Friday, October 23, 2009

SF Chronicle: Jones provides boost to Cal's air game

Ron Kroichick

Maybe the remedy for Cal's ailing passing game did not involve changes in personnel or intricate blocking schemes or quarterback Kevin Riley suddenly morphing into a hybrid of Steve Bartkowski/Joe Roth/Aaron Rodgers.  Maybe it was as simple as telling Marvin Jones to run downfield and jump.

The Bears begin the second half of their season Saturday against Washington State with renewed faith in their ability to move the ball through the air. Riley threw for 203 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's pride-restoring win over UCLA, including two scoring strikes to Jones. Both times, Riley lofted passes high into the end zone and watched Jones pluck them out of the sky. On the second touchdown, especially, Jones' height (6-foot-2) and long arms mattered more than any precise pass route - he simply out-leaped and out-muscled UCLA's Alterraun Verner, an accomplished cornerback.

Verner's only mistake: He's 5-11.  "I like hauling down the pass," Jones said. "That's what I love to do."

Link to rest of article.

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