Bears Make All-Pac-12 Conference Team

The All-Conference awards were announced today and some of your favorite Bears earn some much-deserved honors.

The big headline is senior linebacker Mychal Kendricks winning the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award.

Here's what the press-release had to say:

"Kendricks, a senior from Fresno, Calif., leads the Golden Bears and ranks fourth in the Pac-12 with 8.0 tackles per game (96 total). He is also tied for third in the Conference with 13 tackles for loss. Kendricks has played a key role on a Cal defense that ranks 27th nationally in total defense, holding opponents to 339.42 yards per game, and has amassed 2.67 sacks per game to rank seventh. Kendricks has recorded three sacks for 30 yards this season. He is Cal's active career leader in several defensive categories including tackles (248), tackles for loss (35) and sacks (13.5). California's defense held seven opponents to 15 or fewer points this season."

A hearty and jubilant congratulations from BearswithFangs. I for one, certainly anticipated Kendricks earning all-conference honors, but was pleasantly surprised to see him win the big one. Kendricks had missed a game due to injury and Washington's Cort Dennison and Utah's Chaz Walker for total tackles in the conference. However, neither Dennison nor Walker were as disruptive, or came close to Kendrick's 13 tackles for loss or sack number. When you throw in Kendrick's two interceptions as well, you begin to get a sense of how well-rounded and impactful Kendricks was to this team and the congrats. A mighty congratulations to Kendricks. Well-earned. Kendricks is the first Golden Bear to win the award since Daymeion Hughes won it in 2006.

After the jump, check out the Bears' other accolades.


First Team All-Pac-12

WR Keenan Allen
As expected, Allen won first team honors with USC receiver Robert Woods. Both sophomores were easily the most dominant receivers in the conference, though Marquess Wilson at WSU made a strong case late in the season, and actually leads the conference in receiving yards and TDs. What a special season for Allen, who had the most receiving yards since Geoff MacArthur's record breaking '04 season.

The sky is the limit for Allen, and don't be surprised to see him take home more awards in what could be his final college season next year.

OT Mitchell Schwartz
I don't think Schwartz gets enough due. The guy has been solid and dependable for the past few years, and I don't think the guy has missed a single start. Pretty remarkable. He often goes under the radar, but that's because he's been so reliable and solid in all of his performances. Good to see Schwartz earn his spot as an all-conference tackle.

P Bryan Anger
This was Anger's third selection, the fourth ever for a Cal player. What else can be said about Anger? Despite the occasional shank, Anger has been one of the most dominant punters the Bears have seen. As Ray Guy finalist, Anger entertained many with his booming punts that could hit low flying planes. Like Allen, Kendricks, Allen and Schwartz, the guy's going to be playing on Sundays.

Second Team All-Pac-12

DE Trevor Guyton
Guyton never put up the type of gaudy numbers as previous first round Bears defensive ends, but was easily the most consistent defensive lineman for the Bears this season. He was stout, and he made an impact in nearly every start this year. Guyton had 11 TFLs and 5 sacks, helping to lead one of the more balanced defensive lines in a while for the Bears.

Noticeable Ommissions

Isi Sofele. I thought Sofele should have earned second-team honors over Stanford's Stepfan Taylor. Sofele had more rushing yards (1270 vs. 1153), more TDs (9 vs. 8), and better yards per game (105.83 vs. 96.08). I remember reading that these votes are taken a few weeks before the season is over, which would explain why Taylor earned the nod over Sofele, who had his best performances down the stretch. It's a bit similar to Jahvid Best not earning Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year back in 2008 over Jacquizz Rodgers, despite topping 1500 yards on the season.

Giorgio Tavecchio. Although USC's Andre Heidari, and Stanford's Jordan Williamson had a better completion percentage than Tavecchio's solid 86.4 mark, Tavecchio actually booted the most number of field goals in the conference this season, making 19 of 22. Again, the late season voting likely has an effect here, as Tavecchio made 4-4 in Cal's last game against ASU. For what it's worth, Tavecchio did Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the week honors. Forza Italia!

There are no other glaring admissions, though I do think cases can be made for DJ Holt for second team honors, and possibly Steve Williams for second team as well, though ASU game film might suggest otherwise for the sophomore who had an off night.

Congrats to all the Bears for their honors!

[Edit: Forgot to include the All-Conference Honorable Mentions]
DB D.J. Campbell, Sr.; DB Sean Cattouse, Sr.; OL Justin Cheadle, Sr.; LB D.J. Holt, Sr.; WR Marvin Jones, Sr.; TE Anthony Miller, Sr.; RB Isi Sofele, Jr.; OL Matt Summers-Gavin, Jr.; PK Giorgio Tavecchio, Sr.; DL Aaron Tipoti, Jr.;