BERKELEY, Calif. - Aaron Rodgers didn't end his predraft workout Thursday by kneeling at midfield and chucking a spiral through the uprights, a la former Cal quarterback Kyle Boller's jaw dropper two years ago at Memorial Stadium.
Rodgers, instead, had a lunch date.
Waiting for him was 49ers coach Mike Nolan, the pit boss in control of the first overall pick in next month's draft.
Nolan didn't ask for any extra throws, anyhow, after watching Rodgers' pitch count reach nearly 100. Every NFL team sent representatives for the impressive show, including Raiders coach Norv Turner.
"He's as polished as I've seen," Nolan said. "I don't think he missed maybe but one throw."
Only one?
Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban helped fuel the one-that-got-away tale, adding: " Obviously anybody who throws that many in a row and puts the ball on the ground only one time, that's got to say something."
Sorry folks, but we must say that more than one pass fell incomplete, and he looked skyward and sighed at a high pass he completed on an out route.
Overall, though, Aaron was far from errant.
"I was balanced when throwing, it felt nice and the balls were on target most of the time," Rodgers said.
It's what you'd expect from someone who completed 23 consecutive passes in Cal's near-upset of host Southern Cal five months ago.
He said he threw 91 passes Thursday, eight more than were scripted. He threw hard, fast spirals down the middle and deep down field, and he occasionally had to dodge a hustling, middle-aged pass rusher in Cal coach Jeff Tedford.
"I encouraged him that he should go (to the NFL)," Tedford said. "He should be the first quarterback taken, the first or second. That's been his goal, and he's done a lot for us."
A 40-minute workout on St. Patrick's Day won't be enough to convince NFL honchos you're a franchise quarterback, not unless you're buying the green beer at lunch.
Mike McCarthy, the 49ers offensive coordinator, said game film is a critical tool in analyzing quarterback prospects. Workouts such as Thursday's do help, however, in judging ball speed and other physical attributes.
A day before McCarthy, Nolan and vice president of player personnel Scot McCloughan huddled on the Cal sideline to watch Rodgers, they were in Salt Lake City for a similar workout by the draft's other top-rated quarterback, the University of Utah's Alex Smith.
"Now it's up to them to decide if they want to draft me or him," Rodgers said.
The 49ers next will focus on top prospects at wide receiver, running back, cornerback or defensive end, Nolan said without mentioning names other than Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who'll work out today in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Waiting to draft a quarterback is an option, of course, and Nolan said it's "safe to say" a lower-rated quarterback such as Akron's Charlie Frye, Arkansas' Matt Jones and Auburn's Jason Campbell might bloom into a surprise star.
Rodgers and Smith both passed up their senior seasons for NFL riches. They earned rave reviews from Nolan for their accuracy, strong arms, athletic prowess and intelligence.
"But they're different type of athletes," said Nolan, refusing to tell who might be in the lead for the No. 1 pick he "fully" intends to use in 36 days.
One big difference is the systems their teams ran. Smith lined up primarily in the shotgun formation in Utah's spread offense, and Nolan suggested Smith will adapt to a more conventional offense "as time goes on."
Rodgers is more familiar with the West Coast scheme the 49ers plan to employ. But as much as he succeeded in two years at Cal, critics are wondering if he'll be the next Tedford-produced gunslinger unable to live up to the NFL hype, as has been the case of Akili Smith, Joey Harrington and Boller.
"That's unfair to put on Aaron," Nolan said, "because Aaron's going to be a good quarterback."
Added Rodgers: "I really don't believe in the Tedford Curse, or whatever it is. But I'm going to need to prove I'm a top pick."
As for his immediate plans, "Now we have fun. I'm going to go relax, go home (to Chico) and see my family."
His friends back home are helping him keep a level head.
"They tell me I'm not that cool," Rodgers said. "They'll say, `(ESPN draft guru Mel) Kiper says you're going top five, but you're still the same retard we grew up with.""
But what will the 49ers tell him next month?
Friday, March 18, 2005
Mr. Rodgers' neighborhood After stellar workout, Cal QB may remain in Bay Area
From Sports Illustrated: Aaron Rodgers took a quick drop, cocked his right arm in a familiar slingshot pose and unleashed a sweet spiral that landed several yards away from the intended receiver. There were maybe 150 people in the Memorial Stadium stands on Thursday morning, another 30 or so NFL personnel types milling around on the field, and it was eerie-quiet enough to hear Cal coach JeffTedford's exasperated sigh.
"What, are you nervous?" Tedford asked his former quarterback. "That wasn't even close."
Then Rodgers literally pointed out the problem, reminding his coach with a hand gesture that wideout Jonathan Makonnen, another ex-Cal player, had run a slant pattern instead of the hitch that had been called. Tedford cracked a smile and Rodgers cracked a bigger one. Then the 21-year-old quarterback settled down and put on an extraordinary air show for the men who will decide his immediate future.
