Coming in second in the PSAC West preseason coaches poll was California (Pa.). One year after the Vulcans had a disappointing season to its own standards, the team hopes to ride a talented and physical defense into the postseason.
A year ago, the Vulcans leaned heavily on their two quarterbacks, Cody Schroeder and James Davis. Now, as Schroeder has transferred to Urbana in the Mountain East Conference, Davis is the key returner from a year ago on the offensive side of the ball. Schroder threw for 1,262 yards and 10 touchdowns with five starts and nine appearances under center. Their top targets from a year ago – Mike Williams and Trey Johnson – are both gone, as well. The two hauled in 94 passes for 1,338 and eight touchdowns. And to top it off, the team’s top rusher has moved from running back to linebacker.
Where does the team go from here?
Likely, the team will lean on the running game, led by sophomore Nick Grissom and junior Derrick Fiore. Grissom ran for 432 yards and five touchdowns as the team’s No. 2 back while Fiore ran for 412 yards and two scores. Jeff Knox Jr. who is now a linebacker, led the team with 530 yards and five touchdowns. The Vulcans have a deep running back class, featuring 12 on the roster.
With Davis leading the passing game, the junior comes off a season in which he passed for 1,294 yards and threw for eight touchdowns with five interceptions. His top target will likely be Kowan Scott, who caught 26 passes for 389 yards and a touchdown as the third leading receiver last season. The Vulcans also have a few other upperclassmen who could step up this season.
On the defensive side of the ball is where Cal will make its biggest impact. Despite losing its top four tacklers from a season ago, Cal returns a solid group on defense, beginning with its linebackers.
Branko Busick, a transfer from WVU two seasons ago, leads the way as the team’s returning leading tackler, wrapping up ball carriers 45.0 times last year, including 7.0 times for a loss. Joining Busick will be seniors Spencer Lynn and Knox as leaders of the defense. The linebacking corps also has many talented freshmen, including Luke Hrapchak, who should see some playing time this season.
The offensive line will be headed by returner Jake Abercrombie, who has garnered some preseason love by various organizations.
On the defensive line, the team is young, having no player with more than two years of experience. Jawan Turner returns as the most experienced on the line. Kenny Wilkins, a transfer from Michigan, will look to shake things up a bit for the Vulcans.
In the defensive backfield, Aaron Terry and Jordan Bowman look to fill the void left by Dewey McDonald and CJ Townes. The two sophomore defensive backs received considerable playing time a season ago, Terry leading the team in interceptions with four and Bowman picking off two passes.
Cody Nuzzo returns as a senior in the kicking game after making 11-of-16 field goals a season ago.
The Vulcans hit the field Sept. 6 as they host Virginia State at 1 p.m.
Photo Credit: Cal
