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.

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.

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.