We're in the final week of practice and it looks like the QB position continues to be a fierce competition. After having a slight edge over the first couple weeks, Jared Goff may be facing a serious challenge from Zach Kline. Sonny Dykes says he likes what he has seen from redshirt freshman over the past two practices.
"Looks a little bit like Zach Kline is starting to get a little bit more settled in," Dykes said of the redshirt freshman from San Ramon Valley High. "I’ve seen him kind of make a move here over the last two practices."
Kline, freshman Jared Goff and junior Austin Hinder have battled throughout the spring and shared reps. Cal has two more practices — Wednesday and Friday — before closing down for the off-season with its spring game on Saturday.
Asked if he has any clarity on the quarterback picture, Dykes initially said, "I’m liking what I’m seeing from all of them."
Then he singled out Kline.
"His reads are happening a little faster, seems like he’s a little more accurate on his mid-range throws than he was," Dykes said. "I saw some of that in the scrimmage Saturday and it carried over to practice today.
"I think he’s improved and getting better and better. It’s good to see that."
Here's the coach's post-practice interview, in case any of you body language experts want to see if you can read further between the lines..
Nick Forbes was available for comment after Monday's session.
Valued reader Bearly Legal had these thoughts from Monday's session
Not a lot of things to report today, but here's a quick recap:
1. The defense showed some exotic looks today, which made life difficult for the offense. We’re done with the offense going against vanilla defenses, apparently.
2. Quarterbacks looked OK, although it was tough sledding all day for the O in general. Hinder looked a little behind the other two. Kline is looking better and better, for what it’s worth.
3. It’s also a tough competition for the scout team QB slot. Right now D’Amato seems to be ahead of Mahalic by a hair.
4. Goff took a funny tumble going for a reception against Mahalic while they were horsing around. We all got a good chuckle out of that. Clearly, Mahalic is developing nicely into a shutdown corner.
5. Two more fights today. All that MMA training is really coming in handy. Look out, Anderson Silva.
6. Tyndall with a cast on his lower leg. Not good. Kam also out today.
7. Treggs went to work on the defensive backs during one on one drills. The absence of Kam helps, but they just can’t cover him. Not even close.
8. Lawler with a long reception from Kline in 11s. He also dropped a couple though.
9. The Dykes fam was out there today. The daughters were having fun running around on the field, and the QBs chatted with them after practice.
10. And yes, real physical, flying around, etc.
And now for the tweets.
It sounds like Brendan's knee is making progress.
Brendan Bigelow... not wearing a brace today! #Cal
— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) March 18, 2013
Kam Jackson remains out with a "headache." Hopefully it's not a concussion.
Kam out with a "headache" last two practices
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
As usual, Nam was tweeting up a storm.
Players aren't the only ones healing up. Coach Buh's shoulder is getting better.
Andy Buh...NOT IN A SLING! Kam Jackson still in sweats.
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 18, 2013
Time to read the QB tea leaves: Boehm was not initially with the QBs.
Hinder opening practice. Is back in a yellow. Kyle Boehm is not with the QBs. No hitting today.
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 18, 2013
Instead Boehm started the day with the WRs, although he later went back to practicing with the QBs. I'm not sure what to make of it.
Nice playaction fake by Goff...defense bit run, hard. Boehm out at WR.
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 18, 2013
Hm, Boehm is still throwing with the QBs for drills, but in the opening segment, he was sidelined. (1/2)
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 18, 2013
All QBs usually line up behind for mental reps...he wasn't. (2/2)
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 18, 2013
Zach Kline sounds like he had the best performance of all the QBs on Monday.
Kline showing off a little touch today. working on throwing less hard, and it's working okay.
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
Kline with a perfect post route to Lawler. Beats Avery for about 35, although Avery recovers.
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
And Bryce Treggs with a TD from Kline. Laptop dying.
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
Jared Goff was first in 11-on-11s (which probably doesn't mean anything)..
Full team is out. 11 vs 11. Jared Goff is out first.
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
Jared Goff puts a nice cut on Lapite on a zone read keeper, but would've taken a HUGE shot from the safety in live situation
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
The team showed some pistol sets with Goff.
Goff Pistol set shown. 2 x 2. Buh working closely with the second team LBs right now.
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
Nam kept an eye on some new developments on defense. Now that Coach Buh is out of the sling, he's installing some new looks.
Yeah, definitely some blitz looks installed. They just rushed all 3 LBs on that last play. Opening segment is over.
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 18, 2013
Team defense just started with 4 man line, then stood up one of the ends to turn it into a 3 man front...
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
It looks like we may have a new scout team QB from an unlikely candidate.
VINCE D'AMATO IS QB
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
Vince is battling with the senior citizen of the tea, Joey Mahalic..
The QB competition has more candidates now, people. Mahalic and D'Amato! :D
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
For the first time all spring Dykes unveiled a jumbo package. No word on what kind of play they ran from the package, however..
7 linemen in right now. Jumbo package unveiled. [Okafor and Matt Williams at extra].
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
And finally, the players continue to use their boxing skills.
Two fights in the last few minutes...now [Geoff] Gibson and Gabe King.
— Nam Le (@OneLifeOneMic) March 19, 2013
We only have three practices left. Will Kline be able to seize the role or will he and Goff take the battle into August?