Cal Football: Sam Jackson V Is Self-Critical As Bears Reach Midway Point of Spring Practice

It’s perhaps a good sign that Cal coach Justin Wilcox has been generally pleased with the spring practice performance of new quarterback Sam Jackson V, but that the TCU transfer isn’t close to being satisfied.

Jackson said he was “not at all” happy with his play in Friday’s scrimmage that closed out the first half of the Bears’ spring ball calendar.

“I think the defense got after us today — there’s a lot of self-inflicted wounds that we had on the offensive side of the ball,” he said. “But I think it was a great session of competitiveness. The first part of spring has been all about competing.”

Asked for a more specific breakdown of his concerns, Jackson said, “A lot of self-inflicted wounds on me. I feel like today was very competitive. It was pretty fun, too.”

A redshirt sophomore transfer, Jackson has solidified his hold on the starting quarterback job during the team’s first seven workouts. The Bears are taking spring break before returning April 5 for first of their final seven practices.

The Bears held their second scrimmage of spring ball and Wilcox suggested that his dual-threat quarterback displayed a sampling of all his skills.

“I thought you saw the athletic ability, his ability to throw the football. Was a part of some really big plays,” Wilcox said. “Getting out of the pocket, creating things. As we on defense, we talk about the second play. Maybe you have things fit or covered and then you have to defend the scramble or the second portion of the play. He did some good things.”

Acknowledging a couple balls thrown into coverage and a lost fumble the defense returned 77 yards for a touchdown by defensive back Matthew Littlejohn, Wilcox added, “There’s still decision-making and we’ve got to protect the football. He would tell you the same, but he did a nice job.”

Wilcox is also quick to point out just how green Jackson is as a player. He threw just six passes during games his two seasons at TCU.

“It’s not like he’s played six years of starting quarterback. He’s a young guy, he’s still growing. His best football is always going to be ahead of him,” Wilcox said “He’s a great athlete, he’s a sharp guy — he’s smart. He loves football and every moment, every play out here I’m sure he’s learning something. As long as he’s doing that, he’s going to be fine.”

Jackson finished 13 for 22 for 145 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

Jackson said “decision-making, for sure,” is the area of his game that most needs growth.

“The defense has been giving me a lot of different looks and I’ve been watching a lot of film.’ Jackson said. “But the defense is really good right now. They’re really good. I kind of knew that before I came here because I watched Cal a lot.

“They switch up the looks almost every practice — it’s never the same thing. I’ve just got to get back in the film room and watch the leverage, watch the body language of the safeties and the corners and those other guys who give the coverages away.”

Jackson said he will remain on campus during spring break, letting his body rest while spending time in the video room with offensive coordinator Jake Spavital.

“I feel like I’m getting there,” he said. “I feel like I’ve come about half way.”

Backup quarterback Fernando Mendoza was 14 for 23 for 290 yards, with touchdown passes of 71 yards to Trond Grizzell and 65 and 23 yards to Chris Rogers. Byron Cardwell led the running backs with 19 rushes for 72 yards and Jaydn Ott had 10 carries for 31 yards and a TD.

Cover photo of Cal quarterback Sam Jackson V

Follow Jeff Faraudo of Cal Sports Report on Twitter: @jefffaraudo

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