CAL BEARS - Position By Position

Bruce Adams
SF Chronicle
Thursday, September 1, 2005
Offense
-- Quarterbacks: Redshirt freshman Nate Longshore has won the starting job for now, but junior college transfer Joe Ayoob is still in the hunt. Coach Jeff Tedford says he'll evaluate both players after Saturday's season opener against Sacramento State. With a conference game in Week 2 at Washington, Tedford says he'll move quickly.
-- Running backs: Sophomore Marshawn Lynch is poised to have a landmark year after averaging 8.8 yards a carry last season as a backup. Without a single college start, he already is being discussed as a Heisman long-shot. The Bears have excellent depth, with sophomore Justin Forsett, junior Marcus O'Keith and senior Terrell Williams in the wings.
-- Receivers: JC transfer Lavelle Hawkins and true freshman DeSean Jackson move right into the starting lineup, bringing the Bears newfound speed. Robert Jordan, a starter last year as a true freshman, also will get considerable playing time. Reserves Noah Smith, Sam DeSa and Sean Young all have shown improvements. Craig Stevens starts at tight end, backed up by John Rust. Converted wideout David Gray brings speed to the position.
-- Linemen: The veteran O-line will be the heart of the offense. The Bears return four starters; with All-American center Marvin Philip and All-Pac- 10 right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan anchoring the group. Right guard Aaron Merz and left tackle Andrew Cameron also return. Erik Robertson, with one start and considerable playing time last year, takes over the left-guard spot. There's plenty of depth as well, notably promising redshirt freshman Noris Malele..

Defense
-- Linemen: Tackle Brandon Mebane is the lone returning starter from last year, and is expected to set the tone with his play. Tosh Lupoi, a former starter who sat out last year with a broken foot, is back and provides leadership. JC transfer Nu'u Tafisi will start opposite Lupoi. Matthew Malele lines up inside, next to Mebane.
-- Linebackers: Senior Ryan Foltz is the lone returning starter on a unit brimming with promise. JC All-American Desmond Bishop should make an immediate impact. Greg Van Hoesen starts the year at one of the outside spots, and should share time with Worrell Williams, once Williams recovers from a high ankle sprain. Freshmen Zack Follett and Anthony Felder will be in the rotation.
-- Secondary: This is the most experienced unit on defense. Donnie McCleskey, slowed by injuries last year, is healthy and back starting at rover. Harrison Smith has moved to free safety from corner. Daymeion Hughes, a starter last year, and Tim Mixon, heavily used mostly as a reserve, bring experience to the corners..

Special Teams
-- Kickers: David Lonie, last year's punter, also will handle kickoffs this year. He has shown the leg strength to consistently put the ball in the end zone. Tom Schneider returns as the field-goal kicker. He was 9-for-16 last year, his longest a 48-yarder. He has shown a bit more range and accuracy in camp.
-- Returners: Reserve tailback Justin Forsett, speedy in the open field, becomes the Bears' punt returner. Mixon, the No. 3 punt returner in the Pac-10 last year who possesses breakaway speed, takes over kickoff returns. He'll be backed by Jackson.