Checking in after Week 1 of Fall Camp (Defense)

Again, continuing to gather thoughts and observations from various Fall Camp reports, this time on defense.

Defensive Line
The pressure is on Cameron Jordan to emerge as the D-line’s leader with Tyson Alualu off to play in the NFL. And while Jordan is still as personable as ever off the field, he’s bringing more maturity and intensity to the practice field. The goal will be for the D-line to get Jordan in some one on one situations so that Jordan can wreak havoc in the backfield.

This will largely depend on who emerges at the NT spot. RS Senior Derrick Hill has plenty of starting experience, but also has a history of knee issues, and has already missed a practice to rest his knee. Injuries aside, sophomore Kendrick Payne has reportedly been a freak in practice, and don’t be surprised to see him emerge as the starter during the season, if not by the opener. Either way, both will play plenty.

At the other DE spot, Trevor Guyton is likely to start, but there is plenty of depth with Deandre Coleman beginning to learn how to properly leverage his giant 6’6, 305 pound frame.

Aaron Tipoti and Ernest Owusu should also see playing time.

It’s a bit early to say whether touted frosh Gabe King will redshirt, but given that he’s coming off an injury that sidelined him during his senior season and the depth in front of him, I’d guess a redshirt is likely coming.


Linebackers
We all know Mike Mohammed will the be the stalwart of the linebacking corps and will contend for All-American honors after leading the conference in tackles last year. The rest of the spots are a bit hazier.

Senior DJ Holt will likely continue starting at the ILB spot alongside Mohammed, although RS frosh Steven Fanua has been playing really well. It’s also been said that Nick Forbes will likely see some playing time as a true frosh.

I would venture a guess on junior Mychal Kendricks and senior Keith Browner manning the OLB spots, but honestly, it’s really fluid enough that it’s hard to say at this point. Jarred Price will likely be brought in on third down situations, with Ryan Davis and Jerome Meadows as candidates to see some time.

Also, Monte Vista grad Dave Wilkerson has received a bit of praise in practice for his physicality and aggressiveness. He’s been sidelined with a hand injury as of late, but if he can continue his level of play after returning, don’t be surprise to see him get a bit of time at the OLB spot.

Secondary
While junior Sean Cattouse and senior Chris Conte are likely to be your starters at safety, juniors Chris Moncrease and DJ Campbell along with RS frosh Alex Logan will provide depth at the position.

The cornerback battles are a bit more interesting, with the most exciting news being the emergence of RS frosh Steve Williams. The highly regarded DB recruit from Texas has been lauded by the coaching staff and fellow teammates, and has done nothing to stop him from getting first team looks at one cornerback spot. Williams is a bit wiry, but is athletic and might be one of the fastest CBs we’ve had at Cal.

The battle for the other DB spot will come down to seniors Darian Hagan and Bryant Nnabuife. Josh Hill and Marc Anthony are also competing, but it’s looking more and
More like Hagan and Nnabuife will battle to see who starts in their final seasons. Both have shown flashes of potential, with Hagan being even more of an enigma given the discrepancy between his fantastic sophomore season and his disappointing junior one.

Special Teams
Not much has been reported about special teams other than David Seawright knocking a couple of kickoffs for touchbacks and walkon punter/kicker Jed Barnett looking good on some punts.