GREG BEACHAM
BERKELEY, Calif. - When Mike Tepper took the field with California's starting offensive line Saturday, the few dozen fans wearing "Tepper Time #79" T-shirts cheered loudly - and nobody else seemed to notice. That's just how the Golden Bears sophomore wants it this season. After getting plenty of attention last year for a heroic act that left him with a severely broken leg, Tepper simply wants to play. In June 2005, Tepper stood up to a group of convicted felons taunting a female friend from a car - and they ran him over twice. Tepper doesn't shy away from talking about what he calls "the accident," but says it's "completely behind me." "He has made so much progress from where he was," coach Jeff Tedford said. "That broken leg was terrible, but I've always said he's the kind of guy you want in your program. We're glad he's at a point where he can contribute on the field, because we need him." Tepper got his first career start against Portland State in place of left tackle Andrew Cameron, who missed the game with a sprained ankle. He could get another starting assignment next week after right tackle Scott Smith injured his knee during the 42-16 victory.
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