Spring Football Preview - The Defensive Line

The Defensive Line Room:

Xavier Carlton:  6’6, 275, Junior

Rickey Correia:  6’4, 335, Junior (Nose Guard)

Brett Johnson:  6’5, 300, Junior

Darius Long: 6’2, 315, Senior

Stanley McKenzie:  6’2, 350, Sophomore (Nose Guard)

Gunnar Rask:  6’2, 305, Junior (Nose Guard), Walk On

Jaedon Roberts: 6’3, 300, Junior

Ethan Saunders:  6’3, 280, Junior

Derek Wilkins:  6’5, 295, Freshman

The Competition:

This is a crowded room and arguably the deepest blend of raw talent and returning production of any position group on the roster.  If they are both healthy and ready to go, we’d expect both Stanley McKenzie and Brett Johnson to be the starters at the beginning of Fall camp.  McKenzie will likely sit out the Spring as he continues to heal up but is expected to be 100% by the Summer.  Johnson is clearly the star of this group and his ability to return to form following his scooter accident in 2021 is among the biggest stories of the Spring.  Ricky Correia finished 2021 on an upswing and has had as good a strength and condition offseason as anyone on the team.  He’s stronger, more flexible, and in better shape.  He could easily push McKenzie for the starting NG slot though his oft-injured wrist will need to hold up.  The DE spot across from Johnson will be among the most highly contested on the team.  Both Ethan Saunders and Jaedon Roberts stepped up their play in the last three games of 2022 and are poised for breakout years.   Incoming transfer Xavier Carlton was a highly touted recruit and very productive in his first full season at Utah.  Derek Wilkins, with strong prep accolades himself, flashed quickness and pass-rushing juice during his redshirt year.  Don’t sleep on Darius Long, who could become a designated inside pass rusher if/when Cal goes to a more traditional four-man front.  

Key Questions:

Given the depth of talent here and some question marks at OLB, how often will Cal look to play four down linemen?

Will Saunders, Correia, and Roberts make the traditional big step forward that defensive linemen often take in their 2^nd Spring?  

Will Xavier Carlton translate his early success at Utah into a big role in this Bears defense?

And perhaps most importantly, is Brett Johnson truly back and ready to roll?

Injuries:

Outside of McKenzie, we expect the unit to be ready to roll.  Johnson will likely be tracked carefully to make sure he continues to make progress on his recovery.  

Also Read:

Spring Preview - The Running Backs