Cal Poly Spring Game shows off program stability

Chris Brown breaks-off a big game during Saturday’s spring football game.

Unlike last season, this year’s spring game wasn’t drenched in drama.

I’m sure Tim Wash would disagree with me. He would probably argue that stability doesn’t just depend on a single position — that the group of senior and upper-class leaders on last year’s Cal Poly football team should have made up for what became a quarterback carousel.

Credit Walsh for not allowing last season’s early-season four-way battle for starting quarterback to turn into a circus.

On Saturday, under sunny Spanos Stadium skies, Cal Poly’s spring game was played with much less on the line and the Mustang signal-callers showed a crispness that comes with a higher comfort level. It was especially apparent from the signal-callers.

This Spring, there is still a quarterback battle, but it has come down to two players — Chris Brown and Dano Graves. Last year’s winner of the four-way battle, Vince Moraga, is still recovering from knee surgery and Tanner Trosin transferred to play Junior College ball. That leaves Brown and Graves to duke it out for the top spot.

Both seemed much more comfortable behind center than last Spring, especially Graves. With the two alternating possessions, Cal Poly’s offense drove the length of the field and got within field goal range on each of their first three possessions. While the defense didn’t allow a touchdown all afternoon, the offense showed what it was capable of.

Brown’s decision-making in the moment seemed good. He handed off when he needed to and kept the ball when it was required. He showed his big arm and breakaway speed, rushing for 30 yards on one play.

Graves also showed improvement over the last time I saw him. He was much more poised as a passer, throwing strikes to a number of receivers.

His day was cut short when he pulled up with a non-contact injury to his torso, something that is unlikely to be of concern in the Fall.

Cal Poly’s overall depth was tested as a number of key players did not participate. Running back Kristaan Ivory and defensive linemen Jake Irwin and Chris Judge were among those who attended but were not dressed out. Seniors from last year were also in attendance. Kicker, Bobby Zalud sported a Hawai’ian shirt and helped on the “chain gang” while NFL draft hopeful Sullivan Grosz supported his defensive teammates.

Photos by Owen Main