Rusty Simmons
Cal coach Jeff Tedford said he was "getting close" to naming a starting quarterback after Tuesday's closed scrimmage, but he wouldn't elaborate on a timeline. Senior incumbent Nate Longshore had a hot start to training camp and has been consistent, and sophomore Armed Forces Bowl MVP Kevin Riley has come on the last week. Tedford said neither committed a turnover in the scrimmage. Asked for the best attributes of each quarterback, Tedford said "experience and knowledge" for Longshore and "play-making and arm strength" for Riley. The Bears will have a walk-through and personnel meetings today. Tedford said, "We'll know what's going on" with the depth chart at all positions by Thursday.
"We don't have a major concern about anything," Tedford said. The players "have worked hard, so they probably don't feel like there's anything else they can do right now. They've practiced hard and invested the work, so now, it's time to game plan and execute the game plan." Some questions were answered Tuesday.
Tedford said tight end Anthony Miller, linebacker Mychal Kendricks and defensive tackle Kendrick Payne will play as true freshmen. He also said Marvin Jones has the best chance among the receivers to play right away. There is some concern that senior left tackle Mike Tepper won't be ready for the season opener against Michigan State on Aug. 30. He hasn't practiced because of offseason pectoral surgery and a leg injury. "I think it's highly doubtful that he'll play a significant role in the first game," Tedford said. Chet Teofilo has been taking the first-team snaps at left tackle, and Mitchell Schwartz is the starting right tackle.
Briefly: Tedford said Jahvid Best had a couple of "big plays" that highlighted the offense's play. ... Safety Bryant Nnabuife had an interception and a fumble recovery against the third-team offense. ... Walk-on kicker David Seawright made all but one field-goal attempt, a 52-yarder that clanged off the top of the crossbar. "Seawright has really risen to the occasion," Tedford said. "He's been very solid and has really improved since Day One." ... The players wore their new uniforms, with the offense in gold and defense in blue. ... Defensive coordinator Bob Gregory said the battle for the starting nose-tackle spot is still muddled because of injuries to Derrick Hill and Mika Kane. Hill missed three practices with an ankle injury, and Kane has missed the majority of training camp with multiple ailments. ... Outside linebacker Eddie Young missed the scrimmage with a groin injury, Tedford said.
No comments:
Post a Comment