California Golden Bears Position Preview: Offensive Line

By Alec Dietz | Jun 8, 2015

Before the football season starts, lets look at how the California Golden Bears are doing at each position entering the spring, and see where there are potential position battles. With a squad that’s returning 17 of 22 starters from a year ago, we might not see a lot of new faces in the starting lineup, but it doesn’t hurt to know who’s new, and who’s backing up those 17 returning starters.

A Year Ago…

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The Golden Bears’ offensive line reflected the split personality that the whole Golden Bears football team had last season. For the first half of the year, seniors Chris Adcock, and Alejandro Crosthwaite dominated the line of scrimmage, giving quarterback Jared Goff plenty of time to throw the football and rack up passing yards.

They were also able to blow open holes for running back Daniel Lasco, leading to explosive running plays. But when faced with elite defensive lines, the Golden Bears front line struggled mightily. Later in the year, Bears fans saw a line quickly crumbling and Goff often running for his life.

However, despite shaky pass blocking, the run blocking was superb for most of the year. Lasco often found big holes and the run blocking was fairly consistent all year.

Other regulars last season included, Jordan Rigsbee, Chris Borrayo, and Matt Cochran.

Saying Goodbye:

Chris Adcock, 6-3, 295
Donovan Frazer, 6-3, 285
Alejandro Crosthwaite, 6-4, 290

New Faces:

Ryan Gibson, 6-3, 265
Patrick Mekari, 6-5, 300
Semisi Uluave, 6-5, 325

Current Roster:

Zach Artman, Fr, 6-4, 300
Deion Oliver, Fr, 6-5, 290
Dominic Granado, Jr, 6-5, 290
Michael Trani, Fr, 6-3, 29o
Addison Ooms, Fr, 6-4, 285
Brian Farley, Sr, 6-7, 280
Steven Moore, Jr, 6-6, 305
Chris Borrayo, Jr, 6-3, 305
Myles Bunte, So, 6-7, 335
Kamryn Bennett, Fr, 6-4, 295
Jordan Rigsbee, Sr, 6-4, 300
Matt Cochran, Jr, 6-3, 295
Aaron Cochran, So, 6-8, 335
J.D. Hinnant, So, 6-4, 290
Vincent Johnson, So, 6-5, 295
Ryan Gibson, Fr, 6-3, 265
Patrick Mekari, Fr, 6-5, 300
Semisi Uluave, Fr, 6-5, 325

2015 Preview:

Oct 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; California Golden Bears running back Daniel Lasco (2) is congratulated by offensive lineman Chris Borrayo (66) after scoring a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks in the second quarter at Levi

The biggest storyline this offseason is the loss of offensive line coach Zach Yenser, who has taken on the same position at Kansas this year. With Yenser gone, the Golden Bears have hired Brandon Jones as their new Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach.

Despite this change the Bears offensive line looks to be much better this upcoming season.

In 2015, the Golden Bears hope to improve their pass blocking, while keeping the run blocking strong. Rigsbee, Borrayo, and Cochran all return to a line that was pretty strong last season, but the stable senior Adcock graduated last season.

So the Bears are looking to replace their All-Academic, All-Everything center this spring. Matt Cochran seems to be the most applicable to take the job, making a space at tackle that needs to be filled as well. Most believe the position will be filled by Cochran’s brother, Aaron, who poses incredible size for the position at 6-8, 335.

If the Golden Bears can put guys in the right spots with combined veterans and freshmen, and stay healthy, they will be key for the Bears’ offensive success.

With key returners Rigsbee, Borrayo, the Cochran brothers, and new promising assistant coach Brandon Jones taking over, the Cal Bear offense looks to be fully complete at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and offensive line.

But as everyone knows, the game is won in the trenches, so if this position group is exceptional at protecting Goff and giving holes to Lasco, this Bears team could be very dangerous.

Next: California Golden Bears Position Preview: Offensive Lineman?