QB Longshore picked to lead Cal

By Dave Newhouse, STAFF WRITER
BERKELEY — Two years ago this month, Aaron Rodgers was informed by Cal football coach Jeff Tedford that Reggie Robertson was his starting quarterback.
"You guys haven't heard the last of me," a determined Rodgers told the media.
On Monday, another junior college transfer vs. returning quarterback scenario in Strawberry Canyon turned out the same way: Tedford chose Nate Longshore over Joe Ayoob.
"It's kind of what I figured, that Nate would get the start," Ayoob said. "There's a little frustration in that I was supposed to come in and be the starter. Right now, Nate's the best quarterback for the team."
College football is different from the NFL in that there are no preseason games to separate the competition. Rodgers replaced Robertson permanently by the fifth game. Ayoob believes his time is coming, too.
"I'm going to be prepared for my chance, and when it comes, I'm going to take it and run with it," he said. "I don't think I'm out of it by any means."
The junior from City College of San Francisco has it somewhat easier than Rodgers. For Longshore, a redshirt freshman, has no playing experience at Cal; Robertson had thrown 67 passes prior to 2003.
However, it won't be a cakewalk for Ayoob either because Longshore has been preparing diligently for his first collegiate start.
"It's always been a dream for me to play in the Pac-10," he said. "I can't wait. It's been a long off-season, a long camp. I'm just ready to play. It will be exciting."
There was a certain dj vu when Tedford explained why he decided on Longshore.
"He's shown a very good grasp of the offense, which is understandable," Tedford said. "Not only that, he's shown a high level of consistency with his throws. Joe needs to be more
consistent. I feel Nate will do a great job of putting us in a position to be successful."
Tedford added the gap between the 6-foot-5, 226-pound Longshore and the 6-3, 220-pound Ayoob didn't narrow much during fall camp. So Longshore will face visiting Sacramento State in Saturday's opener.
"Nate has really had a nice camp, and he just gains more confidence each and every day," Tedford said. "Joe has a little better grasp of it. We're hoping in the first game that we give both those guys time."
And game time is when Ayoob hopes to make his move.
"I love showtime," he said.
Tedford recognizes the importance of game-time performances, reflecting back to when Rodgers overtook Robertson as No. 1.
"They both need, especially early in the season, a little game time," he said. "It's always nice to see how they perform at that time. Practice is one thing ..."
But Saturdays count for more.
BEAR TRACKS: Ayoob will start in one capacity: He will hold on field goals and PATs for Tom Schneider. ... Highly recruited wide receiver DeSean Jackson will debut for Cal as a true freshman starter. ... Other true freshmen who will play are linebackers Anthony Felder and Zack Follett, cornerback Robert Peele and defensive tackle Mika Kane. ... Tedford will wait a few games before deciding whether two more freshmen, tight end Cameron Morrah and cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson, will redshirt.