Heart Of The Team - Cal Offensive Line In 2011

by TwistNHook on Aug 21, 2011 3:00 AM PDT in California Golden Bears Football

TwistNHook: Well, hope springs eternal in Berkeley. After a few years of inconsistencies on the line, Coach M is back and (hopefully) better than ever. With question marks at other offensive skill positions, having a staunch OLine is more important than ever. What can we expect from the big uglies up front in 2011???

OhioBear: Call me a simpleton (pause while everyone reading this calls me a simpleton), but I think we can expect our O-line to be much improved. I think that highly of Coach M. His track record with Cal offensive lines during his first go-around on the staff is beyond reproach.

It has been discussed here that a big difference between Coach Michalczik and Coach Marshall is that Michalczik emphasized technique more than Marshall did. Coach Marshall had a lot of emphasis on the analytic side (i.e., O-linemen reading the defenses).

I'm not here to criticize Marshall (that's been done enough by Cal fans here and elsewhere). I just think that Coach Michalczik's technique-oriented approach and his proven ability to develop offensive linemen at Cal will pay immediate dividends. We will be better on the line as a unit.

And I look for great things from Dominic Galas at center. Dude seems mean. Really mean. In that good Alex Mack, Marvin Philip way.

Kodiak: For the record, I didn't call Ohio Bear a simpleton. (Kind of overkill considering he already lives in Ohio, right?)

While I think our starting Oline should be improved, I still worry about depth and injuries. Although Schwartz recently returned to practice, we were down to our 3rd string tackle(Bill Tyndall) because Tyler Rigsbee was also out with a shin contusion. Our other tackle, Matt Summers-Gavin hasn't made it healthy through an entire season yet and is learning an entirely new position.

On the inside, we're in better shape. If Galas can stay focused, he's a beast in the middle. There's plenty of young talent backing up Schwenke and Cheadle at guard.

But ultimately, it comes down to Coach M. I completely agree with Ohio Bear that he's a proven winner when it comes to teaching and developing an offensive line. If we can get competent play out of Oline, I think our worries at tailback and quarterback will be laid to rest. If we can get outstanding play, well...let's not taunt JuJu.

TwistNHook: Does it change anything that Maynard is a southpaw?

LeonPowe: The talk out of camp is that it doesn't and they're not flipping the line due to Maynard's handedness. But what do I know?

Berkelium97: Teams often line up their best DE on the left side of the line to attack the blind side of the more-common right-handed QBs. Apparently Schwartz will continue to line up at left tackle to block these DEs. Whether our opponents' dominant DEs will switch to the right side of the line remains to be seen, however...

Here's a recent quote from Tedford on the situation:

Tedford said the coaching staff discussed flip-flopping Mitchell Schwartz and Matt Summers-Gavin on the offensive line but decided to keep Schwartz on the left and Summers-Gavin on the right. Maynard is left-handed and conventional wisdom says you want your best tackle protecting his blind side, in this case the right tackle. But Tedford said "A lot of times the guy that’s in your face is more disruptive than the guy behind you because you don’t see the guy behind you… as long as we’re not whiffing on the back side. If you got a guy coming in your face, that’s going to affect your throw more. And the best defensive ends are usually on that side. But we have a lot of confidence in Matt, too. We have two good tackles. It’s not that big of a deal."

HydroTech: I'm definitely hoping for some improvement by the Cal OL this next year. Cal averaged 4.4 yards per rush last year. While that sounds great, it's only good for about #54 in the nation. In other words, we were just average (there are 120 college football teams in the NCAA). This is one of Cal's lowest averages in perhaps all of the Tedford era (cfbstats.com records only go back to 2006).

Cal has always been a dominant run team, and it needs to re-establish that this year. When the run works, it opens up the defense to playaction passes and in general can just make things easier for the passing offense.

