Spring Gradeout: Cornerback

Continuing the series of final takes of the spring, this time with the cornerback group.

Previous Spring Gradeouts: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL | OLB | ILB

What we learned: Tons of depth with better technique

The biggest gripe from a year ago, other than the lack of CB depth after a couple injuries, was the technique of the corners just not working. The corners didn't turn while the ball was in the air, which often led to pass interference calls. While it’s not yet perfect, new DB coach Gerald Alexander has cleaned up the technique, leading to a hungrier defensive backfield.

The corners looked to have worked on pressing during the spring as well, something they'll need to do in a relatively blitz heavy system. It looked impressive at points during the spring.

One other piece that Alexander, and really Justin Wilcox emphasized throughout the spring was competition for the starting spots, which there is, with none of the spots being locked down at the current juncture. Darius Allensworth, who appeared to be a lock to start at one spot, is being pushed by true freshman Elijah Hicks and sophomore Traveon Beck on the new depth chart. Marloshawn Franklin and Camryn Bynum are battling for the other, with Josh Drayden and Pac-12 110m Hurdles champ Ashtyn Davis set to be in the mix in the fall. It’s a deep position, which partially owes to how many DBs played a year ago.

Biggest Spring Concern: Edmonds not in that group

Four corners came to Cal in the 2016 class. Three have played or are set to play big in 2017. Nygel Edmonds is currently sitting behind Beck, Hicks, and Allensworth at one corner spot. He was banged up a bit during 2016, but hadn't been too big of a factor during the spring. The former four star still has quite a few expectations levied upon him for his high rating, and it’s still quite early, but considering the trajectory of the group he came in with, more needs to be seen.

Spring Surprise: Hicks and Bynum

There’s so much that can he said about Hicks, who came in unintimidated and ready to go. Both Alexander and defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyer noted that Hicks looks like a veteran already, and he’s already showing returns on his high star rating, undercutting routes to make interceptions, stretching out to deflect passes, working solid press technique, he looks like someone who could be a four-year starter already, if he decides to stay that long.

Bynum, who redshirted in the fall, earned praise for his praise as well, rising up to a battle with Marloshawn Franklin for the other corner spot. Bynum is more comfortable in his spot, with the encouraged competition allowing him to seemingly play more freely at this point, a relatively common thread throughout the defensive backfield.

Looking Ahead: Youth Movement is palpable

There are a few seniors among the corners, Allensworth, Franklin, and Antoine Albert (who may or may not be back in the fall), but there's seven corners that have playing experience aside from those three, and only one of them is a junior (Chibuzo Nwokocha). With the addition of speedster Branden Smith in the fall, the Bears should be set at the corner position for the near future.