If the first practice is any indication, several of the incoming freshman receivers will flourish on offense. Jim McGill fills us in from day one of fall camp.
Two of the most-anticipated freshman didn't disappoint with early entrant Zach Kline continuiing the promising development shown in spring practice and Bryce Treggs, who electrified the small crowd with speed, moves and hands reminiscent of, dare I say it, DeSean Jackson, who also wore #1 during is days in Berkeley.
On one play in particular, Treggs put a move on safety Michael Coley, who's back and healthy, leaving Coley in the dust after biting on a fake before Treggs hauled in a pass from Bridgford.
It seems from spring practice and today's fall camp opener that returning starter Zach Maynard and junior Allan Bridgford appear destined to be QB's 1 and 1A. But Kline is giving redshirt frosh and soph quarterbacks Austin Hinder and Kyle Boehm a run for their money to be in the rotation.
Kline seems to have added some muscle in the offseason, which should serve him well. Combined with his arm strength and accuracy, not to mention his competitive fire, Kline has future star written all over him. And in what's to likely become a common scene this season, Kline stayed late to throw with Treggs and several other of his frosh teammates.
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At receiver, besides Treggs, redshirt frosh Maurice Harris looks like a real weapon. Big and strong, with amazingly long arms, most defenders will be helpless trying to defend jump balls or anything high against the sure-handed Harris.Another good bet besides Treggs to play right away as a true frosh is 6-3/212 Darius Powe, who already possesses a pro body.
Powe displayed good hands and an ability to find the seam well and much like Harris, has long arms and the ability to go up for balls the defense can't reach.
After the jump we're talkin' 'bout practice, man. What are we talking about? Practice? We're talking about practice, man.
Calympics
- Nathan Adrian won his third Olympic medal (and second gold) as the U.S. won the 400 medley relay.
- Milorad Cavic and Anthony Ervin each narrowly missed earning medals on Friday. Cavic was 0.37 seconds from third in the 100m fly and finished fifth in the 50 free.
- Elsie Windes scored a goal for the U.S. water polo team which topped China in the final Group A match.
- CalBears.com recaps Friday's festivities.
- After undergoing back surgery in 2010, Milorad Cavic put together some impressive performances at this year's Olympics. He announced that he will retire from swimming.
- CalBears.com interviews intern Christian Jordan who works in the university's Olympic Sports Operations division.
Football
- The Bears reported for practice on Friday.
- The first practice session was held Saturday evening. Faraudo has a well-rounded recap from Saturday's events. As expected, the team is playing musical chairs on offensive line to figure out who will fit in where. Maynard looked impressive and comfortable; he also mentioned that he's finishing up some academic responsibilities during summer school. Freddie Tagaloa apparently looked like a man-beast at 6'9" and 340. If he can learn the playbook, he will have a chance to make an early impact.
- Ryan Gorcey reports on special teams and defense. Freshman punter Cole Leininger was one of the highlights of the day after he boomed punt after punt. Khairi Fortt will undergo his medical exam and fill out the necessary paperwork today so he can report to practice this evening.
- Wilner previews Cal's fall camp and identifies four issues for the Bears to sort out: receiver, offensive line, special teams, and quarterback.
- Athlon highlights the Pac-12's 10 biggest storylines to watch during fall practice. For Cal they highlight the question of which young receivers will step up. Poor Washington State and ASU did not have storylines.
- One-upping Wilner, Faraudo previews fall practice and highlights five issues for the Bears to work on: receivers, offensive line, linebackers (mostly deciding who will become starters), quarterback leadership, and consistency from kickers.
- CalBears.com continues to catch up with former players who made the program the national powerhouse it is today. This time they interview Mindi Wiley.