Rob and Solomon are going to have a far more detailed recap of the proceedings at Pac-12 Media Day later next week, but here are some of the brief notes you can digest from yesterday's events.
- Sonny has full confidence that the defense will be better, particularly with all the returning starters. There are questions, but not as many glaring ones as in previous seasons.
- Academic standards have become a recurring issue in terms of overall recruiting and who the coaches can keep in the long run.
- In terms of upgrading the pass rush, Kyle Kragen and DeVante Wilson are mentioned as potential impact defensive ends.
- With regards to the secondary, the newcomers who could be set to make moves this fall include Malik Psalms, Derron Brown (who was here in the spring), Khari Vanderbilt, and Antoine Albert.
- Looking at the current slotted starting safeties, Stefan McClure is recovering rapidly, and Griffin Piatt is also on the road to be ready for the fall. Both are expected to be ready for the season opener.
- Brian Farley has been one of the best offensive linemen in camp and is the favorite to start at right tackle.
- With Matt Cochran out, Cal has been experimenting with who should be starting center. Addison Ooms is currently slotted but Jordan Rigsbee (who finished up 2013 in that position) has taken some snaps there as well.
- Greg Burns will work with just the safeties while John Lovett tackles the cornerbacks. It will be split duty in the secondary.
- Sonny doesn't mind the extra workload of being the outside wide receivers coach, although by this point that unit pretty much coaches itself.
- Sonny believes Cal will face two of its stiffest defensive tests in non-conference play against Rocky Long's San Diego State squad and Charlie Strong's Texas team.
- Luke Rubenzer is a firm safety. They are confident in Chase Forrest as a backup to Jared.
- Despite not practicing with the team in the spring, Khalfani Muhammad had a very productive summer and might not be falling totally out of the rotation.
- Sonny is friends with Mack Brown. Not everyone is perfect.
- Jared Goff took a big step between Year 1 and Year 2. Sonny believes the step is even bigger between Year 2 and spring ball. Get hyped.
- Jared has not changed one bit despite all the preseason hype surrounding him.
The full nine page transcript of Sonny's Q&A with the media can be found by clicking here. His video interview with the Pac-12 Networks can be viewed above.