Elisha Faamatuainu

The walking wounded list is growing as it seems to do this time of the year.ILB BJ Jones, TEs Rico Walker and Mason Mini, OL Jacob Arop, Elisha Faamatuainu, Lamar Robinson and Kamo'i Huihui-White, RBs Carter Vargas, Victor Santino, Dean Chapman and Jayden Parker, OLB Serigne Tounkara were all sitting out today.Nothing in the above looks ominous or that it would prevent 100% health by the start of Fall Camp if not earlierThis practice was long, however, by Coach Lupoi standards, it was quick at only 2 hours. That's an outstanding question - how long is too long? We will dig into that topic down the road.As is the new norm, it was loud with a lot of player chatter in drills and scrimmage plays plus a lot of loud music and white noise mimicking crowd noise. Energy levels were high, particularly for practice #7 of the Spring. Once again, Cal's athleticism, length, and speed were on display on both sides of the ball.Some standouts:The 1st team OL held up really well in pass protection in 11v11 work. Jimothy Lewis looks like an anchor at RT (JKS blind side)That being said, Okoye and Solmon Williams off the edge are a sight to see. Explosive players. JKS continues to work on stepping up in the pocket when faced with such quick edge guys as Lewis and Williams III did a nice job pushing them deep despite how fast they rushed.Run game remains a work in progress. Some nice wrinkles in this facet schematically on O. Mohammed had a few nice moments, both as a receiver, runner, and blocker. Emory as well. However, the ILB and DL won the day vs the run. Mothudi had some nice moments as did Hampton. Jernigan is very steady and Tuitele really shines in pass coverageChase Hendricks had the play of the day when he exploded past Groves-Killebrew on a post and then fully extended for a catch and TD in 7v7 workJKS had several wow throws though Cooper Perry dropped perhaps his best dime of the day. Other than that Perry shined, running with the 1's and showing burst and lateral quicknessSolmon Williams always catches the eye. He's so quick and dynamic, tough to block and very active. He'll be tough to beat out at one OLB spot.I expect the competition in the DB room to be fierce through the Fall. Crosby isn't yet 100% but still looks like the class of the Safety room. Lopa is a beast though he still looks like he's learning. DayDay has strung together several good practices as wellFletcher continues to look like he'll be tough to beat out at one outside corner. Both Sidney and Wagoner looked solid in the slot. Davis, Hudson, Harris and Young are all getting reps at the other outside spotTrue Freshman JD McKinley is a player. Smart, smart, smart and tough as nails. I think he'll play early and often at least on Special Teams and likely at ILB in gamesLooks like Tosh will use the backup QBs as the holders in the kicking gameRight now, Broussea looks like the way too early leader for the backup spot. He had a really nice TD throw to Hamper in red zone work and looks confident and poised. His arm is solid though his delivery is a bit long. Meza, Hamper, Perry and King are all playing well. Strong and Hendricks are clearly the dudes in the WR room but I think all six will play. Hamper has been very steady all Spring.True freshman that flashed today were DB Niles Davis, DL Lucky Schirmer, TE Tamaine Purcell, and the aforementioned Meza and McKinleyThe Defense remains ahead of the Offense and right now the injury bug has bitten the O a bit worse but I suspect things will balance out a bit more by the Spring Game