I feel like we can win more than six games with either Mendoza or Rogers at QB. Really glad we have them both.
Cal Football
Spring Practice Day One
MEMORIAL STADIUM - The weather couldn’t have been better for the opening morning of spring ball this morning with blue skies and a light breeze and temps that hit the upper 60s by the end of today’s abbreviated hour and a half session at Memorial.
"First day spring football,” head coach Justin Wilcox said. “So it's a lot of fun being back on the field. Players seem to enjoy it. I know the coaches do. Just to get back out here competing and working on football again."
Lots of new faces were on the field today with some jumping right in on the action and others being eased in.
Much like former preferred walk-on Trond Grizzell had a strong connection with Mendoza last spring and fall, PWO receiver Jordan King was a favorite target today for the returning starter, pulling in passes of 20 and 25 yards in the session. Mendoza also had a standout completion for a 25-yard gain to Grizzell.
Mendoza’s added size and strength showed on the field where he was quick and decisive with his throws, with good velocity.
North Texas senior grad transfer Chandler Rogers was sharp much of the session, showing zip on his passes and good wheels when he pulled it down. His lone miscue was an overthrown pass that was picked by grad transfer cornerback Marcus Harris but he also had a long TD to PWO receiver Isaac Torres and a perfect 50-yard pass down the sideline that Notre Dame WR transfer Tobias Merriweather couldn’t hold onto. He play of the day was a perfectly thrown ball dropped over coverage for a 30-yard completion to Colorado transfer receiver Cole Boscia.
Wilcox noted that there’s no preference for finding a starter this spring vs. fall but that they’d be looking for some things in particular in the battle for QB1.
"Getting better," Wilcox noted. "Making great decisions, being accurate with the football. Running the offense. Leading the offense down the field.
“When the time comes, it reveals itself and we'll name the starter but really not gonna put any timeline, especially now early in spring ball. I know they're both real eager to practice and play football and improve. So that's what we're looking for.”
Returning Pac-12 rushing champion Jadyn Ott looked strong and quick with a pair of good runs. Old Dominion by way of Alabama running back transfer Kadarius Calloway opened eyes with some particularly speedy runs for good gains.
Wilcox was asked if there were players who stepped into leadership roles in the offseason and he noted a few standouts.
"You've got the ones that you would probably assume like Craig Woodson, who has been here a long time," Wilcox said. "Good player, got the respect of his teammates, Craig has done a nice job. David Reese has really been a guy that's taken that role on. He's got the mentality for this game and he works and he's earned the respect of his teammates. David Reese has been a guy that's been noticeable in terms of the leadership role. Xavier (Carlton), we talked about him in the same way, just taking another step. TJ Session is another one. So I think there's been a number of guys that have stepped up in terms of how they communicate with their teammates, and obviously handling their business but also encouraging and influencing other people to be better."
Stay tuned for more on today’s practice session with player interviews.
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