Jeff Tedford emphasized needs over names in California's latest football recruiting class, and the coach ended up with help at nearly every one of the Golden Bears' neediest positions.
Mission Viejo quarterback Allan Bridgford and Seattle-area defensive lineman Deandre Coleman highlighted Tedford's 18-player recruiting class, which was ranked in the top half of most recruiting observers' Pac-10 lists Wednesday. "We're excited about this class," Tedford said. "We feel we addressed all of our needs, and we're bringing in a group of players with the speed and athleticism to compete at a high level." After going 9-4 and winning the Emerald Bowl last season, Cal spread its recruiting tentacles across the nation, landing offensive lineman Mark Brazinski from New Jersey and cornerback Steve Williams, a Dallas native who backed out of a commitment to Oklahoma. The Bears also signed two touted players from Salt Lake City's Cottonwood High School: defensive tackle Keni Kaufusi and receiver Isi Sofele, who's also expected to return kicks.
And Cal fans who bemoaned their club's poor kickoffs last season probably don't have to worry any more. Tedford signed Vince D'Amato, a strong-legged kicker from Lake Forest, Calif., who routinely boomed his kickoffs into the end zone even without a tee. Brazinski and Charles Siddoway could become big contributors on the offensive line, with both players boasting high rankings from various scouting services. Siddoway was rated the top recruit coming out of Oregon this winter by rivals.com, and the Bears hung on to four offensive lineman despite offensive line coach Jim Michalczik's departure for Washington late last month. Cal's only quarterback was Bridgford, a decorated passer who performed well at the influential Elite 11 quarterback camp. The position is unsettled for the Bears, with Kevin Riley returning to compete with Brock Mansion after Tedford benched Riley in favor of departed senior Nate Longshore late last season. Cal also landed four junior college recruits, including linebackers Jarred Price and Ryan Davis, who made a late commitment to the Bears after keeping them guessing for most of the week. Receiver Markish Jones, a South Carolina native who played community college ball in Compton last year, faxed in the last of Cal's 18 letters of intent in the afternoon.
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