I think Cal's grand plan for last year was that RIVALS #2 Bradshaw, #3 Edwards and #6 Wagner were going to be the anchor keys, that his team was going to be built around.
But due to LOTS of injuries, poor acclimation, poor play, etc. to the college game they struggled and Cal realized there were weaknesses on that team, hence picking up Z and Mitchell and a larger than expected roll (and individual success for Reed and Rob).
I believe Cal knew Reeves would be a very important piece, that Dillingham would play 15-20 minutes per game and that Sheppard would mature and gain experience throughout the season, to be a multi-year player.
For the most part Reeves/ Sheppard/ Dillingham (offense only/ his overall defense was horrible) carried that team, with very limited and or below expectational play from his main 5-star recruits, 21-feet of "suck" or from the other rotational players.........
Pope's 1st year team who are effectively a "Frankenstein-Junkyard" group of PIECES chosen and placed together by Pope and staff for hopefully a more positive end of season result That the fans can be proud of. It may not end up with the most highly "evaluated talent" on paper, but I think they will not be timid versus anybody, will be tough on D, will run a designed offense, will bring a VAST amount of experience to the team and the roster will have more men who can buy alcohol than the teenagers UK fans have grown accustomed to!!!