Basketball Bear said:

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After entering the NCAA transfer portal, former Ohio quarterback CJ Harris has officially committed to the Cal Golden Bears.

Staff got there quarterback.

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SBGold said:

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Basketball Bear said:

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After entering the NCAA transfer portal, former Ohio quarterback CJ Harris has officially committed to the Cal Golden Bears.

Staff got there quarterback.

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This is good. The practice I saw just before the spring game I thought Rogers looked awful. I don't think Rogers is a legit player for us

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Big C said:

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SBGold said:

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Basketball Bear said:

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After entering the NCAA transfer portal, former Ohio quarterback CJ Harris has officially committed to the Cal Golden Bears.

Staff got there quarterback.

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This is good. The practice I saw just before the spring game I thought Rogers looked awful. I don't think Rogers is a legit player for us

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Maybe small sample size? By all reports, Rogers is pretty good and had a productive year last year.

Isn't Harris supposed to slot in as a 3rd QB, just in case? (If anybody at any position passes the guy in front of him on the depth chart, so much the better.)

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awesomebuffalo said:

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Rogers did not play against us. He was injured the first game but played the remainder of the season.

Rogers was very productive across the 11 games he played. While I expect Mendoza to have the edge (not only as the incumbent, but his accuracy is a great fit in this offense), Rogers + Harris are also great options in any QB room. EJ Caminong is well-positioned to learn from these veterans.

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TheDuke!!! said:

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Maybe not the biggest deal. But since it is in bold for some reason, can either the OP or the moderators go back and change the spelling in the first post to the correct form of "their?"

Come on people. We went to the University of California, Berkeley. That is a middle school mistake.

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Big C said:

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HearstMining said:

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Well, CJ Harris was recruited by Dartmouth and Cornell out of HS, so he must be a sharp guy. But he only had six career starts and ten games total at OhioU. Per this article, he was likely NOT slated to start in the upcoming season: https://www.si.com/college/group-five/TRANSFER-PORTAL-Ohio-Bobcats-Quarterback-CJ-Harris-Set-To-Transfer

I still wish Cal had gone after Gevani McCoy. Maybe they did but Oregon St. offered more NIL?

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We needed another scholly QB and there were two options: Spend big bucks and convince a "clear starter" to come here, or get a guy who can play the position and is willing to be an "insurance guy".

I'm sure they considered Option One, but maybe the right guy wasn't there, or we couldn't afford him, or we couldn't get him to come here. So we went with Option Two.

Maybe CJ Harris has some skills and will like it here, in which case he is welcome to move up the depth chart either this fall or in 2025!

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GivemTheAxe said:

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Rushinbear said:

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Big C said:

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HearstMining said:

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Well, CJ Harris was recruited by Dartmouth and Cornell out of HS, so he must be a sharp guy. But he only had six career starts and ten games total at OhioU. Per this article, he was likely NOT slated to start in the upcoming season: https://www.si.com/college/group-five/TRANSFER-PORTAL-Ohio-Bobcats-Quarterback-CJ-Harris-Set-To-Transfer

I still wish Cal had gone after Gevani McCoy. Maybe they did but Oregon St. offered more NIL?

---

We needed another scholly QB and there were two options: Spend big bucks and convince a "clear starter" to come here, or get a guy who can play the position and is willing to be an "insurance guy".

I'm sure they considered Option One, but maybe the right guy wasn't there, or we couldn't afford him, or we couldn't get him to come here. So we went with Option Two.

Maybe CJ Harris has some skills and will like it here, in which case he is welcome to move up the depth chart either this fall or in 2025!

---

Maybe they're playing the numbers game. With 3 scholly qb's, one of them should rise to the top in fall camp and that's who we'll go with. Or, maybe lightening will strike and the new guy will walk in and take over.

It's an odd way that it works. You never know until the players tell you with their play. Reference the number of sure thing kids who disappointed, both at Cal and at every other school. They're young. They've played against hs kids on small stages. The bright lights come on and it's do or die.

