Made It!?

A few years ago, then Cal head coach Jeff Tedford struck recruiting gold in North Carolina. It started with and centered around the signed commitment of receiver Keenan Allen. A bunch of players, talented players, followed Allen to Berkeley. Quarterback, and Allen's brother, Zach Maynard, receiver, and Allen's cousin, Maurice Harris, defensive linemen Gabe King and Chris McCain. This North Carolina connection woke up Cal's recruiting status as well as Cal's hopes. Allen was the key. Alabama thought that they had him but Alabama thinks that they have every player that interests them. Tide coach Nick Saban wanted Allen to play defensive back. Allen preferred playing receiver at Cal over playing secondary for Alabama. Plus, he'd be catching passes from his brother. A perk that played a significant part. Keenan Allen was a star on the field for three years at Cal despite having to chase wayward passes from his brother for two of those years.

But this isn't about Keenan Allen. This is about Chris McCain. As a freshman, McCain was about 6'6" and 215 lbs. He looked like a spider moving around the football field. Despite the slender frame, he was as strong as needed to be, He could rush the passer. He could move sideline to sideline. He was an impact player on Cal's defense as soon as he stepped on campus. He was also something of a loose cannon. He was energetic and emotional and he could lose his cool. Word around the campfire at Cal was that Tedford had lost control of his football team. Whether that rumor was true or not, Tedford's last few Cal teams did play with little control and discipline. It may have been the main reason that the coach was fired after the 2012 season. Sonny Dykes was hired to replace Tedford. Several players left after Dykes took over the program. That can happen with a coaching change. That doesn't mean that Dykes was cleaning house but some of the departed players were some of the loose cannons. McCain made it through spring pracices. He made it through training camp. He didn't make it through the 2013 football season. Chris McCain was kicked off of the Cal football team for conduct detrimental to the team. With a year of eligibility remaining but his Cal career over he had really no other option but to declare for the NFL Draft. And hope. He wasn't selected in the draft but the Miami Dolphins signed him as an undrafted free agent. His football career had life and his future in the league was all up to him. McCain is a unique football player with NFL talent. His quickness and length allows him to do things on the football field that few players can do. He's also filled out some since those spider-like days as a freshman at Cal. He's now listed at 6'6" 250 lbs. Excellent size. The Dolphins were smart to sign him. The reward could be high and the risk is slight. Any red flags due to his being kicked off of the Cal football team were marginal at best. He never seemed to be a true trouble-maker. He just seemed a bit energetic. Sometimes, a little too energetic. Fellow Dolphins defensive players Randy Starks and Cameron Wake should be tremendous influences. Just keep him away from Cortland Finnegan.

Chris McCain played in his first NFL game last Sunday. He faced the New England Patriots and his idol in Tom Brady. He sacked Brady in the game to help key a second half comeback. He also blocked a punt that led to a Dolphins touchdown. He's listed third on the depth chart but making game-changing plays like a sack and a blocked punt will only increase his playing time. It may be a little early to say that McCain has made it in the NFL but he's well on his way.