By Rusty Simmons
If Cal's season began this week, sophomore Chris Guarnero would be the starting left guard and redshirt freshman Mitchell Schwartz would be the first-team right tackle, coach Jeff Tedford said. The other position competitions are less clear, and Tedford hopes much of that changes today, when the team participates in its final scrimmage of training camp. "We're getting close, and (today) will be one more opportunity for guys to show what they can do," Tedford said. "From there, we have to create a depth chart because it's time to start preparing for Michigan State."
The Bears will begin game-planning for their season opener Wednesday, but there still are questions at quarterback, receiver, nose tackle, cornerback and kicker. Senior incumbent quarterback Nate Longshore started off hot and has been pretty consistent, but sophomore Kevin Riley made a push during the last week. Though Tedford said he'd like one of the quarterbacks to emerge, he has maintained that both could play, repeatedly saying, "It's more a matter of deciding who will take the first snaps than it is a matter of naming a starter." Walk-on David Seawright has been challenging kicker Jordan Kay.
Injuries could get in the way of other positions being settled.
Redshirt freshman receiver Michael Calvin , who appears to be a lock as one of the top three, might miss the scrimmage with a toe injury. Tedford said Florida transfer Nyan Boateng and sophomore Jeremy Ross have struggled with consistency, and sixth-year senior Sean Young has been the most consistent wideout in camp. True freshman Marvin Jones led the team in receiving in the first scrimmage, and senior LaReylle Cunningham made two highlight-reel catches. The top two nose-tackle candidates, Mika Kane and Derrick Hill, have ankle injuries, although Hill participated in individual drills Monday. Freshman Kendrick Payne has drawn rave reviews from defensive coordinator Bob Gregory. Sophomores Darian Hagan and Chris Conte are competing for the corner spot opposite Syd'Quan Thompson. Conte was limited Monday with an ankle injury.
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