If any coach can return Cal's running game to its glory days, it's Coach Michalczik. Having seen him conduct his practices myself, I can say he is someone who will push his players. He has an extreme eye for detail, and demands the very best of his players. Not only that, he holds his players accountable for their mistakes.

I think the return of Coach M to the coaching staff is at least worth a gain of .3 yards per carry from our ball carriers itself. I'm pretty sure we'll see Cal's average yards per rush attempt around the 4.7 mark this upcoming season at the least.

Kodiak: If the Oline can return to form, it may allow us to start throwing the ball to our tight ends again. We had to do a lot of max protect packages last year and it limited what we could do with our passing game.

Where I'm also hopeful that Coach M will be a huge upgrade will be with regards to developing the younger players. It sure felt like we've had some under-performance from previously touted recruits, or have been over-reliant on our starters staying healthy. If/when someone went down in the past couple of years, it had a huge impact on the whole line. Fingers are crossed that we don't have that issue this year, but it would be nice to know we have the depth to rotate guys in as needed.

OhioBear: For the record, here are Cal's yards-per-rush statistics for the Tedford era teams

2002: 3.3

2003: 4.3

2004: 6.1

2005: 5.8

2006: 4.9

2007: 4.9

2008: 5.6

2009: 4.7

2010: 4.4

For the years that the national statistical rankings are available on cfbstats.com, Cal's national ranking for yards-per-rush were:

2006: 13th

2007: 14th

2008: 5th

2009: 30th

2010: 48th

Poll

How confident are you in the Cal OLine in 2011?

Very confident

50 votes

Somewhat confident

189 votes

Not very confident

68 votes

307 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Allow me to wear the MOTO hat and say that if we have good offensive line play we will have a good year. To me this is the only real question going into this year – we have answers almost everywhere else, special teams coverage excluded.

Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?

by Cugel on Aug 21, 2011 9:51 AM PDT reply actions

MOTO?

Cal Football: I loved them once and they broke my heart. Let that be a lesson to you. Never love anything.

by CalBandGreat on Aug 21, 2011 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions

MOTO = Master Of The Obvious.

It’s shorthand for Captain Obvious, a term with which I am familiar.

"We do not seek men who will bravely lie down to die, but men who will fight valiantly to live."
"Winning is not everything. It is far better to play the game squarely and lose than to win at the sacrifice of an ideal."

-- Andrew Latham Smith

by FiatSlug on Aug 21, 2011 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Ooooooohhhhh. Thanks!

Cal Football: I loved them once and they broke my heart. Let that be a lesson to you. Never love anything.

by CalBandGreat on Aug 21, 2011 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions

I think we had a great backfield the past few years, the problem though was more than the line, it was the fact that we had no credible passing threat. Stack the box, dare us to throw, and wait for three-and-out. Its a testament to how good Jahvid and Shane were that we won as many games as we did.

by Glanko on Aug 21, 2011 3:13 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

The O-line was simply not good last year, and as much as I respect coach M, I think this is going to be a serious weak spot for the team this year.

by TJDJ on Aug 21, 2011 10:10 AM PDT reply actions

Well, I also think that O-line is one of those positions where it takes a while for players to fully develop, so I think the returning experience at this position will actually be pretty meaningful. I’m cautiously optimistic.

California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!

by atomsareenough on Aug 21, 2011 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions

I think you’re right concerning depth, but considering not only Coach M returning, but Blasquez working his magic with getting these guys more fit and quicker due to losing some bodyfat, I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised by the strength of the O-line.. Injuries will of course possibly derail this as it can for most teams, but especially Cal

by Cal_Fan2 on Aug 21, 2011 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions

I’m one of those delusional Cal fans that has high confidence in the OL.

Two reasons are at the core of this confidence: (1) the experience and number of returning starters and (2) the repatriation of Coach Michalczik to the coaching staff.

I’m taking a bit of a wait-and-see attitude on a 3rd reason: the switch from Coach Krasinski to Coach Blasquez on the S&C side. But it is critical and I’m actually placing lots of confidence in published reports of players’ enthusiasm for the change in regime and focus.

