Cal Football: Can Golden Bears become sneaky contenders in 2019?

Golden Bears look to dominate on defense again

California had arguably one of the league’s best defenses last season and finished 15th nationally in total yards allowed. Every level of the defense returns a play-maker and it’s possible the unit will be even stingier this time around.

Senior linebacker Evan Weaver will be the front seven’s enforcer. He finished with a team-high, 159 tackles last season, which also ranked second in the Pac-12. Weaver will be alongside fellow linebacker Tevin Paul, who tied for first on the team with 11 tackles for loss. Edge rusher Luc Bequette anchors the big boys up front and he had five sacks as a junior.

The Golden Bears’ defense was aggressive and tenacious, with a knack for getting to quarterbacks. California’s 31 sacks last season ranked fourth in the league and there’s no reason why the unit can’t improve on that number with the return of several key defenders.

The defensive secondary is filled with ball hawks and the Golden Bears finished ninth nationally in pass defense, with a league-best 21 interceptions last season. Safeties Jaylinn Hawkins and Ashtyn Davis form one of the best duos in the country. Hawkins led the Pac-12 with six interceptions, while Davis picked off four passes and returned one for a touchdown.

The Golden Bears have three capable starters at corner, including senior Traveon Beck, who had three interceptions a year ago. Look for California’s defensive back four to blanket opposing receivers all season long.