(Written by kencraw)

(Note that I’ve reworded a few things to be more “blog friendly” from the version that was on BearTerritory.net just over a week ago)

With Spring Practice underway, the coaching staff is furiously working to make sure that they’re ready by September. While there will be plenty of emphasis on the fundamentals of coaching during Spring Ball, the coaching staff will also have a number of specific issues to address during practice. What follows is a list of the top-10 issues that must be improved upon during Spring and Fall Practice for the team to succeed in 2009.

#10 – Develop a new Long Snapper

Nick Sundberg was everything the pundits hoped he would be when he was recruited in 2005. His 4 consecutive years of near perfect snaps more than speak for themselves. With his departure, Matt Rios, the redshirt Freshman will have his chance to prove himself to be a capable replacement. However, without the game experience, Rios has a lot to learn to be ready by September to step seamlessly into Sundberg’s shoes.

#9 – Integrate Andy Ludwig’s style into Tedford’s offense

Nothing is more difficult to a team than lots of late changes to the coaching staff. Different coaches teach different ways and emphasize different aspects of the game. The departing offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti was as close to a clone of Jeff Tedford’s style and mindset as one could find. Ludwig, particularly after taking over the spread in Utah, comes in with similar challenges as past offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar who struggled with different philosophies than Tedford. The team must feel that both Tedford and Ludwig are on the same page right from the starting whistle of practice in everything from coaching style, areas of emphasis and play calling.

#8 – Find a replacement for Cameron Morrah

No loss during the off season surprised the coaching staff more than Morrah’s decision to declare for the NFL draft. They had not intended on having to find a replacement for their starting Tight End in 2009 and thus could take a more leisurely attitude to the development of their young Tight Ends, particularly Anthony Miller and Spence Ladner. With this surprise, not only will the more experienced Tad Smith have to step up his game right away, but the younger players will have to develop quickly.

#7 – Develop the power running game

For all the wonderful attributes of the 2008 Cal running game, one thing it lacked was the bruising Running Back who could be counted on to get one or two yards when absolutely necessary. Between redshirt Freshman Covaughn DeBoskie and incoming true Freshman Desarte Yarnway it seems there are candidates to take that roll. Developing them during practice will be key to keeping the chains moving in September.

#6 – Improve pass protection

With the loss of both Alex Mack and Norris Melele, there is much to be worked on for the offensive line. To make matters more challenging, even with Mack and Melele, the offensive line still struggled to give Riley and Longshore the kind of protection they needed to pick apart opposing secondaries. If the offensive line is to succeed in 2009 it will require not only replacing the run blocking skills of the 2008 squad but also completely re-tooling on pass protection.

#5 – Improve Quarterback consistency

Nothing hurt the Bears more on offense than inconsistency at the quarterback position. While head coach Jeff Tedford insists that the younger QB’s will get a shot at the starting position, nobody doubts that it is Riley’s job to loose. He is also the only Quarterback with enough game experience to even have the hope of consistent play, as all young Quarterbacks struggle with it in their first year under center. Nevertheless Riley will have to improve his consistently substantially during practice for the Bears to be able to deliver on the promise of the 2009 squad.

#4 – Solve kickoff issues

It’s no secret that the coaching staff was besides themselves with the average field position that Cal gave their opponent after kickoffs in 2008. Between a number of kicks out of bounds, short kickoffs and mediocre downfield coverage, the Bears relied on their strong defense to cover their mistakes. Between now healthy David Seawright, a year of experience under Giorgio Tavecchio’s belt and the new challenger Vince D’Amato who arrives in the fall, there is reason for hope.

#3 – Get new team leaders to emerge

The two intangible areas where the Cal Bears have fallen short during the Tedford era have been collapses after disappointing losses and handling high expectations. Many hope that 2008 was the year where the collapse issue was resolved. It was due in great part to the exceptional leadership on the team. 2009 will likely see raised expectations, expectations similar to the beginning of the 2006 season where the team struggled out of the gate in Tennessee. Team leadership will be key to the team managing expectations, particularly if the Bears win their first few games and end up in the Top-10.

#2 – Improve Linebacker rushing skills

One of the big benefits of Cal’s 3-4 defense is that it unleashes the Linebackers on the opposing Quarterback frequently enough to keep him on his toes. The key to the success of this strategy is having Linebackers who are competent pass rushers. Cal lost three very good such linebackers in the off-season. Both Mike Mohommad and Eddie Young bring enough experience at the position to keep the status quo. Finding the additional two Linebackers who can fill the shoes of Zack Follet and Worrell Williams will be key to keeping the defensive momentum developed in 2008.

#1 – Find a replacement for fullback Will To’ofu’ou

Whenever Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen busted off a big run last year one could be sure that the game film would show To’ufu’ou laying a massive hit on some unsuspecting Lineman or Linebacker, opening the hole for the ball carrier to run through. If the run game is going to be as prolific in 2009 as it was in 2008, developing a replacement for To’ufo’ou will have to be on the top of the list. Sophomore John Tyndall and Brian Holley are the leading candidates, but are still quite raw. Zack Smith, the Duke transfer, probably has the most experience but may lack some of the physical tools to fill To’ufo’ou’s shoes. Rounding out the list, Peter Geurts showed a lot of talent in practice in 2008 and Tedford mentioned having been impressed with the potential of Eric Stevens.