Cal safety Ashtyn Davis to miss Redbox Bowl, multiple receivers set to return
After practice on Friday afternoon, Cal head coach Justin Wilcox announced that starting safety Ashtyn Davis will miss the Redbox Bowl after undergoing a minor procedure. Earlier this week, Davis was named to the All-Pac-12 Second Team, so the loss will be a significant one for the Bears. It was not clear if the procedure was related to his foot injury from last month, but heading into the NFL Draft process, staying healthy is obviously a priority for Davis as he tries to prove himself to scouts. Dane Brugler, an NFL Draft Analyst for the Athletic, ranked Davis as the top senior safety in the 2020 NFL Draft class.
On the other side, receivers Jeremiah Hawkins and Kekoa Crawford are both expected to return from injury and play in the bowl game. Despite only playing in five games this season, Crawford has been Cal’s most productive target when on the field, leading the team with 48.6 receiving yards per game. The Bears are 5-0 when Crawford has been healthy; he last played in the Bears’ win against Washington State, in which he made four catches for 58 yards. With quarterback Chase Garbers expected to gain two of his weapons back, Cal’s passing game will be something to watch for against Illinois.
Shailin Singh covers football. Contact him at shailinsingh@dailycal.org.