Spring Gradeout: Defensive Line
Continuing with the final takes of the spring on the position groups, continuing this time with the defensive line.
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What We Learned: 3-4 transition is not as rough as anticipated
While it isn't a perfect transition from the 4-3 to the 3-4, Cal's defensive line looked to have adapted decently to running a three man front, moving Tony Mekari to the nose guard. The defensive end spots have been split between former 4-3 defensive ends and defensive tackles. Since the outside linebackers are for the most part former defensive ends, it has worked as a sort of five-man front.
With that, the line has responded well to new defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro, and technique looks to have markedly improved.
Biggest Concern: Injuries During the Spring
Two big names out for the spring who should play in the fall were James Looney and Luc Bequette. While both were present for every practice, the defense wasn't up to its full potential in the spring, which Looney and Bequette can get them up to. Looney proved to be a bright spot on a defense that didn't have many a year ago, and he could end up being one of the top linemen in the conference. Bequette started to come around last year before a torn ACL derailed his year.
Spring Surprise: Zeandae Johnson
There were three big surprises on the defensive side in terms of production during the spring, and Johnson was one of them. The converted tight end has bulked up quite a bit, and looked explosive off the line and has improved his block shedding. He had showed flashes last fall, but he's taking the opportunity and starting to put it all together. It's not completely there for him, he had a few plays during the spring game that he didn't entirely finish, but his explosion into a likely starting job was much needed for a group very much in flux with the defensive transition
Looking Forward: Developing a rotation, finding a nose guard (or two) in recruiting
There are two main points for the Bears going into the fall and beyond. The first is finding the guys who can rotate in. The first group is likely to be Mekari, Looney, and Johnson, but after that, there's a lot of guys who will be scrapping for playing time. Rusty Becker has improved a bit, along with Chinedu Udeogu, who benefited from increased reps. Early enrollee Gabe Cherry certainly has the size to go right away, and he looked solid, along with Tevin Paul. With Bequette thrown in, along with Chris Palmer and the newly added Siulagisipai Fuimaono, the Bears have a lot of guys to experiment with for the three spots up front.
Next comes finding a nose tackle in the 2018 class. Fuimaono has some experience inside, but in addition to him, the Bears want someone who can has experience playing with that two-gap leverage on top of the center. Local target defensive tackle Tyler Manoa appears to be the top target in that regard, and he'd be an excellent pickup in that regard.