Rusty Simmons
Cal released its Week 1 depth chart Monday, clearing up most of the position competitions that training camp left undone. Sophomore Darian Hagan was told by coaches that he beat out sophomore Chris Conte for the cornerback spot opposite Syd'Quan Thompson. Coach Jeff Tedford said sophomore Derrick Hill will start ahead senior Mika Kane, who missed most of training camp with an ankle injury, at nose tackle. Both Hagan and Hill were highly recruited out of high school but have yet to make major contributions. Coaches say Hagan has had trouble learning the defensive scheme and Hill has had trouble staying healthy. Hagan is "very fast and rangy," Tedford said. "If he can get himself in the right position, he can definitely make plays physically. He covers a lot of ground and can really get to the ball." Hagan was an All-America selection by SuperPrep and PrepStar out of Crenshaw High-Los Angeles, but he redshirted as a freshman. As a redshirt freshman, Hagan played in only five games and didn't record any statistics.
"It's been a long time coming," Hagan said. "I finally understand what it takes to be a starter at this level. I've found that daily effort and attention to detail, and I'm trying to up my level of play every day." Running backs Shane Vereen and Jahvid Best are listed as the kick returners, and Thompson is listed as the punt returner. Vereen appears to be making daily progress in healing from an ankle sprain; Best practiced in a full capacity for the first time in a week, and Tedford said Thompson (shoulder) will be ready by game time.
The lone "or" on the chart is at kickoffs, a competition between senior Jordan Kay and walk-on freshman David Seawright, who already won the placekicking duties. Tedford maintains that all positions are being evaluated daily.
ESPN love: ESPN.com's Ted Miller predicted that Best would win the Pac-10's Offensive Player of the Year, and, not to be outdone, ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit mentioned the Bears seven times in his annual "Herbie" awards. "If Best stays healthy, he will be the most dangerous multi-purpose threat in the Pac-10," Miller wrote. "Actually, he and USC's Joe McKnight would be a dead-heat on that, but I suspect Best will get more touches and, therefore, more highlight-reel plays. "Best could easily eclipse 1,000 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving, not to mention take a couple of returns to the house."
Herbstreit listed Berkeley fourth among sites "College GameDay" must visit before he retires. Senior center Alex Mack and senior linebacker Zack Follett were on the "What a College Football Team Should Look Like" team. Sophomore quarterback Kevin Riley, Best and offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti also got mentions in various categories.
Briefly: Redshirt freshman receiver Michael Calvin (sprained toe) missed practice and is wearing a walking boot. ... Junior tight end Cameron Morrah (ankle) and senior right guard Noris Malele (knee bruise) returned to practice. ... Senior left tackle Mike Tepper (pectoral surgery) participated in a limited fashion, but was left off the two-deep depth chart since he was unable to practice during training camp.
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