Cal set for another quarterback competition in 2025
It has become common in recent years that Cal decides its quarterback situation during training camp. The Bears added Ohio State transfer Devin Brown ahead of spring ball. That was viewed as the answer at the position, but a couple players threw a wrench in that. Both second-year freshman EJ Caminong and freshman Jaron Sagapolutele performed well in the spring.
That changed the complexion of the competition heading into training camp next week. Brown, who still has a couple years of remaining eligibility, will head into camp as the veteran leader. He’s the only member of the group with some college experience.
Caminong played in the bowl game for the Bears last year while Sagapolutele has never taken a college snap.
Still, the skill sets of both the young quarterbacks will make it an interesting battle. Head coach Justin Wilcox left questions about the competition a bit open ended in the spring. That wasn’t the case this week at ACC Kickoff in Charlotte.
“We really like the quarterback room,” he said during his spot on ACC Network Tuesday. “Devin, Jaron, EJ, those guys, that’s a strong room. There’s talented guys in there. They all are a little bit different. Devin’s been in college football longer. Doesn’t have a ton of in-game experience, but he’s really smart. He understands football at a high level, he loves the game. He’s built the great camaraderie with with the team.
“Jaron is a young guy, just got to college in January. He’s a real natural. I mean, he’s a very good thrower. So we’ll feel good about that quarterback position. Whoever’s playing, we’re gonna feel really good, but it is going to be competitive. And, it’s our job as coaches to bring as many good players as we can and let the competition sort it out.”
One of the things that Cal has been able to sell players and recruits is the chance to see the field if they earn it. The Bears have not been afraid to play young players or new ones at any time. Wilcox is sticking to that mentality when assessing the upcoming battle.
“Ultimately, we gotta do what’s best for the team,” he said. “I mean, that’s it. The decisions become easy when we look at it through that lens. I believe in the quarterbacks. I believe in Devin, I believe in Jaron, I believe in what we’re doing on offense. And, when the time comes, we’ll make the decision which is best for Cal football. It’s that simple.”
Experience favors Brown in quarterback competition
Brown has made 17 appearances in his career. That includes playing in nine games last season during Ohio State’s run to the national championship. The Arizona native has attempted 48 passes over his first three years and has 331 career passing yards.
It’s not a lot, but it’s something.
The Cal players and staff have noted Brown’s workmanlike approach to the game. He approaches everything like pro is the general consensus, and the hope is that translates to wins on the field.
He led by example throughout the spring as the entire group became more acquainted with Bryan Harsin‘s offense.
“All the guys in the room are their first year there or maybe two years in college football,” Brown said. “I’ve been in college football for three years now. This will be my fourth season. So the biggest thing for me was language, but they’ve been great on figuring out what things are different for me. And there really wasn’t a whole lot of change other than the language.
“But then it came into the role of me helping the other guys and giving my ideas to help further build this offense. There’s so many different guys in that staff room with Coach Cefalo, with Coach Griffin, with Coach Anae and Coach Rolo and Harsin that the offense is always evolving and changing with so many different ideas being pushed into it. Me being able to come from another system and add my values and add my thoughts, it’s been really interesting.”
Sagapolutele generating plenty of hype
When Sagapolutele committed to Cal it was a big deal. He eventually found his way back to the Bears after signing with Oregon, and it meant the program had its quarterback of the future. The freshman came to Berkeley with plenty of eyes on what he would look like in the spring.
There were times when he looked like a freshman, but he certainly left a strong impression on his coaches and teammates. Ask anyone who watched him, and you will hear that Sagapolutele is ahead of schedule.
Wilcox calls him a “natural” at the position, and his ability do things that freshmen typically don’t do at quarterback stands out. It positioned him to be one of Cal’s invitees to ACC Kickoff and has him squarely in the competition for the starting job.
“He can sling the rock, lefty,” inside linebacker Cade Uluave said this week. “Even in spring ball … he was making some incredible throws that a freshman should not be making. He can put the ball where it needs to go. And so I’m excited to see see how it battles out. I think it’s great.”
