By Rusty Simmons
Cal practiced Thursday after a three-day break for final exams, but it wasn't quite as eventful a return as it was for Emerald Bowl opponent Miami. Hurricanes starting quarterback Robert Marve was suspended for the Dec. 27 game at San Francisco's AT&T Park for an academic violation. Miami newspapers are reporting that the suspension is based on a team rule that makes a player ineligible if he misses four or more classes. Marve's father, Eugene, told the Miami Herald that his son will not transfer, a rumor that had been swirling. Marve started 11 games this season, completing 116 passes on 213 attempts for 1,293 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He split time with Jacory Harris, who had a better completion percentage and threw for more touchdowns (10) and fewer interceptions (six). After three practices focused on getting repetitions for the younger players last week, Cal turned its attention to Miami on Thursday. Coach Jeff Tedford is impressed by the Hurricanes. "This is a good team that is athletic and fast," Tedford said. "They play hard, have good players and are physical."
Head of the class: Cal's recruiting class continues to shape up like one that will garner a high national ranking, adding a verbal commitment from defensive lineman Deandre Coleman. The 6-foot-4, 295-pounder from Seattle is ranked among the nation's top 10 defensive line prospects. He'll join fellow Cal commit Allan Bridgford, a quarterback from Mission Viejo, in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio. Also a member of the Bears' class, Dallas defensive back Steve Williams, has been named an Under Armour All-American. "Recruiting is going really well, and we'll have another big weekend this weekend," said Tedford, who isn't allowed to speak about specific prospects. "Typically, this is the time of year when things start falling into place." Michalczik reaction: Tedford wished offensive line coach Jim Michalczik well in his new venture as Washington's offensive coordinator, with one condition. "He's been with us all seven years, and he's been an integral part of the success we've had on offense," Tedford said. "With the success that we've had, comes opportunities for your assistants, so I'm really glad that he's getting the opportunity to be an offensive coordinator. "We wish him well, all except the one game out of the year when we play." Tedford has already started searching for a replacement, but didn't share any of the candidates.
Postgame party: Cal is inviting fans to join Tedford and his staff after the Emerald Bowl game for a party at San Francisco's Warfield Theatre. The event will last from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and will feature rock band Tightwad Hill, which includes members of the football staff. Tickets may be purchased through ticketmaster.com.
Briefly: Former Bears running back Marshawn Lynch, as part of his Family First Foundation, purchased 150 Toys R Us gift cards and split them evenly among students from Sankofa Elementary in Berkeley and Maxwell Elementary in East Oakland. He also sent three underprivileged families from Sankofa to Super Wal-Mart to buy food, clothes and toys.
No comments:
Post a Comment