California Golden Bears Football: Grading the Defense in 2011

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The California Golden Bears football team has a lot of questions in 2011.

After missing out on a bowl game for the first time in almost a decade, the Bears hope to right the ship.

Head coach Jeff Tedford is on a bit of a hot seat after several consecutive disappointing seasons.

It seems as though every year, Tedford has the team looking like a championship run could be ahead, then something happens and the team falls apart.

With that said, here’s a look at how the Cal Bears defense breaks down in the 2011 season.

For the offense: click here

Defensive Linemen: C+

Picture of Cameron Jordan (class of 2010)
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Cal’s prolific 3-4 defense relies on having solid play from the nose guard position.

Last year that was Derrick Hill (16 tackles, 1 sack, 1.5 tackles for loss).

The Bears also lose defensive end Cameron Jordan (62 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss) who is playing in the NFL.

Deandre Coleman (18 tackles, 3 tackles for loss) is the only returning starter on the D-line. He will be accompanied by two true freshmen in Gabe King and Viliami Moala, who will see significant game time for the Golden Bears.

Linebackers: B+

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The linebacking corps is easily the best unit for the Cal Bears.

Cal features two of the most dynamic linebackers at the ILB positions: DJ Holt (85 tackles, 2 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss) and Mychal Kendricks (62 tackles, 8.5 sacks) who could both receive all-conference honors.

On the outside, freshman David Wilkerson and Dan Camporaele get the starting OLB spots.

Defensive Backs: B-

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Two of Cal’s four starting defensive backs return in 2011 in cornerback Mark Anthony (48 tackles, 2 INTs) and safety Sean Catthouse (59 tackles, 1 INT).

The Bears no longer have Bryant Nnabuife and Darian Hagan who had solid careers at Berkeley.

The Golden Bears have been lucky to avoid serious injury issues so far and they better hope to keep it that way.

The Bears pass defense struggled in 2009, giving up 267 yards per game though the air.  However, the unit improved mightily in 2010, reducing that number to 187 yards per game.

With all of the great quarterbacks in the Pac-12, having a solid pass defense is a must.

Overall Defense: B

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With only five returning starters, having a "B" is perhaps a bit of a stretch. The Bears have huge questions on the defensive line, and the secondary isn't a masterpiece either.

Cal's linebackers though are the real deal. Expect Cal to lean heavily on their linebackers on defense to keep them in games.