marshawn Lynch? Or even J.J. Arrington so he can rush for another 2000 yards in a season (season here meaning eleven games, not thirteen, okay Ray Rice?).

Maybe one would argue defense? Mebane? Dante Hughes?

Okay, I'm done now. You decide!

Poll

Who would you bring back for Cal's 2008 season?

The opinions expressed in a FanPost are not necessarily those of the California Golden Blogs or any of its authors. However, they are just as important as the opinions of any of the authors. And doubly so as compared to TwistNHook!

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I just don’t think QB will be the issue this year. Best seems like a show to me, but imagine a Lynch/Best tandem. Both on the field at the same time? Unreal.

by PolarBear on Jul 24, 2008 10:53 PM PDT reply reply 0 recs

dante!

Any of those players would make a huge impact, but for the 2008 team, I’d vote for Hughes. It goes without saying that a lockdown corner is a difference maker, and Hughes was one of those rare playmakers that could put the skids on an offense PLUS put points on the board every now and then.

by totallyawesome on Jul 24, 2008 10:58 PM PDT reply reply 0 recs

Rogers and it isn't close.

This actually is a great question. But, while I also think quarterback is a strength going into this season, Aaron Rodgers was near perfect. He would provide the leadership this team desperately needs and he would make life a lot easier with three green receivers.

Second place goes to Mebane who would make the transition to the 3-4 seamless.

http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/

by BeastMode on Jul 24, 2008 11:31 PM PDT reply reply 0 recs

er, Rodgers

http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/

by BeastMode on Jul 24, 2008 11:32 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Mebane

A dominant NT would really tie the defense together. Syd is turning into the shutdown CB that Hughes was.

www.californiagoldenblogs.com

by CBKWit on Jul 25, 2008 8:28 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

But just imagine

Syd now, with Dante on the other side. With two shutdown corners the QB could take almost as much time as they want, and still be looking for someone to pass to when Follett gets there.

I kissed Dumpster Muffin and I liked it. The taste of her hippie chapped lips.

by Maharg on Jul 25, 2008 8:55 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Yeah, that's tempting

but after watching spring ball, I’m much more concerned with our run defense than our pass defense. Mebane would solve potential run defense deficiencies.

But whenever I played franchises in Madden, I always traded for two shutdown corners right away. Aeneas Williams in Madden ‘96!

www.californiagoldenblogs.com

by CBKWit on Jul 25, 2008 9:00 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Alexander

I think I might vote for Lorenzo Alexander over Mebane. Skill-wise probably Mebane was a little better, but Lorenzo represented the best of the early Tedford guys (he was really happy to get to go to the Holiday Bowl in 2004) plus was a great leader, something this team desperately needs on the defensive side.

No slight to Mebane at all, a great player who also was a quiet, humble guy.

by Tedfordisgod on Jul 25, 2008 9:04 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Agreed, Mebane

For this season, a dominant NT would shore up what I think will be our biggest weaknesses: stopping the run and all-around QB pressure. Maybe Alexander, though he took a long time to live up to expectations. Either way, all the other choices add depth to relatively strong positions, but Mebane would fill a potential void.

The Bear will not quit, the Bear will not die

by Calfan on Jul 25, 2008 10:15 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

but, but...

Derrick Hill!

Yeah, I know.

I'm still wondering why the Nets didn't draft Leon Powe.

by yellow fever on Jul 25, 2008 10:19 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Hill still has a lot of time to live up to his recruiting hype, and he may do so this yar. But, I am really starting to lean toward Mebane, though Alexander was dominant too.

http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/

by BeastMode on Jul 25, 2008 1:58 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

For my first choice, I think I’d say it’d be Rodgers or Lynch. Those were the two best players to come through Cal during the Tedford era. Lynch would have more of an impact on a football team than Rodgers since a more dominant RB is more influential against a defense than a dominant QB. For my third choice, I’d say Daymeion Hughes. That guy was ridic.

