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Today Sonny Dykes held a conference call to discuss the recent JC signings as well as several other issues pertaining to the team.
Attrition
One of the most significant updates is the departure of up to FIVE juniors into the 2014 NFL Draft.
Dykes said 5 Jrs -- RB Brendan Bigelow, TE Richard Rodgers, LB Khairi Fortt, CB Kam Jackson and S Michael Lowe -- asked for NFL evaluations.
— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) December 18, 2013
The loss of Jackson and Lowe would be a big loss to an already thin secondary.
Dykes also spoke of some recent transfers.
Dykes says "I would think there would be more" than just Tagaloa and Kline who will wind up transferring.
— Ryan Gorcey (@RGBearTerritory) December 18, 2013
It didn't take long for us to find out who is next to transfer. This afternoon Jonah Hodges announced his intent to transfer.
I would like to thank my Cal fans and teammates for everything, but I am transferring after this semester solely for the opportunity to play
— jonah hodges (@jhodges831) December 18, 2013
Dykes clarified some details about Kline's departure. Kline may have to overcome an extra hurdle to join the Beavers.
Dykes said he won't sign off on transfer of a player to Pac-12 school. So QB Zach Kline will have to appeal to avoid 2-yr wait at OregonSt.
— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) December 18, 2013
Recruiting
While we learned about the departure of several players, Dykes gave a preview of what to expect among the team's new faces this fall.
Dykes expects to sign 15 high school players.
— Ryan Gorcey (@RGBearTerritory) December 18, 2013
#Cal confirms all of four signings we broke news on today, plus says Trevor Davis will be counted as an initial signee in the 2014 class.
— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) December 18, 2013
Bears also wanted big OT and taller CB from mid-yr JCs, but will wait to see if there are spring prospects that fit the bill.
— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) December 18, 2013
#Cal commit @DevanteDowns counted as a signee at this point, despite only signing financial aid agreement vs. LOI. Huge kid to hold onto.
— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) December 18, 2013
According to Dykes, one-time #Cal commit Garrett Hughes has signed his scholarship agreement, just has to get admitted to school.
— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) December 18, 2013
Bizarrely, Dykes expects the Bears to bring one of the conference's best recruiting classes this spring.
Dykes says he thinks 2014 class will be Top-3 in the Pac-12. "I'd be shocked if it's not." #Cal
— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) December 18, 2013
He's really pumping the sunshine with that remark...
Injury Updates
He also gave an update on some of the team's injuries. Two of the team's most important players on defense are getting healthier.
Dykes reporting that DE Brennan Scarlett got good news recently and close to being cleared. Bears expect him for spring practice.
— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) December 18, 2013
Jalil is further behind, but he's not ruled out for the 2014 season.
DT Mustafa Jalil, who missed all of 2013 w/lknee injury, feeling less pain after surgery. Faces longer rehab and probably sits out spring.
— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) December 18, 2013
Finally, Jared Goff is recovering from last month's shoulder surgery.
"We anticipate him being full speed for spring practice," Dykes says of @JaredGoff16
— Ryan Gorcey (@RGBearTerritory) December 18, 2013
Staff Changes
Dykes also addressed a topic that is of utmost interest to many of us, staff changes. He neither confirmed nor denied any changes to his assistant coaching staff.
Dykes said decisions on coaching staff haven't been made. No one dismissed so far. But would not say staff will be intact for next season.
— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) December 18, 2013
"We might lose a graduate assistant," Dykes says of changes to coaching staff.
— Ryan Gorcey (@RGBearTerritory) December 18, 2013
"We're evaluating guys and talking through things. You'll see coaches change bouncing from staff to staff during this break," says Dykes
— Ryan Gorcey (@RGBearTerritory) December 18, 2013
Those hoping for a swift end to the Buh era will have to keep waiting...