Jeff Tedford is beginning to leak some of the players that he has in mind for starting spots when Cal faces Michigan State August 30th. The Bears will have their final intrasquad scrimmage Tuesday and some of the open roster positions may very well be decided by a broken up pass or a critical third down catch. One thing is certain: regardless of who the starters are, the Bears' national hopes fall squarely on the shoulders of Jahvid Best and having him continue the growing line of great runners out of Berkeley. Nate Longshore and Kevin Riley are competing for the starting spot at quarterback, and whichever hopeful gets the starter's role will have to play well for Cal to be relevant this season. Having a back like Best could make the difference in average or above average quarterback play. Due to his big play ability, Best gives the offense the same luxury that the Bears have had since 2003, a running back that can continue to hurt defenses when they don't respect Cal's running game. Adimchinobe Echemandu (Raiders), J.J. Arrington (Cardinals), Marshawn Lynch (Bills), and Justin Forsett (Seahawks) are the last four feature running backs, and all four have graduated to NFL teams. Best might be better than any of them. He has the power of Lynch, the speed of Arrington, and moves that could be better than any of them.
Best will be playing in the final scrimmage and Coach Tedford says it makes the team better to have him on the field. "The elusiveness, the quickness, the speed at which he plays makes the defense play fast," Tedford said. "Fast but under control. When people are playing that fast on the field and you can practice at that speed every day, you're much more prepared for real game time." Tedford did indicate that if the season were to start today, former backup center Chris Guarnero would start at left guard and redshirt freshman Mitchell Schwartz would be manning the right tackle spot. With Mike Tepper having hamstring problems, the backup left tackle position may turn into a start or two during the season as well. Starting Wednesday, Cal will be in full preparation mode for opening night. So the guys that are still on the bubble have one more chance to prove that they should start and/or be on the team. Tedford disclosed that it was time for the season when he said, " We're getting close, and it will be one more opportunity for guys to show what they can do. From there, we have to create a depth chart because it's time to start preparing for Michigan State." Whoever wins the starting spots on offense or defense, we're sure that Tedford will consider them his best.
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