Golden Nuggets: Cal Freshman Safety Avery Walls Will Likely Play as a True Freshman

While Chris McCain continues to shine in practice,  Avery Walls is also making a case to earn a spot on the two-deep.  Check out the rest of the lengthy report for coverage on every aspect of Wednesday's practice.  Unfortunately, this marks the end of the open practices.

Another standout on the defensive side was freshman safety Avery Walls, who joined fellow US Army All-American McClure in running with the top two defensive units.

"I wasn't 100-percent, body-wise, just recovering and everything, just some soreness, dings and nicks, but we have to come up here fired up and I was pretty fired up today," Walls said. "I didn't have too many things thrown my way, but I always have to be on alert. Who knows what they'll be running at me tomorrow? I might have 20 iso plays, 20 power plays run straight at me, so I always have to be ready.

"I'm always pumped up, fired up to be in. I joke around with everybody; I know I'm small, but I'm big at heart, and I'm just a physical person -- I actually kind of want to play linebacker. I love hitting tight ends. They're always trying to block me when I'm running in there to make a tackle on the run, so when they're in my zone in the secondary, they're in my house, so I've got to keep them out, throw them out the door."

Walls had started camp seeing a lot of time on special teams, and was recognized by Tedford as being a factor on the unit. A four-star safety and a US Army All-American, Walls has a very prominent competitive streak, and before long, could very well make the jump from special teams standout to defensive mainstay. 

"Actually, all the great players you hear about in the NFL, the ones that always have long careers always play special teams. I know a lot of coaches stress that here," Walls said. "Being on special teams shows off your speed, physicality, mental toughness, and I'm trying to take any avenue I can to be on the field. If special teams is one that I can do, then I'm perfectly fine with that. I love the stuff that they're putting me at, anyway, so I'm enjoying it."

After the jump the Sagarin Ratings pump the Cal sunshine, the defense continues to excel at practice, and Monty prepares to take his team through Europe.

Football

• The first set of Sagarin Ratings has been released.  They're pumping the sunshine, as Cal is at #27.  Our OOC opponents are 70th (Fresno State), 72nd (Colorado), and waaaaaaay down at 229th (out of 247) are the Blue Hose of Presbyterian.
• Athlon predicts the Pac-12's breakout players.  Keenan Allen is the first player mentioned in the article and Isi Sofele also earns a spot on the list.
• Bryan Anger earns a spot on CBSSports' All-Pac-12 Team.  Keenan Allen is an honorable mention.
• Ted Miller lists the Pac-12's freshmen and underclassmen to watch this season.  He mentions Stefan McClure and David Wilkerson as newcomers who will make an impact for the Bears.  As he wants to avoid mentioning players who made a big impact last season, Uncle Ted left Keenan Allen off the list.
• Uncle Ted says the Cal-USC game is a potential hot seat game this season.  It will officially become a hot seat game if the Bears lose to Fresno State.
• Wilner has a comprehensive look at the latest materials Cal released pertaining to the Lyles case.
• JO revisits Maynard's decision to transfer to Cal (and how that led Allen to join him).    Now the starter, Maynard has a tireless work ethic according to Allen, who says his brother is always in the film room or working out.
• The Cal-Presbyterian game has been set for 2:30pm.  Television coverage has not been sorted out, though it will probably be regionally televised.
• SFGate discusses the incoming players on defense who are already making a big impact at practice. Tiny Moala, Brennan Scarlett, Chris McCain, and Stefan McClue should all immediately challenge for playing time.
• CalBears.com checks in with the linebackers during Monday's practice.  From seniors Mychal Kendricks, D.J. Holt, and Ryan Davis to freshmen Chris McCain and David Wilkerson, this unit is packed with talent.
• Tedford praised safety Avery Walls following Tuesday's practice.  He says Walls will be one of the team's best special teams players.
• Isi Sofele and Brendan Bigelow talk to the media in this video interview.  Kenwick Thompson, Ryan Davis, and Cecil Whiteside also speak to the media.
• CalBears.com has quotes from Tedford as he touches on a variety of topics following Wednesday's practice.
• Crumpacker has a brief recap of practice.
• Josh Hill is making up for lost time after missing all of spring ball to get his academics in order.