Vote Brock Mansion for QB in 2008!

by HydroTech on Jul 24, 2008 11:37 PM PDT reply reply 0 recs

I love Marshawn, I do, my handle is BeastMode. But, I don’t think I’m the only one that was at least a little underwhelmed by his college performance. Don’t get me wrong, he was a force, a beast, but he never ran for more than 200 yards in a game and he average around 1300 yards and 12.5 touchdowns per full season – very good but not great numbers.

As for quarterbacks not as influential as running backs, I am going to have to disagree, at least as to whether there one is any more than the other. We had a very good to even great back in 2005 and 2007 yet because of shotty quarterback play, we underachieved.

http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/

by BeastMode on Jul 24, 2008 11:48 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

“he never ran for more than 200 yards in a game.”

Uh, he was a dualback with Forsett. it’s hard to get 200 yards in a single game if you’re sharing half your carries with a pretty talented secondback.

by BearsNecessity on Jul 24, 2008 11:55 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Tell that to JJ Arrington who gave plenty of carries to Marshawn.

http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/

by BeastMode on Jul 25, 2008 12:00 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

2006
Lynch: 223 carries, 1356 yds, 6.08 YPC
Forsett: 119 carries, 626 yds, 5.26 YPC
Just under a 2:1 ratio for carries

2005
Lynch: 196 carries, 1246 yds, 6.36 YPC
Forsett: 132 carries, 999 yds, 7.57 YPC
About a 1.5:1 ratio

2004
Arrington: 289 carries, 2018 yds, 6.98 YPC
Lynch: 71 carries, 628 yds, 8.85 YPC
Just over a 4:1 ratio

by BearsNecessity on Jul 25, 2008 2:05 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

OK, well, given how many yards Marshawn ran for in 2004, it’s amazing he did it on only 71 carries. All that said, Marshawn had Heisman quality talent, it would have been nice to see him get the opportunity to make a real run at it.

Also, this sort of does point out that we plug pretty much anyone into the system, they will succeed. That is not the case with our quarterbacks.

http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/

by BeastMode on Jul 25, 2008 1:56 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Anybody who said anything but Marshawn need to get the HELL OF MY BLOG! And that includes you, Hydro, who said Rodgers or Lynch. WTF, dude? WTF!

BEASTMODE!

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jul 25, 2008 6:37 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

A pre-car accident healthy Paul Joiner

by Jiggets on Jul 25, 2008 8:24 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

Dumpster Muffin

I kissed Dumpster Muffin and I liked it. The taste of her hippie chapped lips.

by Maharg on Jul 25, 2008 8:36 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

You’ve nailed nothing.

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jul 25, 2008 8:44 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Pay attention, this isn’t exactly news.

When you participate in sporting events, it's not whether you win or lose: it's how drunk you get.

by GoBeers on Jul 25, 2008 9:49 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

I like the cut of your jib, GoBeers. It is a finely cut jib!

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jul 25, 2008 9:57 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

What’s a jib?

I kissed Dumpster Muffin and I liked it. The taste of her hippie chapped lips.

by Maharg on Jul 25, 2008 9:59 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

I think it’s a small wooden ship. The network is concerned about the lack of small wooden ships.

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jul 25, 2008 10:11 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Ooh I’m sorry, the correct response was “Promote this man.” Thanks for playing quote trivia, better luck next time.

I kissed Dumpster Muffin and I liked it. The taste of her hippie chapped lips.

by Maharg on Jul 25, 2008 10:14 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

An Anchorman reference is always the correct response.

Nobody tell Iricane.

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jul 25, 2008 10:23 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Leave it to two Longshore-lovers to argue about what the proper quote reference is in a conversation only the two of them are having.

When you participate in sporting events, it's not whether you win or lose: it's how drunk you get.

by GoBeers on Jul 25, 2008 10:45 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

You’re more than welcome to join the conversation, but first you have to complete the Longshore Oath Of Loyalty And Love. After that, it’s a quote off!

