Cal Scrimmage Does Little to Settle Bears' Quarterback Question
Cal’s scrimmage on Saturday indicated the Bears have a deep and talented group of receivers, but the scrimmage provided no clarity on which quarterback will be throwing them the ball in the September 2 opener.
Sam Jackson V, Fernando Mendoza and Ben Finley – the three players competing for the starting quarterback spot – each had his moments, but none did enough to establish himself as the No. 1 guy.
Asked after the practice whether any progress was made in determining a starter, Wilcox said this:
“We’ll see. Sam did some really good things with his feet, also throwing the ball pretty well at times, just got to be real clean on the decision-making. I thought Ben and Fernando also threw some good balls today. We’ll see.”
Asked whether he might consider playing two quarterbacks in the September 2 opener at North Texas, Wilcox said this:
“Consider about anything right now. We’re looking for the guys to keep competing and improving, but I’d say everything is on the table right now.”
That sounds like a head coach who wants to see more out of his quarterback.
Jackson showed his ability to scramble, which he did often on Saturday, but his focus during training camp is staying in the pocket, something he seldom did in high school when he scrambled on virtually every play.
“I’ve been focusing on staying in the pocket and not getting out when I don’t need to,” he said.
Whether Jackson can be an effective pocket passer may determine whether he can be a productive quarterback.
His best play of the day came when stood in the pocket and delivered a perfect 46-yard touchdown pass down the middle of the field to Trond Grizzell. However, that play was negated by a penalty on the offense.
Jackson finished the day 9-for-22 for 121 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He was sacked a number of times and ended up with minus-5 yards rushing on nine carries.
It should be noted that Jackson worked with the first-team offense much of the time, and also went against Cal’s first-team defense more often than the other two quarterbacks in the competition. Hard to say whether that means anything in terms of a pecking order.
Mendoza finished 10-for-18 for 126 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
“I think I played pretty well,” said Mendoza, who describes himself as an “operator.”
Mendoza showed a penchant for back-shoulder throws along the sideline, and he seemed to have pretty good chemistry with his receivers in that regard.
Finley also felt pretty good about his showing after going 11-for-21 for 177 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. That interception was the only turnover of the day.
“I think today was a good day,” he said. “I felt really confident with the offense.”
All three quarterbacks were impressed with their wide receivers.
“The receiver room is stacked,’ Mendoza said. “A plethora of wide receivers.”
Junior college transfer wide receiver Marquis Montgomery had a big day with seven catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns, and a few of his receptions were particularly impressive. Taj Davis, a transfer from Washington, recorded six receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown. And neither of those players is guaranteed a starting spot.
Jeremiah Hunter, who made plays whenever the ball was thrown in his direction, is the only Cal wide receiver who seems guaranteed a starting spot. Mavin Anderson and Monroe Young have been running with the first team most of preseason camp, but the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Montgomery, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Davis and the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Illinois transfer Brian Hightower (four catches, 42 yards Saturday) are three big wide receivers who are challenging for starting berths. Mississippi State transfer Marquez Dortch (two catches, 20 yards) and redshirt freshman Jordan King (four catches, 24 yards) also should get playing time.
The most intriguing wide receiver is Grizzell, a walk-on who keeps making plays every practice and was noticeable again Saturday, even though he had just one official reception for 20 yards in the scrimmage. It would not be a shock to see him in the starting lineup at some time this season.
Although Jaydn Ott was held out of the scrimmage, the running backs got a lot of work. Isaiah Ifanse, a transfer from Montana State, was the most impressive with 51 yards on eight carries. Andy Alfieri, a 245-pounder who has been moved from tight end to running back, had some success Saturday and apparently is being groomed to be the Bears’ short-yardage back.
The Cal offensive line, a weakness last season, has added Stanford transfer Barrett Miller, but he is the only addition on the first-team offensive line.
Wilcox said the offensive line “has made a big jump” from last year.
Follow Cal Sports Report on Twitter: @jakecurtis53
Find Cal Sports Report on Facebook by going to https://www.facebook.com/si.calsportsreport