I consider S&C critical for the simple reason that in the past players seem to wear down as the season progresses. I also feel that S&C plays a critical role in the incidence of injuries: if the regimen has all-around excellence, players will be better able to fight off injury. No regimen will eliminate injury, but reducing the incidence may be the difference between having sufficient depth to meet the challenges of the opposition or not having the depth.

Further, back-ups will be better able to step in when needed if their S&C regimen has prepared them for that distinct possibility. Nebraska’s S&C program was legendary for decades because it allowed the Cornhuskers to develop OLs as a unit by class. You could see that Nebraska OLs were filled almost exclusively with Seniors 1st and Juniors 2nd. Sophomores and Freshmen didn’t crack the starting lineup. That’s where Cal wants to be eventually. That’s how you build a juggernaut offense, year after year.

Even with those 3 factors (starter experience, return of Coach M, S&C regimen), the psychology of the OL unit will impact the season performance. And this will be impacted by all 3 of the factors I cited earlier. Right now, I read of a positive attitude shift among the OL unit. When they’re tested by adversity, we’ll find out the depth of their resilience. I have confidence in Coach M to instill a nasty attitude and perseverance that any OL needs. I’m looking for it to be strengthened throughout the course of the season.

-- Andrew Latham Smith

by FiatSlug on Aug 21, 2011 1:53 PM PDT reply actions

Risbee, our former 4*, is a RS Jr OT this year and is held in such high standard that the team moved their promising guard (MSG) to tackle. FML. Hopefully he and Coach M can reconnect from Rigsbee’s recruiting days.

"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark

by carp on Aug 22, 2011 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions

You could see that Nebraska OLs were filled almost exclusively with Seniors 1st and Juniors 2nd. Sophomores and Freshmen didn’t crack the starting lineup.

That sounds great. But im sure that come spring/summer preview analysis, everywhere it will get negative reviews for having Zero returning starters on OL. You will always read, the entire OL needs to be replaced.
… which really doesnt mean anything. but it will be annoying.

by JustBear on Aug 21, 2011 5:43 PM PDT reply actions

You could see that Nebraska OLs were filled almost exclusively with Seniors 1st and Juniors 2nd. Sophomores and Freshmen didn’t crack the starting lineup.

Wait a second, I used to play basketball in Hong Kong with a lawyer who was a starting lineman for Nebraska as a true freshman – he ended up dying in the Bali bomb blast. Jake Young.

by LeonPowe on Aug 21, 2011 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Very good.

You cited the exception to the rule. See Jake Young’s official Nebraska bio here.

-- Andrew Latham Smith

by FiatSlug on Aug 22, 2011 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Lefty QB and the Oline

Whenever I do my Madden franchise drafts I always consider a great LT early when I’m taking a RH QB but I’ve never thought (in re: Tedford’s quote) about seeing “the guy that’s in your face” before. When you have a scrambling QB I start to think about what is the greater benefit; having someone protect your ass or knowing that you have a great block on the side you’re usually facing. Whether Zach’s scrambling game will live up to all of our expectations [and remind us of Aaron’s greatness] is yet to be seen, but we can keep our fingers crossed. I will certainly be keeping a tally of sacks coming from the right side of the line..hopefully none will remind me of Pain Train slaying Ainge. It just don’t get old, do it?

Fack Muck Brown!!

by Berkules on Aug 21, 2011 9:25 PM PDT reply actions

I think w/ Maynard we’ll have a lot of rolling out towards the LT…might as well have your best there?

