BearTalk

Not that we should be surprised by this, but watch list after watch list keep getting released and Cal keeps getting shut out. This is a big change from last summer, when it seemed like I was getting press releases every day with more news that a Cal player was on a watch list.

Cal had 16 watch list nominations heading into last season. They have only seven this year, although they could pick up one or two more with the Butkus Award list still to be released. Furthermore, those seven nominations are made up of just three players — center Alex Mack (Rimington Trophy, Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy; linebacker Zack Follett (Lott Trophy, Bednarik Award and Nagurski Award; and quarterback Nate Longshore (Unitas Award).

This is not surprising in light of how last season ended. Longshore was on three watch lists entering last year — the Manning Award, O’Brien Award and Camp Award. The Unitas Award goes to the top senior quarterback in the country.

It’s just another example that it’s a different feel heading into last season, when expectations were so large. The Bears are in position to do the surprising, instead of getting surprised by others.

For those who want a refresher, here is a complete list of who was nominated for what last year:

Alex Mack — Rimington Trophy, Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy

DeSean Jackson — Biletnikoff Award, Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award

Andrew Larson — Ray Guy Award

Tom Schneider — Lou Groza Award

Zack Follett — Lott Trophy, Bednarik Award, Butkus Award

Justin Forsett — Doak Walker Award

Craig Stevens — Mackey Award

Nate Longshore — Manning Award, O’Brien Award, Walter Camp Award