Spring Practice 2005

From BearInsider
Running Backs:
Justin Forsett showed off his speed and elusiveness today, using those assets to burst by defensive players just not yet ready to make tackles. Visualize Joe Igber-like moves combined with improved strength and a north-south orientation to his game. We'll use these spring practices to closely watch the competition for the #2 running back slot, but for now, Justin is the man to beat.
On one play, Marshawn Lynch evaded tackles, popped out the right side, and left Harrison Smith in an uncomfortable position - chasing a speedy back heading downfield for a TD. We won't knock Harrison in saying this, Marshawn is fast.
Then, after practice, Lynch put an outstanding move on CC Times journalist Jay Heater that left everyone laughing. Jay was doing his best to close in on Marshawn for a post-practice interview, and Lynch easily evaded Jay's best move, circling wide and fast around the whole group of reporters. Laughing all the way.
Quarterbacks:
Nate Longshore drops back quickly, his long strides taking him back from the line in just moments. He doesn't, however, end that by moving into a natural throwing stance. Instead, as he completes his drop, his feet are still moving, perhaps reflecting indecision about where he is going to throw the pass. Unfortunately that leaves him too often in an unbalanced posture if a quick pass is needed.
In contrast, Joseph Ayoob ends his drop with his feet already planted for the throw, and quickly moves into his throwing motion. To be able to do this, Ayoob has to make up his mind during his drop where the pass is going - which emphasizes the importance of the mechanics that let a QB keep his eyes downfield as he drops back. On this score, Ayoob is clearly ahead of Longshore.
Early in the scrimmage, Ayoob dropped back, spotted a receiver on a shallow slant to the left sideline, and eased a floater out to the open receiver. Nice pass, easy completion, but Tedford stepped to Ayoob's side to immediately emphasize the need to put more speed on the ball. (We read this from the hand and arm gestures Tedford used). Try that floater against a good DB, and that pass is going the wrong way for a TD.
In immediately subsequent plays, when the receiver made a break to get open, Ayoob leaned on the throttle and delivered the ball with increased velocity. Even then, he continued to try to deliver a catchable ball - rather than going max-out and depending on his receivers to make a D-1 catch. Give this guy top quality receivers whose job it is to make the catch no matter how high the velocity, and then we'll see this guy's real potential.
Roster changes:
Brandon Hampton to DB. We'll watch Brandon in future sessions. His speed and strength in the defensive backfield will be useful.
Steve Levy to QB. He demonstrated his basic competence at the position today, but has neither the mechanics nor arm strength that Longshore and Ayoob exhibited. That said, Cal has no depth at the critical QB slot, so Steve will be an important component in the team structure. If the first two guys go down, a team must have a third QB who can step in and add (at least) stability to the offense.
A Name Change:
DE Justin Johnson now prefers to be known as Fahim Mujjaahid Abd Allah (spelling taken from the new Cal roster). Fahim faces a stiff challenge for playing time at DE, but we have to hope he makes it if only to hear our good friend Joe Starkey struggle with the pronunciation. We'll catch up with Fahim at a future practice and get him to help us with the correct pronunciation.
In the Tunnel:
Departing practice, in the Memorial Stadium south gate tunnel, who should appear but coach Alonzo Carter of McClymonds High School. He attended practice today along with his players Kyle Reed (former) and Josh Tatum (present). Kyle, QB commit to Cal, suddenly looks bigger and stronger than recent memory. Whether or not he changes the QB three-deep this fall, it will be interesting to see what he adds to the QB competition.
Two lineup additions: (see photo)
Jerry Barnes #81, played football at Alameda HS, and is now a sophomore at Cal. His friend, Burl Toler, told him about the walk-on program at Cal, so he decided to try out. He is 5-11 and played his senior year in high school as a cornerback. Jerry's middle name is Sean - he prefers to be known by that name.
Ryan McQuaid #84 played DB at St. Ignatius, a freshman at Cal, he was named all league DB and most athletic player. He is 5-9. Speed numbers were not available for either player. Both were timed in speed drills during Cal’s “open walk-on” tryouts, but neither was told his results.
"Fast enough" said Sean with a grin.
Both players are on the Cal roster as wide receivers. Whether or not they get playing time is problematic at best, but they certainly help fill a depth problem at WR for Cal this spring. And just as clearly, it is a thrill for both to be on the field in Cal uniforms. Each expressed how much they were enjoying the experience and the camaraderie extended to both of them by the Cal squad.
Spring football is underway.