California Vulcans

2013 Record: 7-4 (4-3)

Head Coach: Mike Kellar (15-7, 3rd year)
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Lopez
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Kellar

Top returning players: TE Des Green, WR Kowan Scott, OL Jack Abercrombie, DB Aaron Terry, QB James Harries

The upside: The offensive line is a strong group that returns five starters
The downside: Only one true veteran receiver returns



Of the 16 programs in the PSAC, I think California has the most to prove this year. It's hard to believe that the Vulcans have not been to the post-season since 2011 and even harder to believe that they're coming off a fourth place finish in the PSAC West. This is a program that is only a few years removed from five straight trips to the D2 playoffs, including 3 regional championships. If Cal is going to retain their reputation as one of the top programs in the region, they have to make a statement this year.

Offensive inconsistency plagued the Vulcans last year, most notably at the quarterback position. Cody Schroeder and James Harris both had their moments, but neither was able to assert himself as the undisputed starter before the end of the season. Schroeder began the year as the starter and helped the team to a gutsy win at Hillsdale, but his performance dropped off in following weeks and he was replaced during the IUP game after three interceptions. Harris had a pretty solid stint over the next month of the season until a torrid first half at Slippery Rock in which he completed only 2 of 20 attempts. Schroeder came off the bench in the second half to lead to scoring drives. Harris did return for the final week of the season and played admirably in a win over Milllersville. Harris came out of spring practice as the number and is projected as the starter heading into summer camp. The Vulcans really need the former Wake Forest baseball standout to take the reigns and not let go.

The receiving corps lost a lot to graduation, but Kowan Scott is definitely ready to be the number 1 and TE Des Greene is a dynamic player that can be dangerous in any formation. The running game wasn't stellar last season, but the top three ball carriers (Knox, Grissom and Fiore) did combine for more than 1,300 yards and all will be back. The key factor for the offense is that the line, which was made up entirely of underclassmen last year, is very deep and very experienced. This will be veteran group in 2014 anchored by All-American candidate Jack Abercrombie at Center.

On the defensive side of the ball, there are a lot of holes to fill. Cal had five All-PSAC West defenders in 2013 but four were seniors, and there are other losses as well. It will be hard to replace standouts like Dewey McDonald and BJ Stevens, but the Vulcans have been here before and the system always produces. They still have studs at every level of the defense. If they establish solid depth in the D-line, I think they will be very strong once again.


Outlook
It's good to be disappointed with 7-4. It means the team is capable of more, and I think that is how the Vulcans feel heading into this season. The early crossovers are difficult (at Bloomsburg, v. Shippensburg) and Virginia State could be tough as well, but those contests should help them get ready for the meat of the conference schedule towards the middle of the season.