Monday, August 24, 2009

San Jose Mercury: Tedford names Riley as Cal's starting quarterback

Jonathan Okanes

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Cal coach Jeff Tedford named redshirt junior Kevin Riley as his starting quarterback Monday.  The decision doesn't come as much of a surprise, as Riley is the only signal-caller on the roster that has taken a meaningful snap in a game. He started nine games last year. Riley has taken the overwhelming majority of first team snaps during training camp. Redshirt sophomore Brock Mansion will be the backup.

"Kevin (has) experience with game situations and with the offense, and he's been more accurate and consistent throwing the ball," Tedford said. "He has been pretty consistent all the way through." Riley averaged just 123.6 yards passing per game last season with just 14 touchdown passes, but also threw only six interceptions as he shared time with Nate Longshore. Tedford originally said he would name the starter Wednesday, but decided to make his decision public Monday to avoid distractions. Wednesday will be Cal's first practice preparing for the season-opener against Maryland on Sept. 5.

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