The Cal Bears got back to a bowl game in 2011 after missing the 2010 postseason with a 5-7 record. The team finished fourth in Pac-12 North and ended the season in disappointing fashion by losing to the Texas Longhorns. This year, the Bears look to build on some of their small success from 2011, and that starts on the offensive side of the football with signal caller Zach Maynard.
No. 137: Zach Maynard, No. 15, California, Quarterback
Maynard had an up-and-down 2011 in his first year as the starter for Jeff Tedford's team. The quarterback showed some tremendous flashes of athleticism and talent, but he also made some truly boneheaded plays. In 2012, he has a lot to prove, and the schedule, which includes a date at Ohio State, gives him ample opportunity to do so.
Strengths
As far as talent goes, Maynard is one of the guys who has the ability to wow. The quarterback threw for nearly 3,000 yards in 2011 as a first-year starter. He has the arm strength to throw the ball laterally and vertically to his receivers.
The rising senior also has some good wiggle to him. He's not a running quarterback, but when he has an opening, he can pick up a first down or extend the play in order to make a throw. Speaking of throwing, watching this kid throw when he's in rhythm is a treat. He's got a compact motion when he's in the flow, and he can really wing the football around.
Weaknesses
Maynard's biggest weakness is his decision-making. He threw 12 interceptions in 2011, including seven in two games. That is a killer for a team that needs everything to go right in order to put together wins. While Maynard has "out-performed Andrew Luck" on his resume, he also has "played terrible against USC and Oregon" on there as well. Smart decisions with the football and an attention to detail are his big problems.
2012 Predictions
In the 2012 season, the Bears lose Marvin Jones, one of their standout wide receivers, but they do return Keenan Allen. Isi Sofele is back for the run game as well. The pieces are there for Maynard to lead this team into the top half of the Pac-12 North, especially with all the uncertainty at rival Stanford.
Expect the senior to cross the 3,000-yard passing mark and get to that 25-touchdown number. If he can focus on his mechanics, he will be in for a big year that could put him into the tier of quarterbacks, in which Washington's Keith Price currently resides.
