Cal Skills Players Getting Props

Rivals.com is doing some sort of position rankings but instead has categories, like top 10 deep throwers and top 10 break away backs. I think this is a multi part series, so we can look forwards to top 10 hang time, top 10 edge rushers, top 10 maulers, top 10 blankets, top 10 game turning tacklers, etc. Regardless, Cal has gotten a mention on both lists.

7. Nate Longshore, Jr., California: The fact that 51 of his 227 completions last year went for at least 20 yards shows that Longshore isn't afraid of throwing long. Why should he be when California boasts one of the nation's top deep threats in DeSean Jackson? Oregon State sure knows about Longshore's ability to deliver an accurate long ball. Longshore threw four touchdown passes - all at least 27 yards - in a 41-13 triumph over the Beavers last year. He also had a 62-yard touchdown pass against Arizona, a 48-yarder against Minnesota and a 44-yarder against UCLA.

7. Justin Forsett, Sr., California: Forsett's average of 6.4 yards per carry was the highest in the nation by any running back with at least 260 attempts. He gained 124 yards on just eight carries in the Golden Bears' 45-10 Holiday Bowl victory over Texas A&M. The departure of Marshawn Lynch could drop Forsett's average, but should increase his opportunities for long touchdown runs this fall. The one strike against Forsett as a breakaway threat is that his longest gain of the 2006 season covered only 48 yards.

For sure, DeSean will be ranked number one when the WR (top 10 take it to the house every time he touches the ball and embarass the other team) categories.

I am a big fan of Forsett, but I don't even think he is the top breakaway back on the team. Jahvid Best, incoming freshman, probably takes the cake on that one. Trust me, you thought DJax was fast, wait for this kid to return kicks.