BERKELEY -- The time has come for Cal sophomore wide receiver Sam DeSa to make his move. DeSa, from Monte Vista High School, has struggled to get snaps. After redshirting due to hamstring problems in 2003, DeSa caught just one pass for 3 yards in 2004. But with sophomore wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins hobbled with a sprained ankle, DeSa will play a more prominent role Saturday against Arizona at Memorial Stadium. "Sam practices very hard, and he is much more consistent now," coach Jeff Tedford said. "He is catching the ball better than he did last year, and he is a great young man." Tedford said DeSa would be the first to admit that he wasn't consistent last season catching the ball in practice.
"And last year, we had him switching positions (between slot and flanker) and that was not smart on our part," Tedford said. DeSa already has shown this season that he can stretch the field. He has two catches for 68 yards. "Sam is doing great," quarterback Joe Ayoob said. "He is a very smart player and he is working his butt off."
On the 'Cats
Arizona is only 1-2 this season, but the Wildcats have lost close games to Utah (27-24) and Purdue (31-24). "They have made great progress, and that comes as no surprise," Tedford said. "They fly around and play with passion. (Quarterback) Richard Kovalcheck has more experience now, and Mike Bell has been one of the best running backs in the conference." Arizona coach Mike Stoops agrees that Kovalcheck is a big reason for his team's improvement. "Our quarterback play is much more solid than it was at any time last year," Stoops said. While Arizona's offense has improved, it has struggled on run defense, allowing 202 yards per game. However, Arizona gets back key starters such as defensive end Copeland Bryan (ankle injury) and linebackers Dane Krogstad (pulled hamstring) and Randy Sims (ankle). "Their defense is very physical," Ayoob said. "I think they will be looking to stop the run and, hopefully, they will stack it up so it leaves one-on-one coverage."
Special teams
Tedford said one of Cal's players on the kickoff unit got knocked out of his lane during New Mexico State's 94-yard return for a touchdown. Cal also had an extra point and field goal attempt blocked. "They stressed us in a certain spot," said Tedford, noting the Aggies sent multiple bodies at one player. "It was something they hadn't done before." Tedford said Bears place-kicker Tom Schneider wasn't to blame for either block. "They were not low kicks," Tedford said.
End run
Cal starting left tackle Andrew Cameron and starting right guard Aaron Merz have returned to practice and could be in the lineup against Arizona. Both missed the past two games after suffering concussions against Washington. ... Cal's Oct. 8 game against UCLA will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be shown on TBS. ... The Cal-Arizona series is tied 11-11 with two ties. ... Cal's current regular-season winning streak of 11 games is third to Virginia Tech (12) and USC (23). ... Cal has had a 100-yard rusher for 16 consecutive games.
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