The Cal secondary lost mainstay Sydquan Thompson to the NFL, however with as bad as the cal secondary played last season, it really cannot get any worse. I am optimistic that the secondary will be better than last year with Darian Hagan returning for his senior year.
Hagen struggled his junior season after being a standout in 08'. Hopefully, Hagen will return to his 08' form and become the consistent cover corner and playmaker that he once was. The real question remains: What was the reason for the dropoff in 09'? How could a player that Cal depended on so much in 08' just fall off the map like he did in 09? My first inclination is that Hagen was likely playing hurt and was playing anyway because of the lack of depth at the position. Gregory's scheme didnt help, Cal did not get enough pressure on the quarterback last season and often put too much pressure on the secondary. Hopefully, this season Pendergast will be able to scheme in order to take some pressure off the secondary and turn them back into the ball hawking secondary they were in 08'.
The other starting cornerback spot is up for grabs. Josh Hill played in 11 games and started 5. His inexperience showed as a true freshman, but he did improve as the season wore on. Bryant Nnabuife also started 4 games last season and is a candidate to start. He provides experience and depth at the position. Marc Anthony is certainly a talent but it remains to be seen whether it will translate to the field. However, I think the likely starter and potential superstar at the position is blueshirt freshman Steve Williams whom Tedford has said that he is the best cover cornerback to ever play for Cal. Williams came in as the highest rated recruit that Cal got in 09'. The great part about Williams is his speed and instincts at the position and at the very least will provide depth at the position as he continues to learn the position and get stronger.
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