Cal makes preliminary 2007 preseason lists

With the end of the 2006 season, Cal is already near the top of some preliminary preseason lists ranking college football teams for 2007.

Cal takes the #10 spot in ESPN’s rankings (Schlabach):

Why: Despite losing Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year Marshawn Lynch, the Bears return a plethora of skill players on offense. DeSean Jackson is a big-play threat at receiver and punt returner. Quarterback Nate Longshore was much-improved in his first season as a starter, and Justin Forsett and freshman James Montgomery are in line to replace Lynch.

Why not: For starters, the Bears open the 2007 season against Tennessee and must fare better than in the ‘06 opener. Cal must replace all its key parts on defense — tackle Brandon Mebane, linebacker Desmond Bishop and cornerback Daymeion Hughes. The transition will be easier if the NCAA grants another year of eligibility to cornerback Tim Mixon, who missed all of 2006 with a knee injury.

The Bears also take the #7 spot in the New York Times:

Loaded and experienced at skill positions, and opening its season against Tennessee. Expect DeSean Jackson to become a household name.

Cal ends season ranked 14th

In the final polls of the 2006 season, Cal has been ranked 14th in both the AP and Coaches’ polls, moving up 6 and 5 spots, respectively.

Army All-American Summers-Gavin commits

4-star offensive lineman Matt Summers-Gavin, rated the #14 guard in the nation by Scout and #11 tackle by Rivals, has made his commitment to the Bears. This addition of this 6′5″/280 lbs US Army All-American gives Cal “one of the nation’s best offensive line classes” (Rivals). Summers-Gavin is local, from St. Ignatius College Prep in San Francisco. Cal’s offensive line recruiting class now consists of Summers-Gavin, 4-star tackle Sam DeMartinis, 4-star guard Justin Cheadle, and 3-star guards Mitchell Schwartz and Todd Huber. In the last week or so, Cal has also added commitments from Schwartz and 3-star safety/athlete Sean Cattouse (Chicago, IL).

Lynch declares for the NFL draft

Junior running back Marshawn Lynch has decided to forgo his last season of eligibility and declare for the NFL draft. He said:

“I also want to thank all of my teammates and the Cal staff and all the mentors that have taken time to come and talk to me as well as all of the Cal Bear fans. My time at Cal has been great; I really enjoyed the chance to play with my cousins and all the friendships I made with the coaches and players. I will always consider myself a Golden Bear.”

This move is not surprising to Cal fans, as Marshawn has been projected by many experts as a first-round draft pick and either the first or second running back taken. With running backs having the shortest careers in the NFL, moving on to the NFL makes sense for Marshawn and his family.

We appreciate Marshawn for his contribution to Cal football and his positive impact on the program. He has one-of-a-kind talent and playmaking ability, and he will be remembered as one of Cal’s greats. Marshawn will be sorely missed next year but a fresh crop of talented running backs, led by Justin Forsett, are lined up to take his place.