Thank you for the update. Without it, as the season nears, it is easy to lose track of the newcomers we have waiting in the wings.
The Class Of 2023 - Camp Observations
Ryan McCulloch - Freshman: Outside Linebacker
McCulloch has been an impact pass rusher throughout camp. He’s very quick and longer than his 6’3 frame implies. He has that knack for beating blockers (He bends well) and is very athletic. Wouldn’t at all be surprised to see him get snaps on obvious passing downs.
Marquis Montgomery - Junior: Wide Receiver
After a slow start with a lot of drops, Montgomery starred in the 2nd Scrimmage of Fall Camp. He’s a legit 6’5 and is very effective at using his body to shield defenders. He’s sneaky fast and has shown he can be a weapon in the red zone. The WR is deep but Montgomery will almost certainly get his opportunities
David Bird - Freshman: Longsnapper
An immediate starter as the team’s long snapper to start camp, Bird’s been inconsistent. After taking all the snaps with the 1’s, he began to split them with Junior Wesley Brown. Bird’s clearly got the talent, can he get his mental game where it needs to be?
Jaivian Thomas - Freshman: Running Back
Because of injuries, Thomas has played quite a bit with both the 2’s and 3’s. Despite his diminutive size, he’s had his moments. Very quick and fast. Not super elusive and have yet to see him be a factor in the passing game which is likely his ticket to playing time
Nyziah Hunter - Freshman: Wide Receiver
He certainly looks and moves like a big-time outside WR. Well-built and fast, Hunter has had an up-and-down camp. A bad case of the drops in the 2nd scrimmage marred his opportunity to move up the depth chart with Mason Starling and Monroe Young sitting out. A bright future for sure, but perhaps not early in 2023
Cade Uluave - Freshman: Inside Linebacker
Right behind Ryan McCulloch in making the strongest impression of the incoming freshman. Uluave is quick and tough. A very capable tackler, he’s got a bright future. Could be an immediate speceial teams impact player
Tidiane Jalloh - Sophomore: Outside Linebacker
For someone who hasn’t played hardly any organized football, Jalloh has more than held his own. He’s jumbo-sized and moves well. He’s likely a year away before he’ll have a chance to make an impact.
Martin Tine - Junior: Offensive Line
Very long, with the body of a prototypical NFL tackle, Tine got off to a slow start in Camp before finding his feet and putting together 6+ strong practices. He struggled in the 2nd Scrimmage and looks to be outside the top 8 rotation going into the season. Tine is someone to keep an eye on this season as he adjusts to this level of play
Tiumalu Afalava - Freshman: Defensive Lineman
Not the longest lineman, Afalava is stoutly built and more physically ready to play than is usual in an incoming HS graduate. He’s held his own throughout camp and clearly impressed the staff as he saw considerable snaps with the 3’s
Ben Marshall - Freshman: Tight End
Marshall has struggled to get a lot of snaps behind the top three Tight Ends. He’s had his moments both as a blocker and a receiver but not enough to crack the rotation. He clearly moves well, perhaps the 2nd most athletic receiver in the room behind Jack Endries, though his body looks like it needs a year in the weight room
Frederick Williams III - Freshman: Offensive Lineman
On the hoof, he looks like he’s ready to roll. A VERY solidly built young player at 6’5 and 285+, Williams moves well in drills but appears very raw and even lost at times as he adjusts to playing on the OL at this level. I suspect he’ll be 315 lbs of muscle by next Fall.
Nick Morrow - Freshman: Offensive Lineman
Morrow has added a ton of weight and looks to be holding it well. His feet are exceptional in drill work and his background as a TE is obvious when you see him move. Very raw in his technique and in need of some additional strength, keep an eye on Morrow next Spring
Sailasa Vadrawale - Freshman: Safety
Vadrawale has played quite a bit with the 3’s at Safety and has made some plays. Despite a slight build, he’s not afraid to stick his nose in on run support and has flashed good quickness when playing the ball in the air. Cal requires their secondary to be experts in coverage dynamics and that plus some time in the weight room is likely needed before he sees the field
Zurich Ashford - Freshman: Defensive Lineman
Ashford had a couple of nice plays in the 2nd scrimmage. He’s athletic and strong. Tough to play early at this position even if Cal didn’t have the depth it has up front. Ashford’s measurables make him a high ceiling player
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