Cal Bears Football: 5 Players to Watch in 2012

After posting a mediocre record of 7-6, the California Golden Bears left us with an unsettling combination of optimism and disappointment following such a muted ending to what was a mostly uneventful season in 2011.

Both Isi Sofele and Keenan Allen took a leap in their level of play and national attention, respectively.

But, here are five players that you can expect big improvements and contributions from next season.

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The quarterback will always be the first to get the blame and the fame.

And, 2012 will be no different.

It should be noted that Zach Maynard had a surprisingly underrated statistical performance over the course of 2011—throwing for 2990 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Look for a larger improvement in yards-per-attempt and completion percentage, which were both low, as Maynard and coach Jeff Tedford displayed a significant increase in confidence with the mid-range pass as the season wound down.

If the Buffalo transfer can improve his accuracy, Cal's offense will be deadly.

Brendon Bigelow turned very few heads last year when he wasn't returning kicks.

But, he was a speedy freshman kick returner, which is exactly why you should keep an eye on the product out of Fresno, Cal. this season.

Following the Jahvid Best/Desean Jackson-paved road to Cal playing time, Bigelow has paid his dues as a skilled kick returner. Held back last season by mediocre coverage squads and limited special teams units, Bigelow should see an increased role this season as a receiver, running back and punt returner.

Before the big game against Stanford in 2011, the world had not batted an eye at Steve Williams.

Since holding his own against Andrew Luck, however, Williams has shown flashes of shutdown-corner ability.

If Williams can become the next Nnamdi Asomugha or Syd'Quad Thompson, the Cal defense will soar.

An undersized, speedy receiver with incredible talent in the open field and skilled route-running. Sounds familiar? Bryce Treggs will likely show the younger Golden Bears faithful what they missed in Desean Jackson as he should see the field in his first season.

The most important Cal player you have never heard of is James Langford.

The Cal Poly transfer will likely become the next placekicker for the Golden Bears, following the long tenure of Georgio Tavecchio.

After making 15 of 20 field goals last season, including a successful 51-yard attempt, Langford appears to have the raw ability and accuracy Cal will need in a kicker to get through countless late game nail-biters in the future.