The first two-week session of Cal's spring football concluded on Saturday, leaving the quarterback competition as open as ever. During a portion of their two-hour practice, the Bears engaged in a scrimmage with officials, allowing head coach Justin Wilcox and his staff to evaluate Ohio State transfer Devin Brown, returning sophomore EJ Caminong, and mid-year freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele in semi-live conditions. Coach Wilcox emphasized that while scrimmages hold significance, they won't solely determine the starting position for the season opener against Oregon State on August 30. Instead, each player’s overall performance throughout the spring and fall camp will play a crucial role.

In this spring session, Devin Brown donned jersey number 13, shifting from his unusual number 33 at Ohio State. Despite playing with the starting unit, Brown encountered challenges, throwing two interceptions during the session. However, he remains optimistic about his overall spring performance, acknowledging that setbacks are part of early-season training. Coach Wilcox expressed satisfaction with all three quarterbacks adapting to the new offensive system under coordinator Bryan Harsin, highlighting areas where improvement is still needed.

Brown’s journey to Cal stems from a pre-existing relationship with linebacker Hunter Barth and wide receiver Kyion Grayes, both former teammates at Ohio State. The competition among the quarterbacks has been invigorating, pushing each player to elevate their game. Brown appreciates the talent within the quarterback room, praising Caminong and Sagapolutele for their strong performances.

EJ Caminong has shown noticeable growth since the start of practice, impressing with quick ball releases and pocket awareness. Meanwhile, newcomer Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele demonstrated potential with some impressive throws during the session, indicating promise for the future.

Coach Wilcox shared insights into how the team is embracing Bryan Harsin’s explosive, downhill-focused offense, which resonates well with Brown’s previous experience. As the Bears take a break for spring recess, the anticipation builds for the final two weeks of practice, where further refinement and decisions await.

The conclusion of the initial spring sessions leaves much to be explored. With a week off ahead, the focus shifts to refining skills and strategies. The quarterback race remains dynamic, promising exciting developments as the players return to the field, ready to showcase their capabilities and secure their positions for the upcoming season.