Offense Quarterbacks: Sophomore Nate Longshore has been granted the first go, but seniors Joe Ayoob and Steve Levy have been pretty even with the starter throughout training camp. Coach Jeff Tedford's history with quarterback development bodes well for whoever emerges as the season-long starter.

Running backs: Running backs coach Ron Gould says he's never had a group this deep. Junior Marshawn Lynch is the nation's No. 2 rusher among returners with 1,246 yards, the third-best single-season mark in Cal history. Fullbacks Byron Storer and Will Ta'ufo'ou also will pave the way for Justin Forsett (999 yards) and Marcus O'Keith (11.0 yards a carry).

Receivers: DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan and Lavelle Hawkins would make up three-quarters of a stellar relay team. They flat-out fly, run routes well and have good hands. But someone has to get them the ball, and there is still a need for a consistent over-the-middle receiver.

Linemen: Having lost three starters to the draft, the line was supposed to be a question mark. The return of left tackle Andrew Cameron and the emergence of tackle Mike Tepper, center Alex Mack and guards Bryan Deemer and Noris Malele appear to have solidified the unit.

Defense Linemen: Training-camp injuries have taken a toll on the group. Still, Brandon Mebane might be the best defensive tackle in the nation, and Nu'u Tafisi has shown signs of greatness in camp. The unit is deep enough to hold down the fort until Philip Mbakogu and Mika Kane are ready to return.

Linebackers: Among the deepest corps in the nation. There are seven players vying for three spots, and they're all expected to get playing time and make plays.

Secondary: The only real question on a defense that is poised to be special. The Bears must replace graduated safeties Donnie McCleskey and Harrison Smith, and cornerback Tim Mixon, who was lost for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Safeties Thomas DeCoud, Brandon Hampton and Bernard Hicks, and cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson give Cal the athletes to replace the trio, but they'll get thrown into the fire early.

Special teams Kickers: Junior kicker Tom Schneider has a chance to move into Cal's top 10 in scoring this season, and junior-college transfer punter Andrew Larson has shown a powerful leg during training camp. Consistency is key for both as Schneider has made only 56 percent of his field-goal attempts, and there is always an adjustment period with junior-college transfers.

Returners: Tedford refuses to play it safe. The pros of getting more touches for Lynch and Jackson outweigh the additional chance of injury. Lynch led the team with 271 kick-return yards last season, and Jackson took his only punt return 49 yards for a score last year. O'Keith, Hawkins and Hampton add depth to the group.