SF Chronicle: As a rule, Cal's Pimentel must try to keep emotions in check

Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer

There's a new rule on the Cal football team this year, the Mickey Rule. And as the season goes on it's being enforced more and more.  That's because linebacker Mickey Pimentel is playing more and more.  "When Mickey makes a great play, the other linebackers have to go grab him, hug him, to make sure he doesn't get a penalty," linebacker coach Justin Wilcox said. "He gets so excited."  It started in Cal's 35-20 win over Illinois, when Pimentel -- still easing into the lineup -- made two tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The celebration after each play bordered on unsportsmanlike conduct.  More recently, the Mickey Rule was called into play during Saturday's 23-20 loss to Oregon State. Pimentel intercepted two passes, returning them for a total of 82 yards -- and had to be restrained after each.  Pimentel said he's trying to curb his own enthusiasm -- to no avail.  "I can't," said the free-spirited linebacker who models his play and demeanor after Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens. "That's the only way I know how to play the game."  Pimentel is in his first year at Cal, after transferring from Pima Community College in Arizona. He has 12 tackles -- four of them for losses -- one sack, two passes broken up and the two interceptions.

He's not listed as a starter, but he's an integral part of the rotation at linebacker despite a late start.  Most junior-college transfers spend their first summer in Berkeley taking part in offseason conditioning while getting to know the system and their teammates. Some even enroll early and take part in spring practice. Pimentel had to stay in Arizona over the summer to finish work on his associate degree. He didn't arrive until the day before camp began.  "He was behind," Wilcox said. "There's a lot to learn and he's worked really hard to learn it. ... He's great for our group. He's always got a smile on his face. He's a fierce competitor, though."  Pimentel brings a rare combination of skills to the linebacker corps. He has a natural knack for playing zone pass coverage but also has the quickness to play man-to-man. He has the sculpted body of a linebacker, but the speed of a defensive back. He's an excellent pass rusher when called upon to blitz. And he's very strong.  He's an avid devotee of the weight room. "When I lift, I push a lot of weights," Pimentel said. "Seriously."  He said that every week or two, after he feels himself getting stronger, he increases the load. Like most serious weight lifters, he says he doesn't put much stock in maximum lifts. But he can't resist pointing out with a big smile his 420-pound bench press and 530-pound squat.  Wilcox said Pimentel is especially adept at "moving on the quarterback." That skill was instrumental in his two interceptions last week.  On both plays, the Bears were playing zone defense. Pimentel was moving with the receiver in his zone and, at the same time, keeping close watch on the quarterback.  "He moved on the quarterback's eyes and broke when he started his throwing motion on both picks," Wilcox said.  And that was about the time the other linebackers made their breaks on Pimentel.

Briefly: Wide receiver Robert Jordan (collarbone) will not play Saturday against Washington State, according to coach Jeff Tedford. Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (ankle) and offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan (concussion) are both doubtful -- although Tedford said he would make game-day decisions on each. Receiver DeSean Jackson (shoulder) is "highly probable."