Times Herald-Record: Cal coach beats drum for ex-Kingston star Edmond

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With his speed, Coleman Edmond can beat defensive backs deep. He's tough, has good hands, but what makes Edmond so dangerous is his ability to make big plays after the catch. To turn a 10-yard slant into a game-breaking touchdown.  University of California-Berkeley football coach Jeff Tedford hopes Edmond, who played quarterback and running back for Kingston in 2005, can exploit Pac-10 defenses like that for the next two seasons.  "We're very excited about bringing Coleman in," Tedford said. "I feel he brings a lot of play-making ability. What we saw on film, his skills, his speed, he's something we are excited about in this offense. What he can do after the catch is eye-opening. There is no question he can make plays at a high level."  Edmond, a wide receiver and kickoff returner, signed a letter of intent to play for Cal last week. He played for Pierce Community College outside Los Angeles last year and was named the Southern California Association offensive player of the year. Edmond made 37 catches for Pierce, including nine for touchdowns, putting up 1,584 all-purpose yards. He also returned a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns.

Tedford, 67-35 with five bowl wins in eight seasons at Cal, expects Edmond to be one of the four receivers he rotates in his pro style offense this fall. Edmond, who is 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, will also compete for the starting kickoff returner job.  "If Coleman performs, he will see a lot of playing time," said Tedford, who could not talk about Edmond until after he signed because of NCAA rules. "We feel he can be effective in any part of the passing game. Coleman is our only junior college recruit. So we have that immediate need for him to contribute. We are not going to need the time we might with a high school recruit." As for Edmond, he's ready to make lots of big plays for his new coach.  "That's all I ever think about, hitting the home run, the big play," Edmond said. "I get over- confident and want to get 400 all-purpose yards on one play. I have to realize it's one play at a time. I just want to keep working hard and be in top shape for the season."