Blue and Gold Defensive Line is Green

The Cal defensive line is one of the least experienced units on the football team. And it got considerably greener when nose guard Brett Johnson, whom head coach Justin Wilcox calls one of the best players on the team, was lost for the 2021 season because of injuries sustained in an auto accident.

Still, Wilcox said he had high hopes for the unit in the fall.

Al Sermeno - KLC fotos

Stanley McKenzie (69) greets Chris Street

“We feel good about the athletic ability,” Wilcox said. “A lot of it is inexperienced and untested. They are going to have to grow up quickly. We have faith in them and I know (defensive line coach) Andrew Browning will do a great job getting them ready.

“Losing Brett is tough, but that is the way this game works. That’s why we recruit and have more than one player at each position.”

An up-close look at the defensive linemen with comments.

Akili Calhoun  DE. 6-4. 270, Fr. Wilcox: “A young player, very eager, loves football. He just needs to continue to practice and develop and we are excited about his upside.”

Ricky Correia  NG, 6-4, 350, Rs Fr. Wilcox: “Active, athletic, flashed in the spring. Has to continue to develop, He has a high ceiling. Got to continue to learn how to play the game.”

Aaron Maldonado NG 6-3, 275 Sr. Wilcox: “Returning from injury. It will be good to get him back. A guy that can provide some reps for us that we will need. Looking forward to him returning to the field healthy.”

Stanley McKenzie NG 6-2, 325 Rs FR, Wilcox: “Played significant reps last year. Is a big, strong guy. Kind of a traditional noseguard. Loves football. Really like his upside.”

Erick Nisich,  NG, 6-4, 285 Rs Jr. Wilcox: “Has played both offensive and defensive line here. He is a guy that can help our team. He is big and strong. Has to improve on plays that are running away from him,” 

Gunnar Rask, NG 6-4, 285 Rs Jr Wilcox. “He has done a really good job for us. Not quite as big as some of the other guys, but has put himself in a position to get in there and mix it up. He has still got to develop his body and foot speed to play.” 

Jaedon Roberts DE 6-3, 300, Rs Fr. Wilcox: “Has athletic ability. He was raw when he came in here. He is still learning the game, but we like his upside.”

Ethan Saunders DE, 6-3, 285 Rs Fr. Wilcox: “He really came on last year, then unfortunately suffered an injury. Another explosive guy. Plays really hard. Naturally very strong.“

JH Tevis  DE, 6-4, 285 RJr. Wilcox: “Has made himself into a good player. Was on the field a lot last year, works extremely hard, Very tough, With Brett down, is really the elder statesman of that group. He will play a significant role this year.”

The Bears also will have two freshman defensive ends in the fall. Derek Wilkins (6-5, 270) and Myles Williams (6-3, 250). How much will they contribute?

“We will see,” Wilcox said. “We recruited them for a reason. They are talented young men. But like a lot of the guys, they will have to show development, learn what to do, and earn their reps. We are glad they are coming, we think they have ability. Now it’s time to earn reps in workouts and in practice.”

Related:

Cal Defensive Lineman Brett Johnson to Miss 2021 Season