"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark

by carp on Aug 22, 2011 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions

I’m concerned, for a variety of reasons. As of now, the line just hasn’t proven itself to be that talented. I’m not nearly as optimistic about coaching as everyone else, for a couple of reasons. First, Marshall decided he needed to focus a lot more on technique last offseason….where did that get the line? Let’s just say I’m wary of the idea that a change of focus like that is a magic cure-all. Second, even if Coach M is a much better coach than Marshall, it’s something that takes time. You don’t get the benefits immediately, they come over time as the players work with him, starting as soon as they get to Cal. He’s only been here one offseason – I think it’s wise to temper expectations some because there’s only so much that can be done in such a limited timeframe.

Next, someone like Galas – if he’s so exciting, shouldn’t he have been pushing for PT earlier, given the questionable play of the line the last couple years?

We’ll see what happens, but until I see some improvement, I’m not overly optimistic….

by Missing Barry on Aug 22, 2011 10:28 AM PDT reply actions

Cal’s problems are not play calling or scheduling. Scroll through the committment lists from 2006-present for the OL recruits. Yes, I know 2006 is off the books, but it helped explain why 08-10 was “meh”.

As far as I can tell, we’ve “hit” on only Schwartz and juco recruit Mike Gibson. All else have either dropped out completely, haven’t lived up to their recruiting hype, or are still unproven.

Of the “haven’t lived up to recruiting hype” group, many have not received an offer from The Big Boys. Similar teams that pop up include UW, Colorado, the Arizonas and, on occasion, Oregon and Nebraska. Nebraska tries to recruit many NorCal guys, and Oregon’s OL style of play shouldn’t overlap with what Cal’s looking for in an olineman. Brazinski, an ESPNU Top150 guy, had his best non-Cal offers came from Florida St.

I have high hopes for Gibson and Crostwaithe, but I would hope either could nudge Cheadle out of the starting lineup (22 career starts !!!). It should be noted that Coach M was the lead guy on the ’06 and ’07 classes…

That’s it. Look no further. Recruit mediocority and/or not develop your talent and this is what we’ll get.

"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark

by carp on Aug 22, 2011 12:24 PM PDT reply actions

Two other factors that could have impacted OL recruiting

George Cortez (Tedford’s original OC at Cal) and Eric Kiesau (WR coach now reunited with Tedford at Cal), also left the coaching staff after the 2005 season. IIRC, they were replaced by Jim Dunbar (from Minnesota, IIRC) and Dan Ferrigno. Could this have had an impact on OL recruiting?

As I understand it, individual coaches have a responsibility for a particular region. What if the regions covered by Cortez and Kiesau were shifted to Dunbar and Ferrigno? Different coaches, different results.

-- Andrew Latham Smith

by FiatSlug on Aug 22, 2011 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions

of the 2011 starters

For thsoe scoring at home, I’m putting MSG and Galas in the “we’ll see” category pending their 2010 results. They definitely seem intriguing. Galas needs to avoid the 10 and 15 yard penalties. That will = a Bears punt for sure. MSG needs to stay healthy and somehow survive the LG—>RT—>LT—>RG—>LG—>RT game of musical chairs. Schwenke, given his 3* entry status I guess is a hit? I think that’s a fair and frank assessment. Cheadle, in my opinion, is overstretched as a 35 game collegiate starter (!), assuming he’s healthy and “effective” for 2011, but I think he’s best used in a reserve role. However, given his conversion from DL and his 3* entry status, I think he should be considered a hit.

"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark

by carp on Aug 22, 2011 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Cheadle, in my opinion, is overstretched as a 35 game collegiate starter (!)

Wait, what? 35? He started most of games in 2009 and 2010, but I dont think he started in 2008.
So it should be more like 20~24 collegiate start for Cheadle, I think.
2008 looked something like Schwartz – Guarnero/Boskovich – Mack – Malele – Teofilo
and 2009 was like, Tepper – MSG – Guarnero – Cheadle – Schwartz

by JustBear on Aug 22, 2011 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions

I included his the projected 2011 season. He’s at 22 games started.

"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark

by carp on Aug 22, 2011 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions

I’m scoring at home.

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by TwistNHook on Aug 22, 2011 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions

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