Cal Football Spring Ball 2018: Practice Notebook #1

Players were on the field today, running through drills and focusing on technical skills, for the first full team practice at Memorial Stadium. Pads were not worn and a few players remained on the sidelines. Not much to report on since it was the first practice of camp. Lots of players just getting the rust off to start playing football again

• Derrick Clark has changed his number to #33.
• Only 4 scholarship RBs on the roster. Will be interesting to see how the coaching staff manages the reps through tackling sessions.
• Demetris Robertson and Melquise Stovall made their return to the field and fully competed in practice.
• Lone Isaara is a very big dude and also very explosive.
• Ashtyn Davis was on the sidelines, as he is in season for hurdles
• Majority of practice spent on postitionals drills and getting their feet back under them.
• Wide Receivers and Quarterbacks got alot of work done in the passing game.
• Ross Bowers got the reps with the majority of the 1s followed by Chase Forrest then Brandon McIlwain then Chase Garbers. Each QB looks to be getting a significant amount of reps with the offense.
• Tight Ends will be a group to watch going forward. Ben Moos. Ray Hudson. Gavin Reinwald. Macallan Castles (in the fall). Very very intriguing group and position especially for this offense.
• Offense run through every 10 yards with each string
• Brandon Mcllwain hit target 3 out of 5 throws. Wide Receivers have to consistently adjust on 10 yard slants. His throws were on target but he didn’t lead his receivers on the routes.
• Tight Ends Matt Laris and Fullback Justin Norbeck got to their spots and easily caught 20 yard throws.

Heading into his second season with the California Golden Bears, Head Coach Justin Wilcox describes how the team is already off to a stronger start than last year because both the players and coaches are aware of their expectations and dynamic as a team.

The team had a surprise visit from Oakland Raiders’ Quarterback Derek Carr. Carr shared some wise words with the team after practice. Both Running Back Patrick Laird and Defensive End Luc Bequette took it to heart that, as cliché as it may be, it is the “little things” that make a big difference. The “little things,” nutrition, and a healthy sleep schedule will take you from collegiate ball to the NFL.