BearTalk

Everyone around Cal seems to be confident that the linebackers will be OK. Clearly, replacing Zack Follett, Worrell Williams and Anthony Felder will not be easy. But with Mike Mohamed and Eddie Young, the Bears have a good starting point in two players with a ton of experience. Young is a returning starter and Mohamed might as well have been a starter last season with all the playing time he received backing up all four positions.

But there’s no question there are going to be two other linebackers that don’t know what it’s like to get the majority of snaps in a game, and the responsibility that goes with it. Mychal Kendricks, who right now is penciled to play inside next to Mohamed, is talented. But he’s also inexperienced. He saw limited playing time last year. Devin Bishop will start camp in the spot vacated by Follett, but an influx of junior college linebackers could push him or others for snaps.

It obviously wouldn’t be surprising if the Bears’ linebacker play took a step back this season, although defensive coordinator Bob Gregory is confident that it won’t. There are unknowns, and that will lead to uncertainty at the position. The good news for Cal is that a veteran and talented defensive line and secondary might help counteract any growing pains the linebackers endure.