Cal Shows Fresh Faces in Preseason Workout

By CHRIS NGUON
Daily Californian
Monday, August 22, 2005
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Cal football coach Jeff Tedford is the first one to admit it—there is still a lot of work to be done, and there isn’t much time to do it.
The No. 19 Bears only have two weeks of practice before their season opener Sept. 3 against Sacramento State at Memorial Stadium, and Tedford has still given no indication as to who his starting quarterback will be against the Hornets.
Pressed on the question when training camp began three weeks ago, Tedford noted that if the season started then, redshirt freshman Nate Longshore would probably be the starter.
So far, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound gunslinger has not done a whole lot to dispel Tedford’s notions.
Longshore, who was the third stringer last season behind Aaron Rodgers and Reggie Robertson, brings to the table arguably the strongest throwing arm on the team, as well as having the most experience at the position.
Despite Longshore’s success, Tedford said Thursday during the team’s first of two training camp scrimmages that the quarterback position is still very open.
Challenging Longshore’s bid to start is junior college transfer Joe Ayoob, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound spark plug, who has yet to look comfortable in the pocket throwing the ball, but has shown off his distinct ability to scramble when a play has broken down.
“I’m sure (Longshore and Ayoob) have learned a lot over these past few weeks,” Tedford said. “We had some open receivers that both guys kind of floated the ball to and didn’t quite get it there, but that's why you get in these game-type situations, to get them more comfortable and throwing the ball with authority.”
Jackson Shines
Thursday’s scrimmage also provided Cal fans the opportunity to get a look at the young talent that Tedford brought in through last year’s recruiting class.
Freshman wide receiver Desean Jackson gave a brief glimpse of why he was regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation last season, when he beat senior cornerback Tim Mixon for a 40-yard score down the left sideline. “DeSean caught a great ball in the end zone,” Tedford said. Jackson, who stands 6-feet, 175-pounds, figures to receive more reps and more playing time as the season rolls along.
Overall, the competition among the wide receivers has been very highly contested during training camp.
Along with Jackson, junior college transfer and former Louisiana State product Lavelle Hawkins seems to have made a smooth transition into the offense.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Hawkins was one of the top recruits in California two years ago. After a one year stint with the Tigers, Hawkins became a JuCo All-American last season at City College of San Francisco, where he and Ayoob formed a formidable combination.
Additionally, returning starter Robert Jordan, along with backups Sam DeSa, Sean Young, and Noah Smith have also looked good in practice.
Gray Moves to Tight End
One player who Bears fans probably won’t be seeing line up as a wide receiver anymore is David Gray, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior from McClymonds High School in Oakland, who has now made the switch to the tight end position.
Gray, who Cal fans might remember as the player on the receiving end of Terrell Williams’ half-back pass in Tedford’s first game as head coach against Baylor in 2002, has been hampered by nagging injuries and an off-the-field issue during his time at Cal.
But, Gray, who Tedford said is 100 percent healthy this year and running a legit 4.5 40-yard dash, looked very good Thursday, hauling in several impressive catches, including two in the end zone.
Gray should add depth to an already formidable tight end rotation, which features sophomore Craig Stevens and 6-foot-5, 240-pound freshman Cameron Morrah, whose skill and athleticism has impressed Tedford so far in camp.
Special Teams Report
Sophomore Marshawn Lynch, penciled in as the team’s starting running back, will no longer be returning kicks this season, Tedford said.
The role will go to a new group of players coming in this season.
And, from what players have shown so far in training camp, there is still plenty to get excited about when it comes to the special team returners this year.
“We have some very talented guys back there,” Tedford said. “I’m pleased with the way they are working so far.”
Some of the players competing for the kick returning spots are Jackson, sophomore defensive back Brandon Hampton, sophomore running back Justin Forsett and junior running back Marcus O’Keith.
Mixon, who statistically was one of the top punt returners in the conference last season, is at the top of the depth chart, with Forsett and DeSa also looking to grab the starting job.
Sophomore Tom Schneider will return as the Bears’ placekicker this season. David Lonie will also return after an up and down first year as punter. Lone will also handle kickoff duties due to Anthony Biswanger’s transfer.