The Lott Trophy website recently published profile on Mike Mohamed. While we all know about his prowess on the field, the article provided an interesting look into his lineage and his life growing up in the Imperial Valley.
Mike Mohamed, the great-grandson of an immigrant farmer who built a thriving farm in Brawley, has grown to be a 240-pound tackling machine for the California Golden Bears.
Niaz Mohamed Sr. was born in India, migrated to America and became a US Citizen. He bought 1,000 acres of the Imperial Valley and began planting. Today, his son Niaz Mohamed Jr., oversees more than 100 employees all of whom likely root for the big Cal linebacker.
Niaz Jr. is Mike’s grandfather and still running the family business, a source of great family pride in the valley.
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"I worked in everything from the cooking shed to driving a tractor when I was growing up," he said. "I learned my work ethic on the farm. The hard work there applies to football. Nothing comes easy and it takes a lot of time.
"I’ve learned to be very time-efficient," he told Jimmy Tran of The Daily Californian. "I’ve had to get good at picking things up the first or second time I read them. I don’t have the time to keep going over things."
Fellow Linebacker Mychael Kendricks is dazzled by Mohamed: "He’s smart, without a doubt. He’s fast and strong, too, but when you’re smart on top of that it makes a good combination."
He’s also one of the most popular players on the Bears.
"He’s the coolest guy," says D.J. Holt, another linebacker. "He is so chill, never talks about anybody, someone you can trust, a great guy overall. He’s smart, wise and a true friend who gives good advice. He’s always positive and that’s always a good attribute to have as a friend."
After the jump both sides give their opinion on conference expansion, Best continues to develop into a prominent role for the Lions, and Ted Miller and Phil Steele look into the difficulty of Cal's schedule this year.
Cal Football
- Brothers Mike and Bob Stoops will face a unique dilemma if the Pac-16 emerges: they've avoided playing each other in the past. If Arizona becomes part of Oklahoma's division, the Stoops brothers will face off yearly.
- Washington's athletic director Scott Woodward is pleased with the possibility of expansion. He says they chose Larry Scott to be the Pac-10 commissioner because he has the skill and vision to broker these kinds of deals.
- George Schroeder says Pac-10 fans should be prepared for a culture shock if the Pac-16 emerges.
- John Klein of the Tulsa World says joining the Pac-16 is the best available choice for the Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys.
- Ted Miller says the Bears have the conference's second-easiest road schedule (partly because we only have five road games this year). Phil Steele ranks Cal's schedule as 32nd toughest in the nation.
- Mohamed earned another preseason honor as he was named to the 2010 Playboy Preseason All-America Team.
- While the Detroit Lions had a good passing game last year, their running game was all but nonexistant. Jahvid Best--the undisputed starter for next season--should balance the offense while providing a home run threat on every play. Best may also get a chance to return kicks next season.
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