Patrick Mekari

Here are five former Bears who are making a name for themselves after their draft seasons.

Unlike the first few practices, day five was sped up because of the addition of shoulder pads, with periods focused on third-down and red-zone execution, key components of the team’s agenda.

But just hours after missing the cut, four former Bears are headed to the league by way of the undrafted free agent market.

Nothing is more exciting than opening the season with a long-awaited rematch, and this first game is an immensely important chess move in Cal’s pursuit of a victorious season.

Head coach Justin Wilcox revealed after Monday’s practice that the duo was selected by their teammates to be the season-long captains.

Moving parts — that’s really what day one of Cal football’s fall camp consisted of. From an experienced offensive line to a promising group of linebackers to a growing list of tight ends, it seemed as though the Bears were thrilled to be back in business.

On Tuesday, Cal football senior Patrick Mekari was named on the preseason watchlist for the Outland Trophy by the Football Writers Association of America, an award presented to college football’s best interior lineman.

Quarterbacks and running backs typically receive most of the credit on the offense, but without protection or room to run, an offense falls to pieces and Cal needs its big men if it wants to have a successful 2017 season.