Everyone hoped that they saw something in Mendo that no one else saw. This will be his do or die year. It would be nice if he showed a clear advantage over the others, but as in most things in life, chances are that lightening will not strike and he will not suddenly be a 5 star. But, hope springs eternal...at Cal at least.

---

Mendoza beat out the two highly ranked QB's ahead of him at the start of last year. (Both of whom had playing time experience). This year his is bigger and stronger and has the playbook down pat. IMO he will be better this year in view of some of the hot shot receivers who are coming in through the portal.

I went to the spring game and was not impressed with the competition. No wonder that Cal is picking up a few more.

A lot of Mendoza's success will depend upon on the play calling by the OC (Duh!) and the blocking by the O-line (Duh! Squared)

But his drive and commitment are off the charts IMO.

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6956bear said:

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calumnus said:

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GivemTheAxe said:

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Rushinbear said:

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Big C said:

---

HearstMining said:

---

Well, CJ Harris was recruited by Dartmouth and Cornell out of HS, so he must be a sharp guy. But he only had six career starts and ten games total at OhioU. Per this article, he was likely NOT slated to start in the upcoming season: https://www.si.com/college/group-five/TRANSFER-PORTAL-Ohio-Bobcats-Quarterback-CJ-Harris-Set-To-Transfer

I still wish Cal had gone after Gevani McCoy. Maybe they did but Oregon St. offered more NIL?

---

We needed another scholly QB and there were two options: Spend big bucks and convince a "clear starter" to come here, or get a guy who can play the position and is willing to be an "insurance guy".

I'm sure they considered Option One, but maybe the right guy wasn't there, or we couldn't afford him, or we couldn't get him to come here. So we went with Option Two.

Maybe CJ Harris has some skills and will like it here, in which case he is welcome to move up the depth chart either this fall or in 2025!

---

Maybe they're playing the numbers game. With 3 scholly qb's, one of them should rise to the top in fall camp and that's who we'll go with. Or, maybe lightening will strike and the new guy will walk in and take over.

It's an odd way that it works. You never know until the players tell you with their play. Reference the number of sure thing kids who disappointed, both at Cal and at every other school. They're young. They've played against hs kids on small stages. The bright lights come on and it's do or die.

Everyone hoped that they saw something in Mendo that no one else saw. This will be his do or die year. It would be nice if he showed a clear advantage over the others, but as in most things in life, chances are that lightening will not strike and he will not suddenly be a 5 star. But, hope springs eternal...at Cal at least.

---

Mendoza beat out the two highly ranked QB's ahead of him at the start of last year. (Both of whom had playing time experience). This year his is bigger and stronger and has the playbook down pat. IMO he will be better this year in view of some of the hot shot receivers who are coming in through the portal.

I went to the spring game and was not impressed with the competition. No wonder that Cal is picking up a few more.

A lot of Mendoza's success will depend upon on the play calling by the OC (Duh!) and the blocking by the O-line (Duh! Squared)

But his drive and commitment are off the charts IMO.

---

Mendoza was a decent enough QB in Spavital's quick read and throw air raid system. He was best when the play was in front of him and he just makes a single read and made a quick, accurate delivery. He/we were especially good on slants. If that was not open he could run enough to pick up a first down and move the chains. His problems were largely if that initial look was not there, and he was trying to make something happen with his arm (to avoid injury running?) he panicked and made bad decisions, committing way too many turnovers.

The very thing that makes Mendoza's personality endearing to us as Cal fans, his eagerness, hyperactivity and pressing, is the thing that worries me about him as a QB. If anything he needs to be cooler, calmer and press less. A lot of that calmness and confidence can come with maturity and experience.

A lot depends on what Bloesch and Gilbert are looking for in a QB. For Mendoza, this will be his 3rd OC in as many years. I think it is unlikely our OL is going to be able to give the QB a lot of time. The Independence Bowl was a disaster offensively. I just hope they figure it out and we have a good offense this Fall using whichever QB is most effective in moving the ball downfield and scoring points without turnovers.

