Incoming Cal QB Nainoa Lopes is one of five future Bears plays in this Friday’s Polynesian Bowl All-American game in Honolulu.
The 6-4/195 QB from St. Louis High School in Honolulu was asked about his approach with new Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi and staff after committing to the prior staff last year.
"My approach is just getting used to him, trying to be like his little pet, you know, and learning from the best,” Lopes said.
Lopes also had the chance to speak with incoming Cal OC Jordan Somerville in Hawaii the other day.
"I just had a talk with him last night in the lobby,” Lopes said. "It was really good. You know, his big thing was communication. Everything is about communication. So I really like that a lot."
One important carryover from the prior staff who recruited him is Cal assistant head coach and QB coach Nick Rolovich.
“He's just been like one of my best friends," Lopes said. "He feels like it, but you know, he's not. He's my coach. But you know that connection I really like it."
Lopes is playing with future teammates TE Taimane Purcell, OL Esaiah Wong and Kamo'i Huihui-White and DT Nemyah Telona (De La Salle) this week and is enjoying bonding with the fellow future Bears.
Lopes garnered significant attention at several camps last season. The incoming Bears QB was asked about the strengths of his game. He was rated the #6 player in Hawaii and the #35 QB in the country by 247 Sports and threw for 15 TDs his senior season for St. Louis.
“Some of my strengths, I make everybody around me better on and off the field when they're with me,” Lopes said. “You know, I try to help make them a better person.”