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jul 25, 2008 10:48 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

A quote off? I'm going for the high score!

” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ”
” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” “

I kissed Dumpster Muffin and I liked it. The taste of her hippie chapped lips.

by Maharg on Jul 25, 2008 10:51 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

It’s official. History, people. First time ever, I have felt shame. Congrats to Maharg for evoking that rarest of the rare emotions in me!

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jul 25, 2008 10:59 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

The Maharg: bringing shame to people since Jun 18, 2008.

When you participate in sporting events, it's not whether you win or lose: it's how drunk you get.

by GoBeers on Jul 25, 2008 11:14 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Somebody’s Bitter!

I kissed Dumpster Muffin and I liked it. The taste of her hippie chapped lips.

by Maharg on Jul 25, 2008 11:28 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

I hereby solemnly swear

To avoid reasoned thought
To disregard visual and statistical evidence
To believe that sports are supposed to be “fair” and not competitive
And To turn off the television in the 4th quarter to protect my beliefs.

Now I can reach new lows like the rest of you!

When you participate in sporting events, it's not whether you win or lose: it's how drunk you get.

by GoBeers on Jul 25, 2008 11:11 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Just so you know, Longshore gets really drunk during the games. So, pursuant to your sig, you should LOVE him!

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jul 25, 2008 11:22 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Al: Tim, I don’t like the cut of his jib.
Tim: Al, I don’t even think you’re supposed to be looking at his jib!”

by Spazzy Mcgee on Jul 25, 2008 11:10 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

A jib is a particular sail...

...on a sailboat. It is in front of the mast. And now you know.

by zoonews on Jul 30, 2008 10:17 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

"What's a jib?" is a Simpsons quote...

... from Homer Simpson. He’s funny. And now you know.

I kissed Dumpster Muffin and I liked it. The taste of her hippie chapped lips.

by Maharg on Jul 30, 2008 11:58 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

D'oh!

by zoonews on Jul 30, 2008 12:21 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

It's ok...

Knowing is half the battle!!

GI JOE!!

I kissed Dumpster Muffin and I liked it. The taste of her hippie chapped lips.

by Maharg on Jul 30, 2008 4:32 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

if i’m picking one player to build my team around, i’m starting with either Marshawn or ARod. that wasn’t Rishi’s question, though.

personally, i don’t think either RB or QB will be a problem for the 2008 Bears. a defensive player like Mebane or Hughes, i think, would have a bigger impact.

one other name to consider: can we bring back Tom Schneider? i haven’t seen this Seawright kid kick, but I know losing Schneider was a rather big blow to last year’s team, and we could really use a big leg on kickoffs.

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jul 25, 2008 9:04 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

Lynch then Dante

In other words, Go Bears!

by royrules22 on Jul 25, 2008 9:52 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

wtf

Voted Ayoob? Although I suppose then the team’s theme song would just be Yakety Sax for the whole year.

I'm still wondering why the Nets didn't draft Leon Powe.

by yellow fever on Jul 25, 2008 9:54 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

Boots Randolph would be rich!

"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely

www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com

by TwistNHook on Jul 25, 2008 9:57 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

I'll be all sentimental and say

Joe Roth.

That way nobody could argue that Longshore deserves to start!

"It's not my fault your team's so shitty" - every AL Manager to Bob Geren

by oaktownmario on Jul 25, 2008 11:01 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

How about Geoff McArthur?

by Davis Bear on Jul 30, 2008 9:59 PM PDT reply reply 0 recs

i certainly wouldn’t mind seeing mcarthur back in a bears uniform…though would you take him over Hawk?

So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!

by ragnarok on Jul 31, 2008 11:32 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

that’s a tough decision. NFL teams apparently thought Hawk is better than GMac since Hawk got drafted but I think GMac might have mad more of an impact on the team than Hawk did. Hawk certainly had his moments of greatness but he also had a few moments of “doh!”

Vote Brock Mansion for QB in 2008!

by HydroTech on Jul 31, 2008 6:36 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs