Monday, December 10, 2007

San Jose Mercury: Tedford: Jackson should play in bowl

Cal Coach Jeff Tedford said he expects receiver DeSean Jackson to play in the Armed Forces Bowl on Dec. 31. Jackson sat out the Big Game against Stanford with a thigh contusion.  "I would think so," Tedford said when asked if Jackson will play. "The game is a long way away." Tedford also said Jackson has maintained a positive attitude during the team's struggles. Jackson has more catches (60) than last year (59) despite missing the past 1 1/2 games because with the injury. But his 681 yards receiving is well off the pace of his 1,060 a year ago, and he's failed to match his production on punt returns from a year ago.

Many expect Jackson, a junior, to turn pro after the season. Tedford said he and Jackson have yet to discuss his future.

"He still has a great attitude," Tedford said. "He's not a malcontent by any means."  In other injury news, Tedford said he still doesn't have an official diagnosis for running back Jahvid Best's hip injury. The team still is waiting to gather multiple evaluations of MRIs from experts across the country. Best is out for the season, and the team wants to make sure the injury doesn't have any long-term ramifications.  The Bears will hold 13 practices before the Armed Forces Bowl. Tedford said the Bears won't start putting in the game plan for Air Force until next week. Cal leaves for Forth Worth on Dec. 27.

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