Position Preview Running Backs: Backups Need to Emerge

New Cal football running backs coach Aristotle Thompson had only four spring practice sessions to get to know his group. He has drawn some conclusions, but he is eager to learn more as fall camp, such as it is, gets underway.

He has a star in the making in junior Christopher Brown Jr., who barely missed 1,000 yards rushing last year. With DeShawn Collins no longer on the roster, the Bears backups are a little thin, Marcel Dancy, lightly-used since transferring from Laney City College two years ago, figures to have a bigger role. Wisconsin transfer Bradrick Shaw could see some early duty, and the freshmen running backs -DeCarlos Brooks, Chris Street and Damien Moore- might have to grow up fast.

Thompson said that the group’s eagerness to train in the offseason should pay dividends.

“I am really impressed with the way they were willing to work in this (covid) situation. I thought it was really good that they were practicing and preparing like there was a game at the end of the week,” Thompson said. “A group of guys that are willing to work that hard gives me something to build on. I am a firm believer in the philosophy that hard work pays off.:.

A look at the running backs. 

Christopher Brown, Jr.  6-1, 230, Junior

Briefly: Last year became the centerpiece of the Bears’ running game. Cal's active career leader in rushes (245), yards rushing (1062), rushing touchdowns (9), receiving touchdowns (4), total touchdowns (13), points (78) and all-purpose yards (1259). Last year he totaled  914 yards on 214 carries with four rushing touchdowns. He also was on the Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll.

Thompson: “From everything I’ve seen in the walkthroughs, he looks great. He is big fast and strong. He speaks up in the meeting sessions, talking with Chase Garbers about what they can do. I am excited for Chris, just going back and watching him, how he is strong inside but also has the ability to get outside and to catch the ball. For his size he’s very versatile. 

Marcel Dancy, 5-10, 195, redshirt senior

Briefly: In two years he has rushed 71 times for 329 yards and three touchdowns. Was selected to the All-State-AFCA Good Works Team for his work in the community.

Thompson: “Marcel has been a very persistent, the way he works to get better. He has done a great job of challenging other guys to push themselves, on and off the field.  I can see Marcel make some good runs, seeing what the defense is trying to do as opposed to just running. It is a big plus for him that he is seeing the game at a different level.”. 

© Kelley L Cox | 2019 Mar 24

Marcel Dancy (23)

DeCarlos Brooks 5-9, 190, Redshirt freshman

Briefly: Three-star recruit was Arizona’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2018. Has speed and packs a wallop in his compact body.

Thompson: I think is going to continue to mature. I have seen a big jump in his maturity. In the spring and in the shutdown I have really seen him grow in the skill set, He is talking about things, asking questions. ...In high school you can get the ball in your hands, make one move and go. He’s starting to really hone in on what he has to do to be a productive football player at this level.”

Chris Street, 5-10, 185, Freshman

Briefly: In two varsity years piled up 1889 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns on 331 carries. Also caught 19 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns to total 2166 all-purpose yards and 27 touchdowns. Senior year was limited by injury.

Thompson “I haven’t had a chance to look at him in live situations. But just the fact that he was able to get up here this summer and start working out (was good). He is pushing himself and coming back off that injury he had his senior year. From what I hear, he is moving great. ...You look at his high school film and you see quickness and he is a lot more of a load than people think.”

Damien Moore: 5-10, 210 Freshman 

Briefly: Combined for 2253 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns on the ground as well as 17 receptions for 118 yards and three kick returns for 43 yards to total 2414 all-purpose yards in three high school years. Mission League MVP as a senior. Limited to two games as a junior by an injury. 

Thompson: He is a hard worker and Damien has done a great job of picking up our system. ...He does a great job of seeing what is happening on the field and recognizing what the defense is doing. He is a slashing type runer.”

Bradrick Shaw, 6-1, 205 Redshirt senior

Briefly: Transfer from Wisconsin.  Played in 31 career games with two starts and ran for 938 yards and 10 touchdowns on 202 carries, while adding four receptions for 27 yards in five seasons.

Thompson:” He is a big back and has played a lot of football. When we get on the field that is going to benefit him. His experience will help the younger guys and he will be ready to get out there, ready to play whenever his number is called.”

Drew Schlegel 5-11, 225 Redshirt senior

Briefly: Fullback, transfer from Kentucky. Played in 24 career games all off the bench during four seasons at Kentucky. Primarily a blocker.

Head coach Justin Wilcox: "Drew will have the opportunity to help us both on offense and special teams, and he will be a great fit at Cal academically and socially. He will also embrace the role of being a good teammate. We're happy to have him on board."

Zach Angelillo 6-2, 220 Redshirt sophomore

Briefly: Fullback who switched positions this season after two years as a linebacker

OC Bill Musgrave: “He’s done an amazing job on scout team the last two years. But he wants to be on the field and so he volunteered…and we accepted him with open arms.”

Ashton Stredick, 5-9, 185, Freshman

Briefly: Walkon from Needville Tx,  Played in 32 career games and rushed for three-year totals of 6420 yards and 88 touchdowns on 637 carries, averaging 10.1 yards per rush and 200.6 yards per game. Was Class 4A Player of the Year and District 13-4A MVP; 

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