Cal Football: Top 10 most valuable Bears in 2009 - No. 9

June 10, 12:29 AMCal Bears ExaminerRob Calonge

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Marvin Jones could be another difference maker for Cal.

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In case you missed it, yesterday I began my list of top 10 most valuable Cal Bears for the 2009 football season.  For those of you with a short attention span, number 10 is Bryan Anger.

My next selection is an odd one, even by my very obtuse standards of judgement.  I had a difficult time deciding this spot, which goes to show that I am uncertain of my final choice.

Here's some of the criteria that brought me to the decision that I will reveal momentarily.

First, which position is critical enough, but not that necessary to select for the ninth most important player?  Do I select someone from the well-stocked Cal secondary?  What about picking a guy from the offensive or defensive lines?  in this fairly new 3-4 alignment, it's well known how important linebackers are - do I select one of them?

The answer to that question, at least for me, is the position of wide receiver.  I chose that spot because of what the Bears were able to accomplish last year without a standout catching balls - one who lined up closer to the sidelines than the quarterback.

Even without a DeSean Jackson making big plays, the Cal offense was better than average due to their ability to run the ball along with having running backs or a tight end that got open when needed (which was often in 2008).

So, even though a receiver is critical to the fortunes of the Golden Bears in 2009, it isn't close to being the most important.

Secondly, who's shoulders do I select as the receiver to lay this prestigious (I kid) award on?  I've already stated previously that the receivers who were on the field last season will be much improved this season.  After the conclusion of spring practices, Nyan Boateng is listed as the starter opposite of Marvin Jones, meaning that those are the guys we're looking at for now.

Since neither receiver is guaranteed a starting gig come September, I'm going to have to cheat just a little for this selection.  Boateng is battling Jeremy Ross for his starting spot and either one will probably do just fine in that capacity.  I expect that they'll be able to pull off the tough catches this coming season and garner enough attention from Cal's opponents that whomever starts opposite them will have to come through in order for the passing game to be a factor.

That someone is Jones for right now.  Here's where the cheating comes into play - Jones, or whoever beats Jones out for the starter's role is the ninth most valuable player on the Bears.  I'm betting that it will be Jones, but he's going to have to outplay Verran Tucker and Michael Calvin this summer to retain this level of importance.

Jones' main task, should he be given the role, will be to stretch the field a la Jackson in 2007.  The affect of his success will be a very potent passing attack and an even more deadlier rushing game.  Effective field-stretching keeps the defensive secondary from crowding the line and allows more mayhem to be forced on the linebackers, whether it be with short to intermediary passes or the running game.

Boateng, Ross, and Tucker all showed promise at times last season in the role of a possession receiver.  The year of experience will only make them better, but even though they are important to the team, the most important receiver will be the one that scares opponents.

In case you have forgotten what Jones can do, I found a remix of his highlight reel on YouTube.  To be quite honest, I'm posting it here because it funks up the place a little.  Enjoy!