Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Cal coach Jeff Tedford said he could make a decision on a starting quarterback for next Saturday's season-opener as early as today after practice.
He seemed to give a slight edge to redshirt freshman Nate Longshore, who has been competing with junior-college transfer Joe Ayoob to replace Aaron Rodgers.
Tedford said Longshore came into fall camp more experienced and more comfortable with the system.
"He's maintained that margin throughout camp," Tedford said.
"They're both going to play in the first game, and we'll see how they respond," he added.
After that game against Sacramento State at Memorial Stadium, Tedford said he hopes to settle on one quarterback for the rest of the season.
Longshore has the benefit of having learned the offense last season, taking a redshirt year but dressing for all the games, attending the quarterback meetings and taking reps in practice.
Ayoob transferred from City College of San Francisco, where he was state JC Player of the Year. He enrolled at Cal in time for spring drills. He said he's growing comfortable with Tedford's complex offense.
Tedford is expected to announce his decision by Monday, at the latest.
Rodgers left Cal after his junior year and is now with the Green Bay Packers.
Kicking game: Special-teams coach Pete Alamar is close to settling on key players for the Bears' kicking game.
Cornerback Tim Mixon has the inside track on returning punts. Alamar is also looking at freshman wide receiver DeSean Jackson.
Last year's kickoff-return man, Marshawn Lynch, is taking over at starting tailback and is out of the special-teams rotation.
Candidates to replace him include tailbacks Justin Forsett and Marcus O'Keith, receiver Lavelle Hawkins and cornerback Daymeion Hughes.
Nick Sundberg, a walk-on freshman from Phoenix, will take over at long snapper, replacing L.P. Ladouceur, who graduated.
Alamar noted that Sundberg has the size -- 6-foot-1, 260 pounds -- to also be a capable blocker, as was Ladouceur.
Open house: The Bears host Fan Appreciation Day from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today at Memorial Stadium.
Players and coaches will be available for photos and autographs.
Events include appearances by the Cal Dance Team and mascot Oski as well as drills with players.
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