Despite the loss, this week’s Cal football prospect update does have several positive notes. The quarterback play was absolutely dreadful but the rest of the squad showed quite a promise for the future.
Jordan Kunaszyk, LB
A newcomer to the prospect update, Jordan was a bright spot on this otherwise poor defensive outing. Leading the team in tackles (11 total) really helped out especially considering they had no interceptions. Even though the outcome was expected, the team absolutely underperformed. Next week’s matchup against Arizona should be an easy bounce-back win. Yet they will still need Kunaszyk to have a strong outing to help prevent back to back losses.
Performance Grade: B
Draft Projection: 6th Round-Early 7th Round
Jake Curhan, OL
This was a rough week for the Cal offense and a contradictory prospect update. While it mostly involved the quarterbacks, some of that can trickle down to the offensive line. Allowing only 2 sacks is not bad, but 4 picks is a poor display. The QBs could’ve used more time in the pocket and the o-line didn’t show up.
A bright side, however, was that the run game was once again a savior. Not much was positive but once again Curhan and the rest of the o-line dug in the trenches. Next week’s matchup against Arizona shouldn’t be any trouble. Having allowed at least 24 points all but once this season, Curhan and that o-line should have a bounce-back week.
Performance Grade: C+
Draft Projection: Late 4th Round
Patrick Laird, RB
They needed him to show up, and he definitely showed up. Laird had his best game of the season en route to a 92-yard 1-touchdown performance. There were few things to be excited about but Laird was definitely one of them. He showed up when he needed to, even though the passing game did not. Next week’s matchup against Arizona should be a piece of cake for Laird, as Arizona’s defense gives up 200 yards rushing per game.
Performance Grade: B+
Draft Projection: Mid 7th Round-Undrafted
Vic Wharton III, WR
Let’s make this clear, Wharton’s prospect update is solid, despite the horrible QB play. 6 receptions for 68 yards is a solid day considering Chase Garbers and Brandon McIlwain threw for 2 picks each. Wharton did his job, and probably would’ve had more yards and a touchdown if not for the picks.
Next week’s matchup against Arizona could be tough, as Arizona allows only around 217 yards passing. But if the QB’s can just take care of the ball, Wharton could have his best game of the season.
Performance Grade: B
Draft Projection: Undrafted
Camryn Bynum, CB
Despite having a season high in tackles (4), this week’s prospect update was rough for Bynum. The defense just was not as solid as they needed to be, and couldn’t defend the end zone. Fortunately, next week against Arizona will be a redemption performance.
The Wildcats have trouble putting up points against good offenses and that should help Bynum and the rest of this defense. We know how good Bynum is, and we know what he can do. The only thing we need from him is to continue putting in the effort to be great.
Performance Grade: C+
Draft Projection: Mid 4th Round-Early 5th Round
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