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Agree. Fernando should be better but he does play a bit frenzied. He also did not protect the ball or himself very well when he did run. He often seemed to seek contact and was not securing the ball well. He looked like he would fumble nearly every time he did run.

Rogers came to Cal as an experienced player from G5 with a solid reputation for avoiding turnovers. His TD to interception ratio was very good. He plays with a certain calmness that is different from Mendoza. But he had some interception concerns in the Spring. Rogers is a better athlete and runs well. He is not a classic dual threat QB but has the ability to do some stuff with his legs.

Fernando entered Spring as QB1. He will enter the Fall as QB1. Rogers can overtake him but he will need to dial down the interceptions. Fernando is a terrifc leader. He takes ownership and cares. Rogers is an unknown in that area.

The offense has more potential playmakers. Fernando will not need to feel like every play has to be a TD. He will need to demonstrate he knows when to let a play go. He made some turnovers by trying to do too much. You cannot turn the ball over the way the team did a year ago. He was not alone but he made his share.

I want Rogers to get a fair shake in Fall camp. He has been productive in his previous stops on bad teams. But if he wants the job he will need to take it. No favorites here. We saw last season how Spavital handled the QB room. Cal needs to win. I understand that Mendoza is a favorite among many of the fans. I also see the potential. But it is time to win.Let the competition play out. I expect Mendoza to be the starter in game 1, but I do believe the Cal QB room is much better than last year. Rogers is not Caleb Williams but he is not Ben Finley either.

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concernedparent said:

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6956bear said:

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calumnus said:

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GivemTheAxe said:

---

Rushinbear said:

---

Big C said:

---

HearstMining said:

---

Well, CJ Harris was recruited by Dartmouth and Cornell out of HS, so he must be a sharp guy. But he only had six career starts and ten games total at OhioU. Per this article, he was likely NOT slated to start in the upcoming season: https://www.si.com/college/group-five/TRANSFER-PORTAL-Ohio-Bobcats-Quarterback-CJ-Harris-Set-To-Transfer

I still wish Cal had gone after Gevani McCoy. Maybe they did but Oregon St. offered more NIL?

---

We needed another scholly QB and there were two options: Spend big bucks and convince a "clear starter" to come here, or get a guy who can play the position and is willing to be an "insurance guy".

I'm sure they considered Option One, but maybe the right guy wasn't there, or we couldn't afford him, or we couldn't get him to come here. So we went with Option Two.

Maybe CJ Harris has some skills and will like it here, in which case he is welcome to move up the depth chart either this fall or in 2025!

---

Maybe they're playing the numbers game. With 3 scholly qb's, one of them should rise to the top in fall camp and that's who we'll go with. Or, maybe lightening will strike and the new guy will walk in and take over.

It's an odd way that it works. You never know until the players tell you with their play. Reference the number of sure thing kids who disappointed, both at Cal and at every other school. They're young. They've played against hs kids on small stages. The bright lights come on and it's do or die.

Everyone hoped that they saw something in Mendo that no one else saw. This will be his do or die year. It would be nice if he showed a clear advantage over the others, but as in most things in life, chances are that lightening will not strike and he will not suddenly be a 5 star. But, hope springs eternal...at Cal at least.

---

Mendoza beat out the two highly ranked QB's ahead of him at the start of last year. (Both of whom had playing time experience). This year his is bigger and stronger and has the playbook down pat. IMO he will be better this year in view of some of the hot shot receivers who are coming in through the portal.

I went to the spring game and was not impressed with the competition. No wonder that Cal is picking up a few more.

A lot of Mendoza's success will depend upon on the play calling by the OC (Duh!) and the blocking by the O-line (Duh! Squared)

But his drive and commitment are off the charts IMO.

---

Mendoza was a decent enough QB in Spavital's quick read and throw air raid system. He was best when the play was in front of him and he just makes a single read and made a quick, accurate delivery. He/we were especially good on slants. If that was not open he could run enough to pick up a first down and move the chains. His problems were largely if that initial look was not there, and he was trying to make something happen with his arm (to avoid injury running?) he panicked and made bad decisions, committing way too many turnovers.

