Brett Johnson

The start of Cal Spring football has brought with it plenty of changes and plenty of questions — but also some much-needed answers.

Johnson started all four games on the defensive line for Cal last season, enjoying arguably his best year at the collegiate level.

The Bears have parted ways with Tim DeRuyter, the defensive coordinator and outside linebackers coach who revolutionized Cal’s defense.

The duo led the Bears’ defensive unit to its third consecutive finish as a top-five defense in the Pac-12, and their efforts were recognized in the Pac-12’s yearly awards.

Turnovers proved to be the deciding factor in this year’s Big Game, with two of Stanford’s touchdowns coming swiftly after Cal mishaps.

Whether he is tracking an elk or preparing for a game on Saturday, Brett applies himself so he will accomplish that to the best of his ability.

Cal will be without defensive linemen Aaron Maldonado and Stanley McKenzie on Sunday morning. The two nose guards were expected to be key contributors.

Cal will inevitably have to rely on many young, inexperienced players and will likely rotate the lineman out often.

If anyone told the Bears’ fanbase that the defense would likely have more roster movement after 2019 than the offense, few would have believed it.

Cal’s first “possession” of the year didn’t even result in the offense taking the field — safety/returner Ashtyn Davis fumbled away the opening kickoff, and the 2019 season was off and running.