Cal featured on ESPN.com, picked to win Pac-10

Marshawn Lynch has returned to the front page of ESPN’s College Football index, with caption “Marshawn Lynch and Cal are focused on a run at the Pac-10 title” and subtitle “Is this the year USC gets knocked off the Pac-10 throne? Will Marshawn Lynch lead a Cal coronation?” This is the lead-in for ESPN’s release of the Blue Ribbon Preview for the Pac-10 (subscription only). The article is VERY positive, picking Cal to win the Pac-10. Their summary:

Blue Ribbon Preview – California:
The defense should be potent, led by perhaps the most complete collection of linemen and linebackers west of the Mississippi. The pass rush should be more than enough to bypass potential growing pains by the safeties.

And then there’s Lynch, who along with USC receiver Dwayne Jarrett should bring the Pac-10 any national attention some might fear departed with Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart. Lynch is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate and here’s guessing Cal produces a 2,000-yard rusher for the second time in three seasons (J.J. Arrington did so in 2004).

In the end, we see Cal as a lock for double-digit wins and at worst, third-place in the Pac-10. Best-case scenario, though — one of the quarterbacks takes to the spread offense and the Bears unseat USC, the three-time defending Pac-10 champs, and earn a coveted BCS bid that many thought they deserved two seasons ago.

They project Lynch as the Pac-10’s Offensive Player of the Year and Daymeion Hughes as the Defensive Player of the Year. Lynch and Hughes (DB) also make their All-Pac-10 Team along with Brandon Mebane (DL), Desmond Bishop (LB), and Tim Mixon (PR).

One player I believe they overlooked is DeSean Jackson (WR), a contender for a monster season. ESPN’s Bruce Feldman reports that Jackson has spent the offseason weight training instead of playing baseball. He’s already put on 10 pounds of bulk.

Lynch on ESPN2 feature for Heisman hopefuls

Today, Marshawn Lynch was featured on ESPN2’s “Cold Pizza” as a candidate in the Heisman race this season. During his segment, he could be described humble and well-spoken. Lynch seems to remain deeply appreciative to his team and his hometown (Oakland), but he also realizes what he means to them.

Analyst Pat Forde made some comments regarding what must happen for Lynch to win:

• Hype. Cal needs to give Lynch the spotlight in front of the TV camera and create opportunities for him to get more TV exposure, especially since we’re 3 hours behind the East Coast.
• Numbers. Lynch needs to get more touches (whether it’s carries, receptions, or kick returns) and stats like 2000 yards and 20 TD’s. These may be a bit lofty considering the balance of the offense.
• Team. Cal needs to beat USC and get 10 wins.

Forde closed up with giving Lynch 12/1 odds to win the Heisman, but said the odds would improve substantially given wins against Tennessee and Minnesota (the first two games of the season).

EDIT: Here is an online clip of the video segment.

Cal launches Marshawn website (for Heisman)

Cal has launched www.Marshawn10.com, a website designed to promote Marshawn Lynch, a Heisman Trophy contender.

The site looks great, and it offers a wealth of highlight videos and other information about our great running back. Hopefully the site will contribute to Lynch’s national recognition and his run for the Heisman. Take a look!

EDIT 7/22: The San Jose Mercury News put up a news article discussing Marshawn’s site on the front page of today’s Sports section. Read the article here.

EDIT 7/24: The Daily Californian also has a nicely written opinion column about the site. Take a look here.

Lynch #5 in ESPN preseason RB rankings

Marshawn Lynch has taken the fifth spot in Todd McShay‘s top preseason RB rankings on ESPN. He placed behind Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma), Michael Bush (Louisville), Jamaal Charles (Texas), and Steve Slaton (West Virginia). McShay writes:

5. Marshawn Lynch, Cal, JR, 5-11, 206
Lynch rushed for 1,246 yards as a first-year starter last season despite missing two games due to injury. He will still share some carries with Justin Forsett, who impressed with an average of 7.6 yards per carry as Lynch’s backup and injury replacement. But as long as Lynch stays healthy and continues to progress, he should see twice as many carries this season, which could equate to 2,000-plus rushing yards.

I think he should have ranked higher. He’s definitely a better running back than some of the players that placed ahead of him. We’ll leave it up to the season to determine where they really are. Take a look at the article here.

Lynch running better, smarter

The Contra Costa Times is saying that Marshawn Lynch is running smarter, making him even more dangerous on the field. In addition, it reports that he’s weighing in at 225, something like 10 pounds more than last year. At 5’10”, he’s going to be a monster. Here’s an excerpt:

Jay Heater says: Although Cal tailback Marshawn Lynch gained 1,246 yards as a sophomore, the third-best rushing year in team history, running backs coach Ron Gould said Lynch only has started to tap into his potential.

“He has gotten so much better (in the offseason),” Gould said. “He has gotten better in terms of work ethic, and I see a better back in terms of all-around play. He is running the ball harder inside. He has been great in meetings. He is smart like a fox.”

You can see the rest of the article here. It also mentions that fellow tailback Marcus O’Keith has put on 20 pounds to 200, and Justin Forsett is looking good as usual.