Alex Lagemann Will be Needed in the California Offense

Alex Lagemann is entering his junior year with the California Golden Bears and he may be one of the key pieces to their offensive puzzle. Even though he has only appeared in six games for the Bears he is one of the more experienced receivers on the roster. 

All six games came in the 2009 season. He caught 12 passes for 150 yards, with a long of 23, but did not find the end zone. Though the numbers aren't eye-popping, he did show what he could do as a receiver. 

His best game came against was in his second appearance of the season against Arizona State when he caught three passes for 38 yards, and he also had three catches against Stanford for 31 yards. 

In terms of the starters for the Bears at wide receiver, Marvin Jones will definitely start and according to a recent SF Gate article it appears that freshman sensation Keenan Allen will be the starter opposite of Jones. 

Yet, Lagemann should be the legitimate third receiver for the Bears. What he showed in his limited action last year was the ability to be a possession receiver, which is something the Bears have desperately needed. 

An issue for the Bears the last couple of seasons was receivers not catching the ball. Lagemann, however, proved during the time he saw action that he could go over the middle to make tough catches and also was able to hang on while taking a big hit.

While senior quarterback Kevin Riley will be held up to the microscope for his season, some of that pressure will be lifted if Riley can build a rapport with Lagemann. With Lagemann being the possession receiver, it could open the passing game up for the likes of Jones and Allen, but also create huge holes for running back Shane Vereen. 

Jones and Allen could be used to stretch the field with Lagemann running routes over the middle. If Riley can also get tight end Anthony Miller involved in the passing game as well, opposing teams will have a hard time stopping the Bears offense. 

Here are some highlights of Lagemann from the 2009 season.