Should Cal switch to a 4-3 this year from the 3-4?

The Chris Martin transfer pits this into further spotlight, but I’ve been thinking this for a while; should Cal revert back to a more traditional 4-3 from the 3-4 they currently run? Just looking at the personal we have, it would appear that a 4-3 might be looking better than a 3-4, especially considering the lack of rush linebackers we have now and potentially in the future.


For now, here’s the projected depth chart in our 3-4:

DE Cameron Jordan

NT Derrick Hill

DE Trevor Guyton

OLB Keith Browner

ILB Mike Mohamed

ILB DJ Holt

OLB Mychal Kendericks

Now the 4-3:

DE Cameron Jordan

DT Derrick Hill

DT Kendrick Payne

DE Trevor Guyton

OLB DJ Holt

ILB Mike Mohamed

OLB Mychal Kendricks

Now, note that the 4-3 look is pure speculation; I have no clue if Holt can play outside, but he seems to have body, or at least that of someone who could handle the position. If Holt can play the outside, or if you can work those 3 in a rotation (Holt, Mohamed, and Kendricks); then I believe that that unit is the better one. Payne and Hill are both competing for the starting defensive tackle job this year; Hill starting last year and Payne challenging him currently. Getting those two on the field, as well as getting rid of the uncertainty at rush linebacker, would be a very solid move. Pendergast, from what I’ve heard, has some experience running a 4-3. Why not try and get the best players on the field, instead of sticking with one scheme for the sake of running the scheme? In my opinion, and I’m sure many would agree, the 4-3 look has better personal than the 3-4. Whether it would play better on the field is a question; but why not give it a shot? Not that this a recommendation, but I’m sure it’d be an interesting thought to get the best talent out.

Hopefully the 3-4 we’re running works out great, but the 4-3 could be a look they switch to if the defense bombs. Go Bears!