By Jonathan Okanes
Cal's supposed depth at tailback doesn't look so extensive anymore after projected starter James Montgomery was granted a request to be released from his scholarship. Montgomery, who would have been a redshirt sophomore next season, was listed as the Bears' No. 1 tailback on the team's depth chart heading into spring practice later this month. But the right to replace departed starter Justin Forsett was believed to be up for grabs, with highly touted sophomore-to-be Jahvid Best providing the stiffest competition. Montgomery couldn't be reached for comment, but he told RealDawg.com, a Washington fan site, that "it never felt right, really." Montgomery originally orally committed to Washington before switching to the Bears. "Cal was never my first choice," Montgomery told RealDawg. "I didn't feel (Cal) was a (football) school that had a lot of tradition. They were ranked sixth in the country and yet couldn't sell out that week's game." Not only was Montgomery firmly in the mix to see extensive playing time next season, it appeared one of the reasons coach Jeff Tedford pushed back the beginning of spring practice last week was to give injured players such as Montgomery a chance to participate. Montgomery is recovering from minor knee surgery and Tedford had said he should be fully recovered by the time spring sessions start March 31. "James Montgomery asked for his release and I granted it," Tedford said. "He felt like there would be a better situation for him somewhere else. Fortunately for us, running back is a position with a lot of depth. We feel great about our talent at that position with Jahvid Best, Shane Vereen, Tracy Slocum and Covaughn DeBoskie."
It wasn't immediately known where Montgomery is headed, but he told RealDawg that he is considering transferring to Washington, Florida, Oregon or Fresno State. Montgomery saw limited action last season as Forsett's backup and rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 48 yards and a score. The Bears' spring stable of running backs suddenly is down to three players who have never carried the ball in a game -- Slocum, Vereen and DeBoskie. Slocum played on special teams last season as a redshirt freshman, Vereen will be a redshirt freshman next season, and DeBoskie is an incoming freshman who graduated from high school early and has already enrolled at Cal. Best is recovering from a hip injury and will miss all of spring practice. Tedford has said he expects Best to be fully healthy in time for fall camp. Montgomery came to Cal in 2006 as a decorated recruit who initially committed to Washington then switched to the Bears. Although Montgomery was regarded as the No. 1 tailback returning, many believe Best is the future of the program at the position. Best made an immediate impact as a true freshman last season, dazzling observers with his speed and explosiveness. He rushed for 221 yards and averaged 7.6 yards per carry, caught 13 passes for 74 yards and was an All-Pac-10 first-team selection on special teams.
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