Depth Chart Resolutions? (Offense)

It’s Game Week. O. M. G. I can’t hide my excitement enough. Can't you tell? As we buckle down for Cal’s opening game against Michigan State this Saturday, it’s time to look at all things Cal while we wrap our minds around what we might expect out of the team for Saturday’s kickoff. We begin by looking at the depth chart.

The depth chart appears to be finalized—at least for this Saturday’s game. While starters have been named, many critical positions will continue to be evaluated as the season moves on, and more players are expected to get more playing time regardless. In other words, a backup may end up playing just as much as a starter throughout the course of the season.

Today we’ll start with the offensive side of the ball and get to the defense later in the week.

Quarterback

Starter: Kevin Riley Backup: Nate Longshore

Yawn. Pff. Old news. Much has already been said. Bottom line: Tedford and staff knew what they had with Longshore. A player with a good grasp of the offense who could manage that side of the ball. Riley, however, has the potential to be something special. And they have to see him in more real game time situations to be sure that he is the guy of the future. With Longshore and Riley playing nearly evenly in camp, Tedford felt it was the right time to take that risk and see how Riley would prepare and perform as the starter.

Running Back

Starter: Jahvid Best Backup: Shane Vereen

Tedford appears to be set on his 1-2 punch for this year. Continuing a tradition of utilizing 2 backs (with the near exception of last year), Best will be the main tailback, with Vereen coming in to give Jahvid a breather after he rips off a 60 yarder. Expect Tracey Slocum to be used much like Marcus O’Keith was used during the Marshawn Lynch/Justin Forsett years as a 3^rd down back, and later in the game as a potential bruiser for tough yards. As for Covaughn Deboskie? I haven’t heard any official words just yet, but you got to redshirt the guy. As much as I like him, I’d rather have him contribute more in a year than in a crowded backfield now.

(We need lots and lots of this.)

(credit: Getty Images)

Fullback

Starter: Will Tau’fou’ou Backup: Brian Holley

We’ll be in good shape here. Both have had their share of playing time the last few years, and both have shown to be very capable fullbacks, and Holley even had a number of reps in as a running back in spring ball. Who else wants to see more naked bootlegs to Tau’fou’ou this year? Show of hands? I agree.

Offensive Line

Left Tackle: Chet Teofilo Backup: Donovan Edwards

Left Guard: Chris Guarnero Backup: Mark Boskovich

Center: Alex Mack Backup: Richard Fisher

Right Guard: Noris Malele Backup: Justin Cheadle

Right Tackle: Michael Schwartz Backup: Matt Laird

There be a lot of names that most Cal fans probably aren’t too familiar with. It was never a question as to who would anchor the line at center, with Big Mack captaining not just the offensive line, but the whole team. With Mike Tepper most likely missing the first game due to his torn pectoral muscle, Chet Teofilo who also had reps with the first team towards the end of last season at right tackle, will have the all important task of protecting the QB’s blind side. This is one of the areas that I’m least sure about, as I’m not sure how deep we are.

Tight End

Starter: Cameron Morrah Backup: Tad Smith

No real surprises here. Cameron Morrah will be a strong receiving threat this year, and should have more balls going his way. The question will be whether he can come close to replicating the level of blocking Craig Stevens demonstrated as a starter. Tad Smith, a converted defensive end, opened eyes during Spring Ball with ridiculous catches, and should also fill in well on the other side in 2 TE sets. Also look for true freshman Anthony Miller to get some reps in this year.

Wide Receiver

Starters: Michael Calvin, Sean Young, LaReylle Cunningham

Backups: Marvin Jones, Jeremy Ross, Nyan Boateng, Verran Tucker, among others.

I could start a Vegas pool right now in trying to determine which receiver will have the most productive season. I just might actually… No one really knows for sure what to expect out of the brand new receiving corps. At this point in the preseason, the coaching staff had to go with the receivers that they had the most trust in and/or had the most consistent camps. Those spots go to seniors Cunningham and Young, as well as redshirt freshman Michael Calvin, who won offensive Scout Player of the Year last year. But don’t expect the spots to be as locked down as it was with last year’s crew. Tedford has stated that as many as 6 or 7 receivers will be rotating in and out in the games this year, which could mean our receivers are that good, or that inconsistent. I’m hoping it’s the former.