Spring Preview: Runningback

(Is Daniel Lasco ready? image:Scout.com)

We’re continuing on with our look at each unit in preparation for spring ball. Next up, runningback.

2011 Position Wrap Up
Isi Sofele was the unquestioned starter all season, dating back to his claiming the position outright during spring ball. Many Cal fans had clammy hands about the notion, not sold on Sofele’s ability or size as an every down back.

“He’s too small!” said one Cal fan.

“He doesn’t have Jahvid speed!” said another on Tightwad.

“Or Marshawn strength!” claimed an EECS major at Foothill.

But none of it seemed to matter, as Sofele surpassed nearly everyone’s expectations but his own, and rushed for 1,322 yards and 10 TDs with a solid 5.25 ypc. Sofele earned all-conference honorable mention, and a spot on Ted Miller’s All-Conference Underrated Team.


More than anything, Sofele seemed to get better as the year wore on. His vision for running lanes became visibly better, as did his ability to make moves in the open field. While he didn’t consistently take it to the house on long runs, he did show he was able to beat the edge for large gains. He also showed impressive strength for his size, making contact with impact and showing less of a propensity to go down at first contact.

Like Maynard, Sofele had his best stretch of performances in the last four games, averaging 142 yards per game with a 6.5 ypc. Like Maynard though, his performance dropped off in the Holiday Bowl, but any Cal fan will tell you that the offensive line struggled mightily in that game.

There’s no doubt that there remain fans who question Sofele’s ability when compared to previous Cal backs, but few can question his productivity. Want a comparison? Joe Igber, Marshawn Lynch, Shane Vereen. All names of great Cal backs that Sofele has had better season statistics than.

Juco transfer CJ Anderson also emerged as a solid option. Much like previous Juco transfers, Anderson became better over the course of the season as his conditioning and knowledge of the offense improved. Anderson provided a stark contrast to Sofele, showing far greater physicality and size.

CJA gained 342 yards and 8 TDS with a 4.72 ypc and became a solid option in short yardage situation as well as in the passing game. Anderson’s pass catching ability was probably the area that surprised me the most, with Anderson catching just 7 passes but earning 186 yards on those catches, including a memorable 74 yard catch and dash against ASU. If Anderson can improve his pass blocking, he’ll become the ideal 3rd down back.

As a whole, Cal’s rushing offense improved moderately from the previous season, but is still a ways away from being the dominant rushing attack Cal fans had come to expect during the mid 2000s. Make no mistake about it though, there are many encouraging signs.

Spring Preview
Fortunately, there are far fewer questions at the RB spot. Sofele is likely to be limited in Spring ball, to avoid unnecessary injuries and to increase the reps between the other backs.

While the seniors, CJ Anderson and Covaughn Deboskie Johnson will see their share of carries, the coaching staff likely knows what they’re going to get with those back by now.

They’re likely far more interested with the progress of redshirt freshman Daniel Lasco and Brendon Bigelow.

I’ve long been a big fan of Daniel Lasco and have been intrigued by his combination of speed and size. You just don’t see a 6’1 back with 4.4 speed too often. Lasco redshirted last year, and rightly so, to put some muscle on his already impressive 190 pound frame. The last I heard, Lasco was at 200-205 pound mark, and should be creeping around 210 pounds of solid muscle when Fall camp starts.

As the Offensive Scout Player of the Year, Lasco impressed against the first team defense, so much so that the coaching staff has gone on record in praising him in recent media appearances. Tedford has stated that he’d be first up to get reps after Sofele, possibly splitting second-string reps with CJA. With three senior runningbacks on the roster, I don’t anticipate Lasco dominating this year statistically, but I’d reckon he’ll make the very best of his opportunities this season and in Spring Ball.

Another to look out for will be sophomore Brendon Bigelow. The high school phenom played sparingly his last season, trying to recover physically and mentally from his two torn ACL injuries from high school.

While some may question whether it was prudent for Bigelow to use a year of eligibility on just 6 carries for 25 yards and kickoff returns. I do think Bigelow needed as much time on the field as the situation permitted however, as getting over two potentially career-ending injuries is no small task.

In my humble opinion, the coaches just need to let it rip with Bigelow. Give him 10-15 carries a scrimmage between the tackles, and just let him go. He needs to get his feet underneath him so that the coaches can really get a fair sense of whether he is ready. If not, the team has plenty of options ready for this year, but it’s in everyone’s best interest that Bigelow gets his confidence back his sophomore season.

Trajaun Briggs and Dasarte Yarnway are also likely to see reps, but neither have been healthy enough to instill too much confidence. Darren Ervin and Mike Manuel also round off the list of backs who will carry the rock a few times in Spring Ball.