The very thing that makes Mendoza's personality endearing to us as Cal fans, his eagerness, hyperactivity and pressing, is the thing that worries me about him as a QB. If anything he needs to be cooler, calmer and press less. A lot of that calmness and confidence can come with maturity and experience.

A lot depends on what Bloesch and Gilbert are looking for in a QB. For Mendoza, this will be his 3rd OC in as many years. I think it is unlikely our OL is going to be able to give the QB a lot of time. The Independence Bowl was a disaster offensively. I just hope they figure it out and we have a good offense this Fall using whichever QB is most effective in moving the ball downfield and scoring points without turnovers.

---

Agree. Fernando should be better but he does play a bit frenzied. He also did not protect the ball or himself very well when he did run. He often seemed to seek contact and was not securing the ball well. He looked like he would fumble nearly every time he did run.

Rogers came to Cal as an experienced player from G5 with a solid reputation for avoiding turnovers. His TD to interception ratio was very good. He plays with a certain calmness that is different from Mendoza. But he had some interception concerns in the Spring. Rogers is a better athlete and runs well. He is not a classic dual threat QB but has the ability to do some stuff with his legs.

Fernando entered Spring as QB1. He will enter the Fall as QB1. Rogers can overtake him but he will need to dial down the interceptions. Fernando is a terrifc leader. He takes ownership and cares. Rogers is an unknown in that area.

The offense has more potential playmakers. Fernando will not need to feel like every play has to be a TD. He will need to demonstrate he knows when to let a play go. He made some turnovers by trying to do too much. You cannot turn the ball over the way the team did a year ago. He was not alone but he made his share.

I want Rogers to get a fair shake in Fall camp. He has been productive in his previous stops on bad teams. But if he wants the job he will need to take it. No favorites here. We saw last season how Spavital handled the QB room. Cal needs to win. I understand that Mendoza is a favorite among many of the fans. I also see the potential. But it is time to win.Let the competition play out. I expect Mendoza to be the starter in game 1, but I do believe the Cal QB room is much better than last year. Rogers is not Caleb Williams but he is not Ben Finley either.

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The reports on Rogers are concerning. I thought he'd come in and immediately push Mendoza and have a 50/50 of winning it. I mean he's a RS senior, he should not be throwing picks against 2nd and 3rd string DBs.

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calumnus said:

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6956bear said:

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calumnus said:

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GivemTheAxe said:

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Rushinbear said:

---

Big C said:

---

HearstMining said:

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Well, CJ Harris was recruited by Dartmouth and Cornell out of HS, so he must be a sharp guy. But he only had six career starts and ten games total at OhioU. Per this article, he was likely NOT slated to start in the upcoming season: https://www.si.com/college/group-five/TRANSFER-PORTAL-Ohio-Bobcats-Quarterback-CJ-Harris-Set-To-Transfer

I still wish Cal had gone after Gevani McCoy. Maybe they did but Oregon St. offered more NIL?

---

We needed another scholly QB and there were two options: Spend big bucks and convince a "clear starter" to come here, or get a guy who can play the position and is willing to be an "insurance guy".

I'm sure they considered Option One, but maybe the right guy wasn't there, or we couldn't afford him, or we couldn't get him to come here. So we went with Option Two.

Maybe CJ Harris has some skills and will like it here, in which case he is welcome to move up the depth chart either this fall or in 2025!

---

Maybe they're playing the numbers game. With 3 scholly qb's, one of them should rise to the top in fall camp and that's who we'll go with. Or, maybe lightening will strike and the new guy will walk in and take over.

It's an odd way that it works. You never know until the players tell you with their play. Reference the number of sure thing kids who disappointed, both at Cal and at every other school. They're young. They've played against hs kids on small stages. The bright lights come on and it's do or die.

