Seattle Times: Pac-10 Spring Football Report Card

By Bud Withers

Link.

Cal excerpt:

California

The big story — Bears went about remaking themselves at QB and linebacker, seemingly the only impediments to a challenge of USC in the fall.

Best of show — WR Marvin Jones, a sophomore, looks like the best wideout on hand, and LB Mike Mohamed, who played a lot last year, should be fine.

Missing you — RB Jahvid Best, who could make a run at the Heisman Trophy, sat out rehabbing after minor foot and elbow surgery. NG Derrick Hill missed time with some recurring knee issues. WR Verran Tucker spent time working on academics.

Of interest — Chris Guarnero looked solid at center as the replacement for all-star Alex Mack. Steve Marshall, 52, came from the Cleveland Browns to replace OL coach Jim Michalczik, and head coach Jeff Tedford added ex-Oregon and Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, who will call plays.

The X factor — After a two-year, unsettled competition with Nate Longshore, Kevin Riley has the nod at least for now at QB against Brock Mansion. But he completed only 51 percent last year, and the Cal passing game has to step up to a championship level.

On tap — Bears should know where they stand early, with a conference opener at Oregon on Sept. 26 and against USC the next week in Berkeley.

Outlook entering fall — Lindy's preseason magazine pegs Cal 12th, and the Bears could have an even bigger year than that if Riley plays at a high level. The defense could be the equal of USC's.