Tuesday, August 3, 2010

2010 Position by Position Breakdown: Linebackers

The Cal linebacking crew is led by Mike Mohamed, perhaps one of the top players in the Pac-10 this coming season and almost all Cal fans remember Mohamed's memorable interception of Stanfurd QB Andrew Luck in the Big Game. However, after Mohamed play was spotty last season and will need to improve.

Junior D.J. Holt is likely going to play inside linebacker alongside Mohamed. Holt is a player that has good instincts and raw athleticism. If he improves his reads and pass coverage he could provide another strong inside backer for Cal.   The good part about Holt is that he is willing to take on contact and explode through the ball carrier.

Playing time on the outside will likely be split among many players. Mychal Kendricks is one of the more talented linebackers of the linebacking corps and was expected to do big things last season. However, he had an up and down season and fell out of favor in the middle of the season.  The good part about Kendricks season is that he had a very good bowl game against Utah so he ended on a positive note.  I think Kendricks is ready to fulfill his potential this season and if he does can really provide Mohamed with a lot of help whether he plays inside or outside.


Keith Browner is a tall linebacker and started the final game against Washington. Browner could provide the Bears with an option in order to stay with tight ends in pass coverage as he does not give up size as most linebackers do.

Jarred Price is a strong pass rusher but struggles some against the run.  He likely will get a lot of time at rush linebacker on 2nd and 3rd and long. He had a good spring and will see more time if he improves in run support.

Blueshirt freshman Steven Fanua who was scout team player of the year last season is also expected to contribute. He was a solid 3 star recruit on both rivals and espn.com in 2009.

JP Hurrell and Lucas King will also provide depth both inside and outside.

The loss of Chris Martin to Florida and Cecil Whiteside for academic ineligibility will hurt as both were expected to contribute this season. However, incoming freshman Nick Forbes and David Wilkerson should soften the blow as they will provide depth on the inside and will likely see time at inside linebacker. Both come in as highly touted recruits and are strong tacklers. This could enable Kendricks and even Mohamed to play outside if needed if they are able to contribute quickly.

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