Everyone hoped that they saw something in Mendo that no one else saw. This will be his do or die year. It would be nice if he showed a clear advantage over the others, but as in most things in life, chances are that lightening will not strike and he will not suddenly be a 5 star. But, hope springs eternal...at Cal at least.

---

Mendoza beat out the two highly ranked QB's ahead of him at the start of last year. (Both of whom had playing time experience). This year his is bigger and stronger and has the playbook down pat. IMO he will be better this year in view of some of the hot shot receivers who are coming in through the portal.

I went to the spring game and was not impressed with the competition. No wonder that Cal is picking up a few more.

A lot of Mendoza's success will depend upon on the play calling by the OC (Duh!) and the blocking by the O-line (Duh! Squared)

But his drive and commitment are off the charts IMO.

---

Mendoza was a decent enough QB in Spavital's quick read and throw air raid system. He was best when the play was in front of him and he just makes a single read and made a quick, accurate delivery. He/we were especially good on slants. If that was not open he could run enough to pick up a first down and move the chains. His problems were largely if that initial look was not there, and he was trying to make something happen with his arm (to avoid injury running?) he panicked and made bad decisions, committing way too many turnovers.

The very thing that makes Mendoza's personality endearing to us as Cal fans, his eagerness, hyperactivity and pressing, is the thing that worries me about him as a QB. If anything he needs to be cooler, calmer and press less. A lot of that calmness and confidence can come with maturity and experience.

A lot depends on what Bloesch and Gilbert are looking for in a QB. For Mendoza, this will be his 3rd OC in as many years. I think it is unlikely our OL is going to be able to give the QB a lot of time. The Independence Bowl was a disaster offensively. I just hope they figure it out and we have a good offense this Fall using whichever QB is most effective in moving the ball downfield and scoring points without turnovers.

---

Agree. Fernando should be better but he does play a bit frenzied. He also did not protect the ball or himself very well when he did run. He often seemed to seek contact and was not securing the ball well. He looked like he would fumble nearly every time he did run.

Rogers came to Cal as an experienced player from G5 with a solid reputation for avoiding turnovers. His TD to interception ratio was very good. He plays with a certain calmness that is different from Mendoza. But he had some interception concerns in the Spring. Rogers is a better athlete and runs well. He is not a classic dual threat QB but has the ability to do some stuff with his legs.

Fernando entered Spring as QB1. He will enter the Fall as QB1. Rogers can overtake him but he will need to dial down the interceptions. Fernando is a terrifc leader. He takes ownership and cares. Rogers is an unknown in that area.

The offense has more potential playmakers. Fernando will not need to feel like every play has to be a TD. He will need to demonstrate he knows when to let a play go. He made some turnovers by trying to do too much. You cannot turn the ball over the way the team did a year ago. He was not alone but he made his share.

I want Rogers to get a fair shake in Fall camp. He has been productive in his previous stops on bad teams. But if he wants the job he will need to take it. No favorites here. We saw last season how Spavital handled the QB room. Cal needs to win. I understand that Mendoza is a favorite among many of the fans. I also see the potential. But it is time to win.Let the competition play out. I expect Mendoza to be the starter in game 1, but I do believe the Cal QB room is much better than last year. Rogers is not Caleb Williams but he is not Ben Finley either.

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Yes, In 8 starts, Fernando had 10 interceptions and 5 fumbles lost. It is the main area he needs to clean up.

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SFCityBear said:

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Rushinbear said:

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Big C said:

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HearstMining said:

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Well, CJ Harris was recruited by Dartmouth and Cornell out of HS, so he must be a sharp guy. But he only had six career starts and ten games total at OhioU. Per this article, he was likely NOT slated to start in the upcoming season: https://www.si.com/college/group-five/TRANSFER-PORTAL-Ohio-Bobcats-Quarterback-CJ-Harris-Set-To-Transfer

I still wish Cal had gone after Gevani McCoy. Maybe they did but Oregon St. offered more NIL?

