By Jonathan Okanes
Game plan meetings will seem a little odd next season for Cal coach Jeff Tedford. In every meeting in the seven years he's been in Berkeley, Tedford has been able to lean on assistant head coach and offensive line coach Jim Michalczik. But Michalczik last week accepted the offensive coordinator position at Washington. Michalczik will stay on the Bears staff through the Emerald Bowl on Dec. 27. "He's been in every game plan meeting we've ever had here," Tedford said. "There's a history of him knowing over the years what we've done well and what we haven't done so well. He's been someone that I've relied on for a lot of input." Michalczik has produced his share of standout offensive linemen over the years, most recently senior center Alex Mack, who is projected as a possible first-round pick in next spring's NFL draft. "He'll be missed here," Mack said. "He'll leave a void here. He's been around my entire career, so I can't really imagine what Cal football would be like without him. Coach Michalczik is a great coach who did a really good job of developing me as a player and giving me the tool set to become a great offensive lineman. I owe him a lot and wish him the best." Tedford said he's already started looking for a new offensive line coach and that there are "a lot of quality candidates that are looking to come and take over that role. I'm confident we will find somebody to do a good job with our offensive line."
Open again
Tedford said he is undecided on a starting quarterback for the Emerald Bowl. Redshirt sophomore Kevin Riley started five of the final six games of the regular season (he didn't start the USC game because of a concussion), but now it appears fifth-year senior Nate Longshore is back in the mix to start. "We'll evaluate the situation as we go over the next week and a half and see how it plays out," Tedford said.
New Bear
Cal received an oral commitment from defensive tackle Deandre Coleman of Garfield High-Seattle, according to rivals.com. Coleman is considered one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the country. He initially committed to Washington before switching to the Bears. After a slow start, Cal's recruiting efforts for 2009 have picked up recently. The Bears still are reportedly in the running for a handful of other top prospects. Coaches aren't allowed to talk about specific recruits, but Tedford said he's pleased with how next year's class is shaping up. The Bears will host more recruits this weekend. "Recruiting is going very well," Tedford said. "Typically, this is the time of year when things start falling into place."
Extra points
Miami starting quarterback Robert Marve has been suspended for the Emerald Bowl for violating team academic rules. Although Marve started 11 of the Hurricanes' 12 games, backup Jacory Harris has played in 11 games. Harris will start against the Bears. ... Mack has been named the 2008 winner of the Morris Trophy, given to the Pac-10's best offensive lineman and best defensive lineman. Oregon's Nick Reed won the defensive award. The awards are voted on by opposing linemen. Mack won it last year, as well.
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