Pac-10 Position Breakdown: Linebacker – Cal Bears
Eight starters return to a talented Cal defense that was exceptional in almost every statistical category during 2008, including total defense (26th in nation), rushing defense (25th in nation), pass efficiency defense (6th in nation), scoring defense (23rd in nation), and turnovers gained (4th in nation) just to name a few.
Defensive Coordinator Bob Gregory successfully installed his 3-4 scheme last season, as the Bears managed to hold offensive juggernaut Oregon to just 16 points (and USC to 17 albeit in a loss).
But while the defensive line and secondary are loaded with all-conference performers this season, the linebacking corps must replace three starters that were pivotal to this program’s success over the last four years.
The insanely productive trio of Zack Follett, Worrell Williams, and Anthony Felder will be a hard act to follow, but that doesn’t mean the linebacking cupboard is empty in Berkeley. Gregory may not have as much dynamite to work with this season, but the new group is more than capable of holding it’s own in 2009.
The only remaining starter from last year’s explosive LB unit will lead the unit this season.
Mike Mohamed makes one of many tackles
Junior Mike Mohamed will now serve as the anchor of the linebackers in Cal’s 3-4 defense. Mohamed put together a very impressive sophomore campaign, totaling 87 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, three interceptions (one for TD), and two fumble recoveries on his way to All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention last season.
He proved to be one of the most valuable defenders on the entire Bears roster, playing all four LB spots and excelling on special teams. His versatility was especially impressive considering Mohammed was required to master the assignments for four different LB positions in a brand new defensive system.
At 6-3 237 pounds, Mohamed is a highly intelligent player who can read an offense as well as anyone. He possesses a solid combination of size and speed, but his instincts make him a special playmaker. The Brawley (CA) native was not highly recruited coming out of high school (2-stars from Rivals.com), but he has truly come into his own at Cal. Mohamed seems poised for his best season yet, and will be stationed at one of the two inside linebacker spots.
Lining up next to Mohamed in the middle will be sophomore Mychal Kendricks. There is a growing contingent of Bear fans that believe Kendricks is the best talent in the LB unit. In fact, former teammate Worrell Williams believes he has the ability to be the best linebacker ever to play at Cal. The high-praise may be pre-mature considering he only made 15 tackles as a freshman, but a closer look at his play from last season reveals explosive potential.
At 6-0 230 pounds, Kendricks is a phenomenal athlete with elite lateral speed. He could become a powerful blitzing force, but also has the ability to turn the other way and run with receivers. While his skill set may seem perfect for outside LB, coach Gregory is hopeful that Kendricks can be a force on the inside. He has added enough strength and bulk over the last two years to excel on the interior, and has been tremendous there during the off-season.
While Kendricks is still unproven, he is a player that opposing offenses will have to account for, as he has the ability to cause turmoil in the backfield. The Fresno (CA) native has a great opportunity to be the breakout player on the Bears defense this season, and his production in 2009 will be a key for the linebacking corps.
Mychal Kendricks closes in on the ball carrier
Senior Devin Bishop will man one of the two outside spots this season. Last year, Bishop totaled just 13 tackles in 12 games mostly because of all the talent in front of him at OLB. Nonetheless, a lot is expected from the San Francisco Community College transfer of 2007, and he has one final year to prove his value. Bishop will have big shoes to fill, as he is the likely replacement for Zach Follett on the outside (87 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, five forced fumbles in 2008).
At 6-1 239 pounds, Bishop does not possess the same dynamic skill-set that Follett had, but he has adopted a similar role as a vocal leader during the off-season (Follett was well known for that quality).
The San Francisco (CA) native certainly has the bloodline to succeed, as his older brother is former Cal standout LB Desmond Bishop. Devin has been solid during the early part of fall camp, and appears ready to live up to the high expectations that were set for him when he joined the Bears.
Senior Eddie Young is atop the depth chart at the other outside spot. Last season, Young started eight games and made 40 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one interception. He is not an off-the-chart athlete, but his high motor and understanding of the system makes him a valuable asset.
At 6-0 239 pounds, Young is a solidly built linebacker with good fundamentals, and he plays a very physical style. He has formed a strong bond with Bishop, which should help the cohesiveness of the LB unit that much more. The hometown product from Berkeley (CA) should be a reliable veteran presence for the Bears in 2009.
Two reserves that will challenge for playing time all season long are sophomore D.J. Holt, and junior Charles Johnson.
The 6-1 250 pound Holt has some of the most exciting potential in the unit along with Kendricks. He played sparingly in 12 games during 2008, making 14 tackles total. Holt is extremely physical at the point of attack and he will give the Bears an imposing defensive presence, particularly in short yardage situations.
His edge-rushing ability should allow him to see time even if he doesn’t win the starting job from Kendricks on the inside. The Encino (CA) native was given 4-star recognition by Scout.com, and was also a SuperPrep All-American in high school.
The 6-1 232 pound Johnson saw limited time in all 13 games last season, making seven tackles total. Johnson is an elite athlete with the physical tools to excel as a rusher, run-stopper, and in coverage. He will be pushing Bishop on the outside, and should be the primary backup if he continues to progress. The Lake Forest (CA) native has looked solid in the early part of fall so far.
