Daniel Lasco primed for breakout in ’14
By Thom Fain
Once a high-profile recruit out of suburban Houston, running back Daniel Lasco entered the 2013 season suffering nagging injuries, injuries he eventually would play through to post a scanty 317 yards on the ground and 78 from receiving. His performance wasn’t without its flashes of promise, however, as he displayed during last year’s matchup against the Bruins.
Having shoulder surgery before the season certainly set him back; his development was not where he or the team expected it to be. But for 2014 Lasco expects big things. “It feels real good to be out here and be healthy, running around and having fun with the team,” he said after a recent spring practice.
A good sign, considering he was brought in to Berkeley with high expectations.
But the question remains, will Lasco be the guy for Cal throughout the season? “Definitely [I expect] to get a lot of playing time in at running back,” he said. “Ever since I’ve been here I’ve believed it’s my time. I need to have that mindset to come out and do whatever I need to do to succeed on the field.”
Having a chance over the spring to showcase his abilities, an air of promise surrounds the Cal locker room that running game woes are a thing of the past. Lasco gives the Bears a much-needed power running threat, and incoming freshmen Vic Enwere and Tre Watson are expected to get reps at the position as well.
After the spring exhibition game, Lasco emerged as a possible breakout Bear. The team is on the heels of a bad season and can only move forward.
“We’ve got to hit it a little more downhill and be a little more physical,” Coach Sonny Dykes said after their spring exhibition game. “I thought Lasco really did that this spring. Overall, that’s been a big area of improvement and again particularly with him.”
There’s certainly talent with this group, and the work from April encourages a good look at the potential of a solid 2014 campaign.