Cal's 2005 freshman class featured such stars as wide receiver DeSean Jackson and linebacker Zack Follett, but coach Jeff Tedford arguably never has had a group of newcomers this deep and ready to play college football immediately. The Bears will hold their second and final scrimmage of fall camp tonight, and Tedford said the coaching staff then will decide which freshmen will play this season and which will redshirt. There's a chance as many as five true freshmen will contribute this year. "I think top to bottom this group is probably the most well-rounded, deep and talented group that we've had," Tedford said. "There have been a lot of good players in every group, but it's really enouraging to see these guys are right there, and it's not going to be a long time before they're ready to do it." Tedford has all but said running backs Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen will play this season, likely mostly on special teams. Chris Conte currently is second on the depth chart at cornerback, and Cameron Jordan and Ernest Owusu are on the second team on the defensive line, a position where the Bears are searching for depth. Cal had four members of its 2005 class play immediately — Jackson, Follett, Anthony Felder and Mika Kane. Only two were active as true freshmen last season — defensive tackle Tyson Alualu and walk-on special teamer Kyle Kirst. "We have a tremendous class," Best said. "We have a lot of talent on our class. We all came in ready to work. As a group, we're all doing well in camp." It's just a matter of days before camp will turn into practice for Week 1 against Tennessee. After Sunday's practice, Tedford gathered together his freshmen and junior college transfers for some words of wisdom.
"Just a word of encouragement for their hard work," Tedford said. "They've been such a great group. I just wanted to tell them I appreciate all their hard work and what they're doing. They're over the hump now. They've fought through the hard times."
Cal's 2007 recruiting class was ranked No. 12 by scout.com and 22nd by rivals.com. The 2005 group was ranked ninth by both services. There have been several other freshman who have excelled in camp, such as wide receiver Michael Calvin, offensive lineman Justin Cheadle and quarterback Brock Mansion, but those players likely will redshirt because of depth at their respective positions. Tedford said he knew this year's crop of freshmen was good but always is cautiously optimistic. "We had a pretty good idea, but you never really know until they get here, until you see them on the field and see if they can make the transition," he said. Winding down tonight's scrimmage, which will consist of putting players in different gamelike situations, marks the unofficial end of fall camp. Tedford said the Bears will start working on the season-opener Sept. 1 against Tennessee on Wednesday. "I've been pleased with the attitude of the guys and their attention to detail," Tedford said. "It's been a good camp." There still is some unfinished business, which likely will be resolved after tonight. Tedford said he will name either Kyle Reed or Kevin Riley as the Bears' backup quarterback, and will determine which freshmen will redshirt. Cal also needs to finalize a starting lineup for its defensive line.
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