Bear Insider Video: WR Trevor Rogers & RB Jamaal Wiley
Two of the most pleasant surprises from the 2024 frosh class have been running back Jamaal Wiley and receiver Trevor Rogers.
"It's a lot more fast-paced," Wiley, who totaled 3,334 yards and 41 touchdowns during his three prep at Stafford High School in Texas noted of the difference in talent he’s facing vs what he’s seen in his first month on the field at Cal.
Rogers had a stellar prep career himself, hauling in 155 receptions for 2,803 yards and 36 touchdown catches in three seasons at nearby Acalanes in Lafayette.
"Yeah I was just talking to Teddye (Buchanan) about that," Rogers agreed. "It was just the biggest difference, really, not just how fast the game moves, the practice, in between each drills, you're running everywhere, even in the weight room. You should never be walking. You're always going somewhere fast."
"If you're on the field, you keep moving," Wiley added.
Coming in as a freshman to a loaded running back room full of experienced backs, Wiley still managed to open eyes with a significant number of big plays and a tough running style somewhat reminiscent of his idol, former Cal star running back Marshawn Lynch.
"Coming in, I know I was out of shape coming into college, so the summer program with Coach B, just keeping my head down, steady working, learning from the older guys,” Wiley said. “I'm just developing as I go. It's only my first year. Baby beast mode.”
Despite a loaded receiver room, Rogers has also found a way to stand out, becoming a consistent end zone and deep threat target for backup QB CJ Harris.
Asked what he brings to the field, Rogers noted:
"Really good contested catch ability, like I'm a good red zone threat and I think I'm probably, I like to say, the fastest receiver in the room," Rogers, who ran a 10.7 100 in high school noted.
"Honestly, coming in, I really didn't know what the rep count would be like, but Coach Toler's done a really good job of rotating everybody, getting everybody in, seeing what they could do. So he gave me my fair shot to make plays, and I knew I had to be able to deliver, or else I wouldn't be getting any more reps."
While Wiley got in shape after his arrival at Cal by losing weight and gaining strength, Rogers added 15 lbs to his slender frame, giving him the confidence and ability to play through contact and have a very productive fall camp, stretching the field regularly and fighting off press coverage to catch contested balls.
Rogers has also seen growth in his game thanks to the veterans in the WR room who have given him good practical advice. Speaking to the culture of the players Cal has brought in during the offseason, two of his biggest assists come from starting portal receivers Tobias Merriweather and Kyion Grayes.
“Tobias after the scrimmage, he took me in and he did an hour of film with me and he told me to say what was my worst practice? And I listed off some where I think I didn't do it well. And he basically just sat me down for an hour and told me how to get better everything I did. So a lot of appreciation for him. And obviously I'm on the same side of the field is Kyion behind him and he's taught me a lot of different techniques and way to get out of my breaks or influence the DB. That's been really helpful.”
Wiley has also been able to glean good habits from his veteran running back room.
"One of the main things that I noticed coming in was their prehab prior to practice and everything, how they get ready for game or scrimmage, practice or the day in general,” Wiley noted. “That was the first thing I learned that was like a major difference from high school so I definitely took heed into that and tried to implement everything.”
Normally it would be unlikely to see frosh players in loaded position groups see time as true freshmen but don’t put it past either talented newcomer to have a chance to make their mark this season.
Today’s kickoff vs UC Davis is at 2 pm in Memorial Stadium and is televised on ACCNX.