This was a rough week for the Bears and a mixed bag of grades for the prospects. Let’s see how our players fared in the loss to Arizona.
Jordan Kunaszyk, LB
This was a solid week and deserving of a solid grade for the linebacker. While the team allowed 24 points, two touchdowns came off of interception returns. Despite this, Kunaszyk still led the team in total tackles with 11 and helped limit the Arizona offense significantly.
Without his performance the game would have looked even worse than it was. Next week’s matchup against UCLA should be easier as UCLA rarely scores above 21 points in a game (1 time). Look for double-digit tackles once again from the top LB on this Bears defense.
Performance Grade: B-
Draft Projection: 6th Round
Patrick Laird, RB
This was a mixed week for Laird. His 3.9 yards per carry was pretty pathetic. Although it’s hard to exceed when your QB gets 7 more carries than you. Still, it does seem as though the coaching staff is not giving Laird enough room to do what he does best.
Hopefully, next week’s contest against a horrendous UCLA defense provides the boost Laird needs to show scouts he’s legit. Don’t be surprised to see him with 100+ yards and a couple of TDs.
Performance Grade: C-
Draft Projection: 7th Round
Jake Curhan, OL
This was an overall good game for Curhan. Even though the team didn’t get the W, Curhan and the O-line held up in both the run and passing game. This showed just how important Curhan is to the success of this team.
In fact, Cal would have won the game had the QB not thrown two pick-sixes. Curhan is a force on his squad and scouts will notice. Next week against a putrid UCLA defense, this o-line will show college football that they are the real deal.
Performance Grade: B+
Draft Projection: 4th Round
Vic Wharton III, WR
Another mixed showing for Wharton. No, he didn’t haul in a ton of yards. Yes, he only had 4 catches. But his QB had 2 interceptions and ran the ball 20 times, so it’s easy to give Wharton a pass on this one.
Next week will hopefully be his big game of the season. UCLA’s defense has given up over 30 points four times this year. This should give Wharton the chance to be dangerous both as a receiver and a returner. Expect to see Wharton in the end zone during this one.
Performance Grade: C
Draft Projection: Undrafted
Camryn Bynum, CB
Despite the team losing the game, Bynum and the rest of the defense shined. On a defense that allowed only 10 points, Bynum came up with the lone interception. This is the type of performance that scouts expect to see from Bynum. This shows how much his practice and effort has paid off.
Next week don’t be surprised to see Bynum’s name come up with an interception or two. UCLA has QB issues and the Bears secondary looks to exploit them.
Performance Grade: A-
Draft Projection: Late 3rd-Mid 4th Round
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