This was a rough week for Cal football, and a high-performance grade is not in the cards for anyone. Despite this, let’s see how this affects draft projections and outlook for next weeks game against USC.
Patrick Laird, RB
This was a rough outing for Laird, although not necessarily surprising. Washington State is a very good team and we knew this was going to be a tough week. Averaging 2.2 yards on 18 carries, Laird just couldn’t get it going.
Don’t be too disappointed though, as next week provides a unique opportunity. USC is having an off year, but would still be a quality win in the PAC-12. Hopefully, Laird can turn it around against a struggling USC defense and impress NFL scouts.
Performance Grade: C-
Draft Projection: Mid-Late 7th Round
Jake Curhan, OL
This was easily Curhan’s worst game of the season. The offensive line allowed 5 sacks and couldn’t get solid run blocking at all. Hopefully, a strong performance against USC can reignite the fire. We know that Curhan and this o-line are good, we just need a chance to see it again. If QB Chase Garbers can have an accurate game, it should open up a better rushing performance and better numbers for this o-line.
Performance Grade: C
Draft Projection: Mid 4th-Early 5th Round
Vic Wharton III, WR
Despite leading the team in receiving yards, it was an average-at-best performance. Nothing on the offense really got going at all, so it’s not really Wharton’s fault for poor performance. A stat line that includes 11 yards per catch is nothing to scoff at, but another week of no touchdowns is rough.
While next week’s matchup against USC provides hope of a win, it has no promises of a good performance. It seems that Wharton’s role in this offense is very inconsistent, which is not good for his draft aspirations.
Performance Grade: C+
Draft Projection: Undrafted
Jordan Kunaszyk, LB
This was a good week for Jordan Kunaszyk. He led the team in tackles with 9 and came up with a sack as well. A solid week for the defense, it was the offense that failed to pull through. Although allowing 335 yards passing is rough, they limited Washington State to just 66 yards on the ground.
Don’t be surprised to see a stronger performance against a struggling Trojan team that is 5-3 in conference play. Kunaszyk is the anchor on defense and needs to repeat his performance if they hope to week this week.
Performance Grade: B-
Draft Projection: 6th Round
Camryn Bynum, CB
This was a rough week for Bynum and this secondary. They were torched for 335 yards, yet they only allowed 19 points. Bynum himself only had 3 total tackles with no interceptions. While the offense didn’t help, their solid defense cannot allow that many passing yards.
Next week should be an easier contest, so long as their offense can hold up. USC likes to throw the bll, but turns the ball over as well (7 interceptions on the year). This should give Bynum ample opportunity to showcase his abilities.
Performance Grade: C
Draft Projection: Early 5th Round
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