Photo by: Eyasu Betwos
Size, Strength and Maturity Impress Head Coach Paul Wulff
4/13/2023 3:31:00 PM | Football
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Five down, 10 to go.
One-third of the way through his first Spring Camp as head football coach at Cal Poly, Paul Wulff likes what he has seen so far.
"I am noticing that, overall, the size and the strength of the team is bigger," said Wulff. "I also like the maturity, how we go about everything we're doing out there. That's a lot of fun, just to see the growth and more confidence these young men have shown so far."
The roster for this year's Spring Camp includes 90 returnees, 20 of whom started at least four games last fall (nine on offense, 11 on defense) and 36 others who earned letters by playing in at least one game. The Mustangs lost just five starters to graduation or the transfer portal.
Also in camp are a number of players who redshirted last fall as well as five Division I transfers and two other players -- pictured above, offensive lineman Jayden Smith (left) of McNair HS in Stockton and cornerback Delano Franklin (right) of Bishop Amat HS in La Puente -- who graduated early from high school and enrolled at Cal Poly in time to participate in Spring Camp.
Wulff's biggest concerns so far are the lack of depth in the defensive secondary as well as the defensive line, due in large part to players still recovering from injuries last fall or who suffered injuries in camp.
"A large number of that will be filled by the young men coming in in the summer and fall, but we also have some guys from last year that can't participate in practice at this time," Wulff said.
"That limits exactly what we can do in terms of the volume of plays and practice time, but we're still getting some good work in," the former Eastern Washington and Washington State head coach added.
Cal Poly's six quarterback candidates sported a new look with red jerseys this week, making it a little easier for defensive players to spot who not to tackle in live drills.
Spring Camp continues with a practice session Friday, four more next week and five during the last week. Junior Day and a scrimmage are planned for Saturday, April 22, at 10 a.m. and noon, respectively, with the annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. inside Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
 |
 |
"I am noticing that, overall, the size and the strength of the team is bigger," said Wulff. "I also like the maturity, how we go about everything we're doing out there. That's a lot of fun, just to see the growth and more confidence these young men have shown so far."
The roster for this year's Spring Camp includes 90 returnees, 20 of whom started at least four games last fall (nine on offense, 11 on defense) and 36 others who earned letters by playing in at least one game. The Mustangs lost just five starters to graduation or the transfer portal.
Also in camp are a number of players who redshirted last fall as well as five Division I transfers and two other players -- pictured above, offensive lineman Jayden Smith (left) of McNair HS in Stockton and cornerback Delano Franklin (right) of Bishop Amat HS in La Puente -- who graduated early from high school and enrolled at Cal Poly in time to participate in Spring Camp.
Wulff's biggest concerns so far are the lack of depth in the defensive secondary as well as the defensive line, due in large part to players still recovering from injuries last fall or who suffered injuries in camp.
"A large number of that will be filled by the young men coming in in the summer and fall, but we also have some guys from last year that can't participate in practice at this time," Wulff said.
"That limits exactly what we can do in terms of the volume of plays and practice time, but we're still getting some good work in," the former Eastern Washington and Washington State head coach added.
Cal Poly's six quarterback candidates sported a new look with red jerseys this week, making it a little easier for defensive players to spot who not to tackle in live drills.
Spring Camp continues with a practice session Friday, four more next week and five during the last week. Junior Day and a scrimmage are planned for Saturday, April 22, at 10 a.m. and noon, respectively, with the annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. inside Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
Players Mentioned
CB
/ Football
OL
/ FootballNew Head Football Coach Tim Skipper's First Day On Campus
Thursday, December 11
Cal Poly Introduces New Head Football Coach Tim Skipper
Monday, December 08
Cal Poly Postgame Presser Logan Booker, Kenny Olson, Anthony Grigsby - Eastern Washington (11/22/25)
Sunday, November 23
Cal Poly Football Head Coach Paul Wulff Postgame Press Conference - Eastern Washington (11/22/25)
Sunday, November 23