---

We needed another scholly QB and there were two options: Spend big bucks and convince a "clear starter" to come here, or get a guy who can play the position and is willing to be an "insurance guy".

I'm sure they considered Option One, but maybe the right guy wasn't there, or we couldn't afford him, or we couldn't get him to come here. So we went with Option Two.

Maybe CJ Harris has some skills and will like it here, in which case he is welcome to move up the depth chart either this fall or in 2025!

---

Maybe they're playing the numbers game. With 3 scholly qb's, one of them should rise to the top in fall camp and that's who we'll go with. Or, maybe lightening will strike and the new guy will walk in and take over.

It's an odd way that it works. You never know until the players tell you with their play. Reference the number of sure thing kids who disappointed, both at Cal and at every other school. They're young. They've played against hs kids on small stages. The bright lights come on and it's do or die.

Everyone hoped that they saw something in Mendo that no one else saw. This will be his do or die year. It would be nice if he showed a clear advantage over the others, but as in most things in life, chances are that lightening will not strike and he will not suddenly be a 5 star. But, hope springs eternal...at Cal at least.

---

Mendoza is a kid. He has played only 9 games of college football. He put up decent numbers, and had some decent games. Barring serious injury, he has several seasons left to play. How is this coming season his "do or die" year? And like most quarterbacks, he is only as good as the line in front of him, not to mention backs behind him and his receivers. Let's give him a chance.

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concernedparent said:

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HearstMining said:

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TheDuke!!! said:

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GivemTheAxe said:

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Rushinbear said:

---

Big C said:

---

HearstMining said:

---

Well, CJ Harris was recruited by Dartmouth and Cornell out of HS, so he must be a sharp guy. But he only had six career starts and ten games total at OhioU. Per this article, he was likely NOT slated to start in the upcoming season: https://www.si.com/college/group-five/TRANSFER-PORTAL-Ohio-Bobcats-Quarterback-CJ-Harris-Set-To-Transfer

I still wish Cal had gone after Gevani McCoy. Maybe they did but Oregon St. offered more NIL?

---

We needed another scholly QB and there were two options: Spend big bucks and convince a "clear starter" to come here, or get a guy who can play the position and is willing to be an "insurance guy".

I'm sure they considered Option One, but maybe the right guy wasn't there, or we couldn't afford him, or we couldn't get him to come here. So we went with Option Two.

Maybe CJ Harris has some skills and will like it here, in which case he is welcome to move up the depth chart either this fall or in 2025!

---

Maybe they're playing the numbers game. With 3 scholly qb's, one of them should rise to the top in fall camp and that's who we'll go with. Or, maybe lightening will strike and the new guy will walk in and take over.

It's an odd way that it works. You never know until the players tell you with their play. Reference the number of sure thing kids who disappointed, both at Cal and at every other school. They're young. They've played against hs kids on small stages. The bright lights come on and it's do or die.

Everyone hoped that they saw something in Mendo that no one else saw. This will be his do or die year. It would be nice if he showed a clear advantage over the others, but as in most things in life, chances are that lightening will not strike and he will not suddenly be a 5 star. But, hope springs eternal...at Cal at least.

---

Mendoza beat out the two highly ranked QB's ahead of him at the start of last year. (Both of whom had playing time experience). This year his is bigger and stronger and has the playbook down pat. IMO he will be better this year in view of some of the hot shot receivers who are coming in through the portal.

I went to the spring game and was not impressed with the competition. No wonder that Cal is picking up a few more.

A lot of Mendoza's success will depend upon on the play calling by the OC (Duh!) and the blocking by the O-line (Duh! Squared)

But his drive and commitment are off the charts IMO.

---

I hope that too.

But I don't think any of us should be impressed with him beating out the two QBs he did. Williams is now a walk-on Wide Receiver somewhere humid and Pokey is the backup quarterback at Akron State.

