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Cal senior running back Daniel Lasco has been named as a preseason candidate for the Doak Walker Award, given each season to the running back deemed to be the best in the nation. Lasco was a preseason candidate for the same award prior to the 2014 season, despite not boasting great numbers his sophomore season (67 carries, 317 yards, 2 touchdowns).
Lasco took advantage of an increased workload during his junior season, toting the rock 210 times, for 1,115 yards and 12 touchdowns. Lasco also chipped in 33 receptions for 336 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Being from Texas, I love watching Texas high school football. Lasco is a product of The Woodlands (Tx.) and is a typical Texan running back in that he is tough, hard-nosed and difficult to tackle. His running style reminds me a bit of DeMarco Murray (not a Texan, but he sure runs like one), who departed my Dallas Cowboys for the Philadelphia Eagles (gross, yuck, etc.). Though not quite as physical as Murray, Lasco is a bit faster.
The way Lasco trucks number 31 for the Buffs during the 92 yard touchdown catch last season is eerily reminiscent of Murray.
Cal football has been an assembly line of running backs to the NFL through the years, but the Bears lost a bit of luster in the running game when C.J. Anderson departed. After a breakout 2014 season, hopefully Lasco is the start of a running back U reemergence for the Bears.
Lasco, and the rest of the Bear-Raid attack, are going to be a whole lot of fun to watch this season.
Go Bears! #Drop50