Spring Football Starts This Week: Which Young Players Will Emerge?

By David Bush

March 2, 2020

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Cal opens its spring football practice on Wednesday morning in Memorial Stadium with an unmistakable attitude of optimism.

Coming off their 8-5 season which finished with three straight wins, including the Big Game and the Redbox Bowl, the Bears have high hopes for 2020.

Returning every player who started on offense in the bowl game, Cal has experience and depth in that department. There will be competition for jobs in the spring, but whoever earns the playing time will be a familiar name. Newcomers to the back of the line.

The defense, on the other hand, had some key losses and competition should be lively, with several younger players in the mix.

Inside linebacker Evan Weaver and the top three safeties all have graduated and moved on. replacing Weaver, the consensus All-American who led the nation in total tackles, will be the most challenging assignment. Redshirt sophomore Evan Tattersall is likely the front-runner entering the spring. He has fully-recovered after his injury against USC last year that had him carted off the field. He was Weaver’s primary backup last year, which meant he didn’t get a lot of time at that linebacker spot. Weaver seldom left the field.

Of the redshirt freshmen inside linebacker candidates, Ryan Puskas is probably the furthest along in terms of playing time and should contend for reps. Incoming freshman Muelu Iosefa, who is already on campus and will be participating in the spring, has the potential to be a factor as well. Redshirt freshmen Blake Antzoulatos and Kyle Smith will both be in the mix for playing time or perhaps the starting role with good springs and fall camp, as well.

Although the safety position was hit hard by graduation, the Bears should have enough talent to compensate. This position will be as competitive as any on the entire roster.

Starters Ashtyn Davis and Jaylinn Hawkins, and primary backup Trey Turner III, are all gone.

The Bears have already taken steps to fill the holes by moving Elijah Hicks, a three-year starter at corner, to safety. He played there some last year as Davis missed some time.

“He’s all into it now,” head coach Justin Wilcox has said. “I know he can be a dang good safety. He’s physical by nature and he’s a really cerebral student of the game.”

Junior Daniel Scott has seen some time at the position and figures to be a factor. Isaiah Humphries, the transfer from Penn State who had to sit out last season because of transfer rules, is an intriguing possibility, having led the defense in interceptions last fall camp. Redshirt freshman Craig Woodson got on the field for four games last year and might be ready to challenge for playing time after earning good reviews. He’s also considered one of the most athletic players on the squad. Trey Paster, another freshman who is already enrolled, is athletic, smart and skilled enough to be a factor and has the size to play early.

Bolstered by the return to health of tackle Will Crag and guard Gentle Williams, the offensive line looks deeper than it has in years. Even if it is hit as hard by injuries as it has been the past two seasons, the Bears should be able to handle things without last year’s significant dropoff.

Redshirt freshmen Brian Driscoll, Brayden Rohme and Ben Coleman as well as walk-on oT Cal Frank should profit from their practice time and be able to add depth. In other years, incoming freshman Everett Johnson would get a long look. With all the available bodies he is going to have to work hard just to get practice reps, though he already has D1 size.

Running back, wide receiver and tight end are well stocked with veterans who will be competing among themselves for playing time in the spring. The coaches are eager to get a look at early entry wide receiver Mason Mangum, the freshman whose track accomplishments hint he could be the game-breaker the Bears have been looking for.

Jameson Sheahan has enrolled and figures to succeed fellow Aussie Steven Coutts as the punter. But where Coutts came to Berkeley with some American footbal[l experience, the next football game Sheahan plays in will be his first. Nevertheless, the coaching staff is confident he can handle the job.

Gabe Siemieniec probably has a leg up (sorry) on the place-kicking job, but redshirt freshman Nick Lopez could challenge him.

All of the practices (dates and starting times above) are open to the public.

Parking information.

Stadium Parking Structure – Paid parking near corner of Gayley Road and Stadium Rim Way just north of the stadium.

Street Parking – Paid and two-hour free parking may be available on streets near the stadium.

Witter Lot – Paid parking near the corner of Centennial Drive and Stadium Rim Way just east of the stadium.

Lower Sproul Garage – Paid parking on north side of Bancroft Way between Telegraph Avenue and Dana Street.

Rec Sports Facility Garage – Paid parking on north side of Bancroft Way between Dana Street and Ellsworth Street.

Underhill Garage – Paid parking on corner of Channing Way and College Avenue.