---

Why is Mendoza popular? Easy - he came in as an underdog, he has an engaging personality, he's apparently a real student in a challenging major, and Cal beat Stanford and UCLA with him under center. If you think of Cal's QB legacy (Bart, Roth, Campbell, Taylor, Barr, Jesus in Cleats, Rodgers, Goff), you must have have cringed as guys like McIllwain, Modster, Glover, and even Garbers at times, muddled their way through games over the last several years.

---

Put some respect on Garbers' name. He was better than Boller in college. Garbers (besides his freshman year) was a slightly above average QB who carried some atrocious OCs.

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HearstMining said:

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concernedparent said:

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HearstMining said:

---

TheDuke!!! said:

---

GivemTheAxe said:

---

Rushinbear said:

---

Big C said:

---

HearstMining said:

---

Well, CJ Harris was recruited by Dartmouth and Cornell out of HS, so he must be a sharp guy. But he only had six career starts and ten games total at OhioU. Per this article, he was likely NOT slated to start in the upcoming season: https://www.si.com/college/group-five/TRANSFER-PORTAL-Ohio-Bobcats-Quarterback-CJ-Harris-Set-To-Transfer

I still wish Cal had gone after Gevani McCoy. Maybe they did but Oregon St. offered more NIL?

---

We needed another scholly QB and there were two options: Spend big bucks and convince a "clear starter" to come here, or get a guy who can play the position and is willing to be an "insurance guy".

I'm sure they considered Option One, but maybe the right guy wasn't there, or we couldn't afford him, or we couldn't get him to come here. So we went with Option Two.

Maybe CJ Harris has some skills and will like it here, in which case he is welcome to move up the depth chart either this fall or in 2025!

---

Maybe they're playing the numbers game. With 3 scholly qb's, one of them should rise to the top in fall camp and that's who we'll go with. Or, maybe lightening will strike and the new guy will walk in and take over.

It's an odd way that it works. You never know until the players tell you with their play. Reference the number of sure thing kids who disappointed, both at Cal and at every other school. They're young. They've played against hs kids on small stages. The bright lights come on and it's do or die.

Everyone hoped that they saw something in Mendo that no one else saw. This will be his do or die year. It would be nice if he showed a clear advantage over the others, but as in most things in life, chances are that lightening will not strike and he will not suddenly be a 5 star. But, hope springs eternal...at Cal at least.

---

Mendoza beat out the two highly ranked QB's ahead of him at the start of last year. (Both of whom had playing time experience). This year his is bigger and stronger and has the playbook down pat. IMO he will be better this year in view of some of the hot shot receivers who are coming in through the portal.

I went to the spring game and was not impressed with the competition. No wonder that Cal is picking up a few more.

A lot of Mendoza's success will depend upon on the play calling by the OC (Duh!) and the blocking by the O-line (Duh! Squared)

But his drive and commitment are off the charts IMO.

---

I hope that too.

But I don't think any of us should be impressed with him beating out the two QBs he did. Williams is now a walk-on Wide Receiver somewhere humid and Pokey is the backup quarterback at Akron State.

---

Why is Mendoza popular? Easy - he came in as an underdog, he has an engaging personality, he's apparently a real student in a challenging major, and Cal beat Stanford and UCLA with him under center. If you think of Cal's QB legacy (Bart, Roth, Campbell, Taylor, Barr, Jesus in Cleats, Rodgers, Goff), you must have have cringed as guys like McIllwain, Modster, Glover, and even Garbers at times, muddled their way through games over the last several years.

---

Put some respect on Garbers' name. He was better than Boller in college. Garbers (besides his freshman year) was a slightly above average QB who carried some atrocious OCs.

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Where Garbers ranks wasn't my main point, was it?

First of all, I liked Garbers. He was resourceful, athletic, but inconsistent. That's why I said "EVEN Garbers, AT TIMES". People on this site griped about how he'd miss wide open receivers - because he did.

Boller got his brains beat in for his first three years, largely due to even worse coaching than Garbers had until he blossomed under Tedford. I'd argue his final year was better than Garbers' best as evidenced by the NFL drafting him - certainly too high, but he did stick in the league a few years and started several games.

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