Cameron Jordan's stellar performance during Senior Bowl practices might ensure that the Cal D-line produces a first-round pick for the second year in a row.
Jordan was one of the stars of the first day of Senior Bowl practices, earning "top performer" honors from ESPN.com's Steve Muench, who wrote:
No one was able to move Jordan today. Even Nate Solder, who dominated everyone, had a tough time with Jordan in run periods. Jordan did an excellent job of staying low coming out of his stance and jacked up Solder, effectively taking away his power base and gaining control in the battle. We wouldn't say he has violent hands, but he has a strong upper body and gets good hand placement so he can control guys. That's what you look for in a five-technique guy. He slid in to play DT, where he looked a little quicker, and he is certainly big and strong enough to play that position at the next level. We'd like to see him battle some of the top offensive linemen some more this week, but he's off to a strong start and is the top five-technique guy here and probably the best one in this class.
ESPN draft guru Todd McShay also called Jordan and Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan "the best defenders here."
During Day 2, Todd McShay called Jordan a "beast" and said he's annihilating blockers in 1-on-1s ($).
Cam also dominated another top O-line prospect.
–In the pit, offensive and defensive linemen squared off. Cameron Jordan was incredibly impressive. He showed quick hands and at one point had his way with one of the top offensive linemen in this year’s draft class, Anthony Costanzo. Jordan also showed that he is not a one-trick pony as he bull rushed Costanzo into the backfield on the very next rep
After the jump Tedford may coach QBs and hire a TE coach, ESPN re-imagines the 2005 NFL Draft, and baseball earns acclaim heading into what may be its last season.
Basketball
Football
- Ludwig has officially taken his talents to San Diego. Rumors suggest Michalczik will take over part of OC duties (like he did in 2007).
- Rumor: Tedford is planning to coach QBs and he will hire a tight ends coach.
- ESPN re-imagines the 2005 NFL Draft, where Aaron Rodgers would have (and should have) been drafted by the 49ers.
- Avi gives us a look at what a trio of Bay Area NFL prospects needs to accomplish during Senior Bowl weekand they begin by weighing in and taking some measurements.
- Alex Mack's stellar play the last couple years will him to Hawaii for the 2011 Pro Bowl.
- Heading into its final season, Cal is ranked 21st by Yahoo sports. Opening day is February 18th.