Looney brightens outlook for Pac-12’s worst defense
Brotherly love doesn’t really explain why James Looney transferred from Wake Forest to Cal. But the player the other Bears call “Looney Tunes” had his reasons.
Looney, who sat out last season because of transfer rules, is expected to step in at defensive tackle alongside Mustafa Jalil. Looney hopes to buttress a defense that last year allowed averages of 40 points and 512 yards a game. Both marks were the worst in the Pac-12.
“He creates issues because he’s such a good ‘foot’ athlete in terms of a big guy inside who’s athletic and can move and push the pocket,” Cal defensive line coach Fred Tate.
Looney’s also a welcome addition because of his sunny disposition. “It doesn’t ever seem like he’s got a bad moment during the day,” Tate said.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pounder came off the bench in six games as a freshman for Wake Forest in 2013 and was projected as a starter in 2014. After a new staff under Dave Clawson took over the program after the 2013 season, however, Looney said he and the coaches “didn’t see eye to eye.”
“I felt it would be the best opportunity if I transferred,” he said. “I got in touch with Cal, came out for a visit and fell in love with it.”
His brother, Joe Looney, is an offensive tackle for the 49ers after also playing at Wake Forest. “I definitely wanted to see my brother, but, honestly, I would have come to Cal without my brother being in the Bay Area,” James said. “The school is amazing. Academics, you can’t beat it.”
The two brothers worked out together in the offseason at the 49ers’ facility and at San Jose State. Going against a pro offensive lineman helped James’ technique.
“We won’t go full-speed, but I’ll show him where I’m trying to set my hands and what he should try to do,” Joe said. “My brother is a heck of an athlete. He’s a competitor, and he wants to win.”
After one game, James got some advice from longtime defensive lineman Justin Smith. “He was telling him what it takes to be in the NFL and stay in the NFL,” Joe Looney said.
At practice, Looney generally keeps his flowing Afro piled up under his helmet. “The hair is a Looney trait, I guess,” he said. “It’s a good-luck charm. It’s a Florida vibe; it reminds me of home.”
Anybody with that name probably is called “Looney Tunes” at some point. James enjoys it. “So I gotta keep the hair,” he said. “I’ve got to look crazy and fit the name.”
Briefly: Every day in the Cal camp brings some acrobatic catches from the deep group of wide receivers. One of Wednesday’s best was by Bryce Treggs, who — during an 11-on-11 drill — went up between two defenders, then wound up catching a pass from Jared Goff while flat on his back. … The players who have taken the most significant steps at camp — according to head coach Sonny Dykes — are defensive linemen DeVante Wilson and David Davis (coming off shoulder surgery), safety Demariay Drew, wide receiver Jack Austin and offensive lineman Aaron Cochran.