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Cal’s Davis Webb makes strong opening audition for NFL

By Collin Wieder

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Davis Webb #7 of the California Golden Bears signals to a team mate during the College Football Sydney Cup match between University of California and University of Hawaii at ANZ Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Davis Webb #7 of the California Golden Bears signals to a team mate during the College Football Sydney Cup match between University of California and University of Hawaii at ANZ Stadium on August 27, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images) /
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Davis Webb returned to the starting lineup Friday night and showed why he’s the top senior quarterback on 2017 NFL Draft boards.

California Golden Bears quarterback Davis Webb put on a “Bear Raid” clinic Friday night. The former Texas Tech Red Raiders signal-caller lit up the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors en route to a 51-31 season opening win. Webb completed 38-of-54 passes for 441 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also added a scoring run on the ground.

His numbers were brilliant, but it was his play beyond the numbers that was most impressive. He looked decisive, quick and intelligent. Webb only had three and a half months to memorize the offense. He did get to come from a similar scheme. But, it was impressive to see how quickly he could pick up the playbook.

In terms of touch, he put the ball where it needed to be. In fact, on one of his scoring tosses to Chad Hansen, he turned a 50-50, jump ball into a 100-0 ball. He saw a mismatch on the outside and put up where only Hansen’s 6-foot-2 body could get it.

Later, he threw a perfect over-the-shoulder 14-yard touchdown pass to freshman Melquise Stovall. In relation to quick throws, we knew Webb had that ability just from Tech’s offense. He carried a career 61.5 completion percentage in his Texas Tech career. Obviously, this offense makes quick reads that aren’t supposed to be difficult. Still, he had complete control of the Bear’s air raid attack.

That’s a huge thing for the NFL because they know how easy it is to put up numbers in these types of offenses. So, showing he can lead a team and control the offensive play calls are huge for front offices.

Also, he helped the Bears rack up 630 total yards and zero turnovers. He was efficient. Still, I’m not going to crown Webb king of the air raid attack based on a win over a hapless Rainbow Warriors’ squad. Last season, they were a paltry 3-10. So, I’m not trying to get too carried away. But he certainly showed some promising tools in the win. No team can deny his 6-foot-5, 230-pound frame either.

More saturday blitz: NFL Draft 2017: Top 32 Prospects

In two weeks, the Golden Bears take on their first real test against San Diego State. The Aztecs are a grind-it-out team led by a stifling defense. Webb’s performance against them should give NFL teams an even clearer picture of his ability.

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