Whiteside May Not Be Academically Eligible

AP Writes:  Heralded recruit Cecil Whiteside has yet to report to Cal for summer activities, and his eligibility for this football season is uncertain.  Whiteside, ranked as the No. 4 outside linebacker prospect in the country by rivals.com, has been touted as someone who would compete for immediate playing time.  Bears coach Jeff Tedford said Whiteside is "tending to some academic issues" back home in Newport Beach.  All of Cal's incoming players were required to report to Berkeley on June 25 for the Summer Bridge program, which prepares incoming students for their academic workload. The freshmen and transfers also begin working out informally with their new teammates. But Whiteside has yet to be cleared to play by the NCAA.

 

The Contra Costa Times writes:  Heralded recruit Cecil Whiteside has yet to report to Cal for summer activities, and his eligibility for the upcoming season is uncertain. Bears coach Jeff Tedford said Whiteside is "tending to some academic issues" and is back home in Newport Beach. All of Cal's incoming players were required to report to Berkelely on June 25 for the Summer Bridge program, which prepares incoming students for their academic workload. The freshmen and transfers also begin working out informally with their new teammates. But Whiteside has yet to be cleared to play by the NCAA, and there is a chance he won't be in time for the 2010 season. It would be a significant blow to lose Whiteside, who was ranked as the No. 4 outside linebacker prospect in the country by rivals.com and was expected to compete for immediate playing time. Cal begins training camp Aug. 7.  Note: Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Charles Ragland is transferring to College of San Mateo to improve his academic standing. He's expected to return to Cal in the spring.