Cal went back to work after having Saturday off, and Day 4 was a productive one for the defense. Most of Justin Wilcox's post-practice message to the team centered around the lack of scoring on the offensive side of the ball. Some pre-snap miscues and mistakes overall on the offensive side of the ball created problems getting into the end zone, and Wilcox wants to see his team improve on that side in the coming days.
Over on the other side of the ball, however, Cal was exceptional in pass coverage and continued making impressive plays in the secondary especially.
Here's a rundown of what stood out on Day 4 of camp.
Top takeaways
• The day ended on a positive note with Sam Jackson V hitting Mavin Anderson on a slant in the red zone for a score, but prior to that it wasn't an easy day for the offense to put points on the board. At the quarterback position, there is still no real separation and Jake Spavital continues to rotate different quarterbacks with the first unit. Jackson, Fernando Mendoza and Ben Finley all had opportunities to work with the first unit Sunday with Jackson earning the first first-team reps today.
Finley was up to work with the first unit prior to Mendoza stepping in, but the second-year signal caller was with the 1s during the second team period. So far through four practices, Mendoza has continued to look like the most consistent quarterback. He had some impressive throws during today's practice including a touchdown of about 25 yards that went to Trond Grizzell in the opening team period.
• Mendoza was not without mistakes, however, and the defensive backs made it difficult on the quarterback group during Sunday's practice with multiple interceptions and pass breakups throughout the day. Mendoza had a pass tipped by Nohl Williams leading to an interception for Kaleb Elarms-Orr in the second team period as Mendoza worked with and against the first teams.
Dejuan Butler had the biggest day of anyone in the secondary with two interceptions plus a big pass breakup during the team periods. He first intercepted Jackson on a ball thrown in the end zone intended for tight end J.T. Byrne on a bit of a miscommunication. He later intercepted Finley during one of the final team periods in practice. His PBU came on a pass from Jackson that was intended for Jordan King.
Matthew Littlejohn continues to look like one of the most impactful newcomers in the secondary, and he added yet another interception Sunday as he picked off Jackson who was looking for Anderson to open up the fourth team period. Littlejohn and Williams have looked like two of the best players on the team so far through the spring and early portion of camp. They have easily been the two most impactful transfers so far.
• Despite not having all its players, including its two top transfers, the running back spot continues to look like the bright spot on offense for the Bears. Jaivian Thomas is back on the field after missing time earlier in camp, and the freshman came up with a 20-yard rushing score in the second team period. Montana State transfer Isaiah Ifanse has continued to work with the second unit backing up Jaydn Ott.
• The linebacker unit is going to be an interesting one this season with the coaches working several different players with the first unit. Sergio Allen continues to look like the most likely player to end up lining up next to Jackson Sirmon this season, but Elarms-Orr spent plenty of time with the first unit today while Blake Antzoulatos and Nate Rutchena also were able to take reps with the first group. At this point it feels like KEO will be the third member of the group and likely see the field quite a bit this season.
• The team worked on some kickoff return during Sunday's practice and there were a variety of players who had an opportunity to return kicks. Lu-Magia Hearns, Nohl Williams, Mavin Anderson and Mason Mangum were a few of the players given a chance to run back kickoffs.
• Wilcox and his staff worked in a "DEVO" team period late in practice that was mostly for younger/new players. The sound/music operator even played some Devo "Whip It" as part of the period. Luke Bottari was the quarterback for the offense in that short period, and he found Jaiven Plummer for a nice completion during that portion of practice. Bottari has not had many opportunities to run with the first unit so far in camp, but he has been solid in his time with the reserve groups. The Utah transfer capped the fourth team period with a 39-yard touchdown pass to Byrne.
• The offensive line is looking much better than in the spring so far in training camp. The group has become a bit more cohesive with the return of Matthew Cindric. Even in the individual and OL/DL portions of practice, that group has been having more success. The pocket has remained a bit more clean so far in camp, and despite some miscues up front it was an overall positive day for the line. Up to this point, Mike Bloesch has been able to turn a corner with his group.
Practice clips
Video interviews
Photo gallery
