The Cal Bears’ fall camp has barely begun, yet a clear vision of the future is already emerging through the eyes of new running back Kendrick Raphael, a North Carolina State transfer who arrived in Berkeley with an unyielding determination to seize the starting role and forge a significant legacy.
Raphael, a junior, is not just content with a spot on the depth chart; his immediate and ambitious target is to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark in his inaugural season with the Golden Bears, a feat that would undeniably solidify his presence and elevate the team’s offensive capabilities. Beyond individual statistics, he harbors aspirations for All-ACC honors, underscoring his commitment to elite performance.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 200 pounds, Raphael showcased immense potential during his high school career, where he amassed an impressive 3,766 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns, averaging over 10 yards per carry. His recruitment drew interest from prominent programs like Penn State and Oregon, highlighting his recognized talent even before his collegiate journey began.
His previous tenure at NC State saw him as part of a dynamic three-man rotation, contributing 425 rushing yards last season. While a productive member of the Wolfpack’s ground attack, Raphael believes he has merely scratched the surface of his full capabilities, suggesting that a more prominent role could unlock even greater output.
The landscape at Cal presented an enticing opportunity for Raphael, with key running backs like Jaydn Ott and Jaivian Thomas departing in the offseason, leaving the position wide open for a new leader. This clear path to a significant role, coupled with a strong connection forged with new offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin during his recruiting visit, made Berkeley an irresistible destination.
Raphael is part of a fresh wave of talent joining the Bears’ backfield, including fellow transfers Brandon High Jr. from UTSA and LJ Johnson Jr. from Texas A&M, alongside promising freshman Anthony League. They join returning players such as redshirt freshmen Jamaal Wiley and Jayden Parker, and redshirt sophomore Dean-Taylor Chapman, creating a competitive and deep running back corps.
Interestingly, Raphael had a brief prior encounter with Berkeley’s Memorial Stadium when NC State visited last fall, staging a dramatic comeback to defeat the Bears. This prior experience, though on the opposing side, offers him a unique familiarity with the environment he now calls home.
As the Cal Bears prepare to kick off their season on the road against former Pac-12 rival Oregon State on August 30th, all eyes will be on Kendrick Raphael and his pursuit of a 1,000-yard season, a personal achievement that could significantly impact Cal’s fortunes and redefine its running game for years to come.
