It is no secret that last season’s defensive strategy needed a serious overhaul as we progress into the 2017-2018 campaign. With the hiring of a defensive-minded head coach, the procurement of Tim DeRuyter and the subsequent transition to the 3-4, Cal is seemingly doing just that. However, in a game as mental as football, the Bears’ defense will need more than just a change in the system; they will need a reinvigoration of their soul. Linebackers are the soul of any defense.
Respectable performances by Devante Downs (84 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT) and Raymond Davison (69 tackles, 1 INT/TD) indicated a linebacking core that could compete.