Before flying to Sydney for its Aug. 26 season opener against Hawaii, Sonny Dykes’ staff will try to answer a number of questions. Cal’s early opener puts added pressure on Dykes to name a starting quarterback quickly. Developing a rhythm with the man running the offense, after all, will be vital for a new-look receiving corps. Dykes said last week that he will pick his quarterback “the very moment somebody separates themselves,” perhaps as soon as the first preseason practice. Rated the nation’s No. 1 senior quarterback prospect by ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., Webb’s blend of experience, arm strength and accuracy should make him the easy choice over redshirt freshman Ross Bowers and sophomore Chase Forrest. Cal’s pass rush will start from scratch after losing its four best blitz specialists — Kyle Kragen (7 sacks in 2015), Todd Barr (4), Jalen Jefferson (2) and Jonathan Johnson (2) — in the offseason. Defensive line coach Fred Tate hopes ends DeVante Wilson and Noah Westerfield will emerge as two of the conference’s better pass rushers. After moving from safety to linebacker in the spring, Derron Brown impressed in blitz packages. Cal is tasked with replacing six receivers who signed with NFL teams. Early enrollee Melquise Stovall could be the ideal replacement for Bryce Treggs in the slot after erupting for 128 receiving yards in the spring game. Other players who could be key cogs include JUCO transfer Jordan Veasy, Tennessee transfer Vic Wharton III and redshirt freshman Brandon Singleton. Bring defensive backs up to speed Though the quarterback competition will receive most of the attention, Cal coaches will also spend preseason camp finding three new starting defensive backs. Cornerback Darius White and safety Stefan McClure are with the Indianapolis Colts, and safety Damariay Drew will miss the season after suffering an ACL tear in the spring. The preseason depth chart lists senior Antoine Albert as the starter at White’s old spot, senior Khari Vanderbilt at Drew’s old position and sophomore Evan Rambo at McClure’s old spot. Redshirt freshman Jaylinn Hawkins and junior Luke Rubenzer are also in the mix at safety. Redshirt freshman Malik Psalms and JUCO transfer Marloshawn Franklin will be Albert’s biggest competition at cornerback.
