ANG Newspapers: Cal loses left tackle Cameron for season

By Dave Newhouse, STAFF WRITER 

BERKELEY — Cal lost a second offensive starter for the season when it was learned Monday that left tackle Andrew Cameron tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Saturday against Arizona.  Cameron, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound junior from Healdsburg, will require surgery. Quarterback Nate Longshore broke his leg in the opener against Sacramento State. "He's started a lot of games for us, and was a mainstay at that position," coach Jeff Tedford said of Cameron. "There's enough time (for rehabilitation) that he could be back for next season." Cameron started every game as a sophomore. A concussion this season sidelined him against Illinois and New Mexico State. He started Saturday, but injured the knee while setting up to block on Cal's first series.  Scott Smith, a 6-4, 278-pound junior from Brea in Orange County, started in Cameron's absence and now assumes his position full-time.  "He's doing real well," Tedford said of Smith. "He's a tough, hard-working guy who's very accountable. He's athletic, and you'll get a great effort out of him every play."  Smith will need to be at his best Saturday when Cal (5-0) meets UCLA (4-0) in a pivotal Pac-10 game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. "It's a great opportunity, although I'm sorry this happened to Andrew," Smith said. "I feel I'm ready for the challenge. I'm not the biggest guy, but I make up for it with fire and tenacity." The versatile Smith can play every position up front even though he's considered light in this era of 300-pound offensive linemen. "There's never been a coach who told me I'm too light, and that's because of my work ethic," he said. "But my technique has to be perfect every play."   On another note, Tedford who was upset with his special teams' play Saturday and hinted at personnel changes, said Monday the emphasis will be on improvement of fundamentals and discipline rather than player moves.