Our series of breakout players in the Pac-12 continues. Today we check in on Cal.
Breakout player: RB Daniel Lasco
2013 statistics: Rushing: 67 carries, 317 yards, 2 TD. Receiving: 11 catches, 78 yards.
The case for Lasco: With Khalfani Muhammad away for large chunks of the spring due to his commitment to the track team, Lasco was able to capitalize on an increased amount of reps. A high-profile recruit coming out of Texas in 2011, he missed last year's spring practice due to injury and then four games during the season. Even when he played, he wasn't completely healthy, which limited his development.
Injuries weren't a problem during the spring and as the 15 practices progressed, he showed clear progress as a player. While Muhammad is more of speed threat, Lasco has the potential to give Cal a power presence it lacked last season. His power style was on display during Cal's version of a spring game on April 26, in which he was clearly the Bears' most talented running back.
“We have to be a little more downhill and be a little more physical, and Lasco really did that this spring,” coach Sonny Dykes said following the spring game. “I think overall it’s a big area of improvement, especially with Lasco.”
Cal also expects incoming freshmen Vic Enwere and Tre Watson -- along with Jeffrey Coprich -- to contribute next season.
Other breakout players: