No more returning kicks for Cal's Lynch

He'll focus on rushing, but the Bears have plenty of hopefuls to replace him
Cal football notebook
San Jose Mercury News
BERKELEY -- Although Marshawn Lynch's talents will be on display more since he is now the No. 1 tailback, the Cal sophomore probably won't be seen again as a kickoff return man.
"I'm not a big fan of having your No. 1 tailback being back there returning kicks," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said.
Tedford's decision not to use Lynch, who averaged 24.8 yards per attempt (23rd in the nation), was made easier because he recruited a wealth of talented skill position players. Junior college transfer Lavelle Hawkins, backup tailback Justin Forsett and freshman defensive back Syd'Quan Thompson all appeared well-suited to the job.
"Part of that job involves communication," said Tedford, noting that he is looking for more than just speed and great moves. "You have to make sure that ball gets fielded."
Junior cornerback Tim Mixon, who was third in the conference with an 11.1 average, has the lead on the punt return job. However, he is being pushed by freshman wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
Call him Boomer
Senior punter David Lonie has been pushed into the kickoff duties since Anthony Binswanger left the team. That appears to be OK, though, since Lonie developed more power in the off-season.
Last year, Binswanger got the job when Lonie failed to consistently get his kickoffs to the end zone. His reputation out of Ellsworth Junior College-Iowa was that he could put the ball through the back of the end zone. That didn't materialize.
Since camp began last week, Lonie has been routinely kicking the ball deep in the end zone again. "I changed my approach," he said. "I moved it from 5 yards to 6 yards, and I slowed down a little. I was rushing it. I looked at my old tapes from junior college and I got focused. I had to when Tony left."
Lonie said his leg is pretty worn out since he has been Cal's main place-kicker early in camp. Sophomore Tom Schneider has had mononucleosis and has been able to kick only sporadically.
Tedford said Lonie has been kicking great. "He has become more compact and it has helped his accuracy," Tedford said.
Extra points
Sophomore safety Thomas DeCoud hyperextended his knee in practice and will be out indefinitely. Defensive coordinator Bob Gregory has shifted senior cornerback Harrison Smith into DeCoud's spot. ... Tedford has been very pleased with the play of freshman long snapper Nick Sundberg out of Phoenix. Sundberg was a last-minute recruit who agreed to walk on and see if he could win the job. So far, he is doing just that.