Expect three other very promising junior college players to contribute often as well: juniors Jarred Price, Ryan Davis and Jerome Meadows. All three have been extremely impressive in the early part of fall camp, and should help fill out the rotation.
Other players competing for time are: sophomores Robert Mullins, Solomona Aigamaua, and freshmen Chris Little (also impressing in fall camp), J.P Hurrell, Nick Rosato, Stephen Fanua, and Dan Camporeale.
My Take
This is an important season for Bob Gregory and this new group of linebackers. Skeptics have suggested that the “Big Three” of Follett, Williams, and Felder were largely responsible for the success of the 3-4 scheme last season, and that without them the defense becomes a question mark. While there is no doubt that the graduated seniors will be missed, I am confident that this unit will surprise people with solid play this year.
It all starts with Mohamed, who quietly put together one heck of a 2008 campaign. I expect him to be even better in 2009, and all-conference honors seem very realistic. Considering all the moving around Mohamed did last year, imagine how good he can become if the coaches keep him in one spot for the entire season.
Count me in as another Mychal Kendricks fan. Like many others, I think he has a great opportunity to become the breakout player on Cal’s D this season because of his dynamic skill set.
If Bishop and Young can stabilize the outside spots, and the J.C. players emerge to provide depth, then this group of LB’s should be just fine.
Expect the defensive line and secondary to make the headlines for the Cal Bears defense, but look for the linebackers to be rock-solid as well.
California Bears
| 
Charles Johnson, D.J. Holt, Devin Bishop, Eddie Young, Football, Jarred Price, Jerome Meadows, Linebacker, Mike Mohamed, Mychal Kendricks, Ryan Davis
Recently i ran into your website and so are already reading along. Please read Live Stream, Highlights Sport, and Live Stream Sport.
Hi there, I discovered your site via Google although searching for a related topic, your website came up, it looks great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks , I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?
I am really inspired with your writing talents well with the structure on your blog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it yourself? Anyway stay up the nice high quality writing, it is rare to look a nice weblog like this one these days..
Respect to website author , some wonderful selective information .
It’s onerous to search out knowledgeable individuals on this subject, but you sound like you already know what you’re speaking about! Thanks
Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What a perfect web site.
Отговори за матурата
Hello, i know this is not exactly your topic “Cal Bears Linebacker Breakdown | All Pac 10″, but i have a blog using the wordpress platform as well and i’m having issues with my comments displaying. is there a setting i am forgetting? maybe you could help me out? thank you.
Thank you so much for giving me an update on this subject matter on your blog. Please realise that if a completely new post becomes available or in the event any variations occur with the current posting, I would be interested in reading a lot more and focusing on how to make good using of those techniques you reveal. Thanks for your time and consideration of other folks by making your blog available.
GREAT POST, #2 – AGREE!
This was novel. I wish I could read every post, but i have to go back to work now… But I’ll return.
I you need to read this article :Soccer, Football, Highlight, Live Streaming
How come at this time there zero much more a lot of these websites? Your content are perfect and get to themes or templates, that are unable to always be recognized all over the place. Please continue penning this sort of fantastic materials, it could be absolutely important. The net can be full of incredible waste, seeing that A single will be delighted when you learn anything. Exactly why typically are not there a lot more? Commonly do not abandon me dangling!
I just log obvious your blog on Digg and StumbleUpon.I dig reading your commentaries.
I know this is not on topic but I felt as though I have to share this with someone! While I was at work today my 11 year old cousin thought it would be a good idea to steal my ipad and throw it out of his bedroom window to see if it would survive a 20ft drop. And why…? Because he wanted to be a YouTube sensation. My iPad is now broken and he has 59 views.
Thank you for this article. Thats all I can say. You most definitely have made this blog into something speciel. You clearly know what you are doing, youve covered so many bases.Thanks
Hi. Neat article. There is a problem with the website in internet explorer, and you might want to check this… The browser is the marketplace chief and a good section of other people will pass over your magnificent writing because of this problem.
I feel like you could probably teach a class on how to make a great blog. This is fantastic! I have to say, what really got me was your design. You certainly know how to make your blog more than just a rant about an issue. Youve made it possible for people to connect. Good for you, because not that many people know what theyre doing.
Extended Stay Hotels Albuquerque
My spouse and i ended up being now contented that Edward could finish up his analysis via the ideas he grabbed when using the web pages. It is now and again perplexing to just possibly be offering steps which usually many others may have been making money from. And we know we have got the blog owner to thank for that. The main explanations you’ve made, the straightforward site navigation, the relationships you will help foster – it’s many sensational, and it’s really facilitating our son and us feel that that issue is thrilling, which is certainly unbelievably vital. Many thanks for all!
You obtained a really useful weblog I have been here reading for about an hour. I am a newbie along with your good results is extremely a lot an inspiration for me.
I am not positive if this is the right area, but I kinda thought you should be aware that I read this post a little while ago on another site. I think it was a wordpress blog with the same title. The content was practically the same, but I noticed that this one has an older date. I reckon they took it from you, but maybe not who knows. Thought you may want to know.