Tucson Citizen: Cason Admires Work of Cal's Hughes

TUCSON - Arizona cornerback Antoine Cason loves the challenge of locking down an opposing wide receiver. California corner Daymeion Hughes seconds that notion. Both are among the 11 semifinalists for the heralded Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive back. It is an honor Cason has been determined to win since being recruited by UA coach Mike Stoops. "When I was being recruited by Coach Stoops, when he came for my in-home visit, my uncle (former New York Jets wide receiver Kenyon Rambo) asked, 'How are you going to help my nephew win the Jim Thorpe Award?' " Cason said. "It was in a joking manner, but it was a goal I set out to do." Cason has seldom been tested for long, especially deep, as opponents respect him enough to go elsewhere. For some reason, however, opponents have been slow to learn to throw in the opposite direction of Hughes, California's senior cornerback who has picked off eight passes this season, tied for most in the nation. "Hughes is a pretty good DB. He has a lot of interceptions and he makes a lot of plays, and that is what you have to do at this position," Cason said. Don't look for the Wildcats to test Hughes too often in Saturday's homecoming game at Arizona Stadium at 1:30 p.m..

The stats seem to indicate that teams have enjoyed success passing against California, but looks can be deceiving. Cal ranks 113th nationally in pass defense, giving up 256 yards per game. But the yardage totals can be explained by California outscoring its opponents 209-97 in the first half. "They have great speed in the secondary. They possess problems across the board," Stoops said. "Statistics are sometimes misleading when you look at Cal. They get up on so many people so fast, some of their second-team players play a lot." Hughes is the best of the bunch. His eight interceptions this season brings his career total to 15, and he has returned four for touchdowns. "I've always known he's a very good player, but you can really tell this year that not only physically he is playing very well, but his instincts are a notch above. He is so smart," California coach Jeff Tedford said. Cason, meanwhile, is likely to get the primary assignment on Bears receiver DeSean Jackson, considered one of the most explosive players in the conference. The 6-foot, 182-pound Cason is third on the team in tackles with 50 stops, has two tackles for loss, two interceptions and five pass breakups. He was last week's Pac-10 Player of the Week for his play in a 27-17 victory over Washington State, making six tackles, knocking down four passes and recovering a fumble. "I feel like I am reaching my peak potential for now, but I still have a lot left," Cason said. "I'm still working."