By the end of the 38-minute pro-day workout in Berkeley's picturesque Strawberry Canyon, there were enough ooohs, aaahs, whistles and knowing nods to cement Rodgers' status as the top quarterback prospect for next month's draft. The most important opinions, of course, were those of new 49ers coach Mike Nolan and his hand-picked personnel chief, Scot McCloughan, the men slated to make the No. 1 overall selection. Nolan, not surprisingly, was in no mood to reveal which way he may be leaning-toward Rodgers, Utah quarterback Alex Smith, Michigan wideout Braylon Edwards or Rodgers' fellow Cal student, American Idol washout William (She Bangs) Hung -- but you can bet that what he saw Thursday enhanced the local QB's chances.
Going into Thursday's workout, sources familiar with the 49ers' thinking said Rodgers was the prohibitive favorite to go No. 1. If so, the decision is now a no-brainer.
Simply put, Rodgers looked a lot like he usually does at Memorial Stadium: He put nearly every pass on the money, showcased his scarily quick release and displayed equal helpings of touch and arm strength. He delivered picturesque deep balls with a seeming flick of the wrist, gunned deep outs and skinny posts that landed in the perfect spot and showed off his flawless footwork and fundamentals. Of the 91 balls he threw, four hit the ground-only one because of his mistake. There was the misroute by Makonnen, a drop by former Cal wideout LaShaun Ward, a near-catch over both shoulders on a deep pass by ex-Cal tight end Garrett Cross and a legitimate overthrow to Ward on a streak.
When it was over, Rodgers sat on a gold bench on the visitors' sidelines and gave himself a passing grade. "I thought Tuesday (when he and the receivers conducted a dress rehearsal) went well," he said, "and today went better."
And yes, he admitted, he was nervous coming in -- how could he not be?
Put yourself in his cleats: Look good, and you've got an eight-figure signing bonus coming your way and a chance to star for the franchise vaulted to prominence by your idol, Joe Montana. Sail a few errant passes consecutively, and two years of exceptional play in college might be drastically devalued.
"What, are you nervous?" Tedford asked his former quarterback. "That wasn't even close."
Then Rodgers literally pointed out the problem, reminding his coach with a hand gesture that wideout Jonathan Makonnen, another ex-Cal player, had run a slant pattern instead of the hitch that had been called. Tedford cracked a smile and Rodgers cracked a bigger one. Then the 21-year-old quarterback settled down and put on an extraordinary air show for the men who will decide his immediate future.
By the end of the 38-minute pro-day workout in Berkeley's picturesque Strawberry Canyon, there were enough ooohs, aaahs, whistles and knowing nods to cement Rodgers' status as the top quarterback prospect for next month's draft. The most important opinions, of course, were those of new 49ers coach Mike Nolan and his hand-picked personnel chief, Scot McCloughan, the men slated to make the No. 1 overall selection. Nolan, not surprisingly, was in no mood to reveal which way he may be leaning-toward Rodgers, Utah quarterback Alex Smith, Michigan wideout Braylon Edwards or Rodgers' fellow Cal student, American Idol washout William (She Bangs) Hung -- but you can bet that what he saw Thursday enhanced the local QB's chances.
Going into Thursday's workout, sources familiar with the 49ers' thinking said Rodgers was the prohibitive favorite to go No. 1. If so, the decision is now a no-brainer.
Simply put, Rodgers looked a lot like he usually does at Memorial Stadium: He put nearly every pass on the money, showcased his scarily quick release and displayed equal helpings of touch and arm strength. He delivered picturesque deep balls with a seeming flick of the wrist, gunned deep outs and skinny posts that landed in the perfect spot and showed off his flawless footwork and fundamentals. Of the 91 balls he threw, four hit the ground-only one because of his mistake. There was the misroute by Makonnen, a drop by former Cal wideout LaShaun Ward, a near-catch over both shoulders on a deep pass by ex-Cal tight end Garrett Cross and a legitimate overthrow to Ward on a streak.
When it was over, Rodgers sat on a gold bench on the visitors' sidelines and gave himself a passing grade. "I thought Tuesday (when he and the receivers conducted a dress rehearsal) went well," he said, "and today went better."
And yes, he admitted, he was nervous coming in -- how could he not be?
Put yourself in his cleats: Look good, and you've got an eight-figure signing bonus coming your way and a chance to star for the franchise vaulted to prominence by your idol, Joe Montana. Sail a few errant passes consecutively, and two years of exceptional play in college might be drastically devalued.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Interview With Aaron Rodgers About Today's Workout
Rodgers confident after impressive workout
By Bob Elliott
NFL.com
(March 17, 2005) -- With about 70 personnel from NFL teams watching his every move, former California Bears quarterback Aaron Rodgers disappointed none of them in a featured workout on the Berkeley campus. A few hours later, Rodgers discussed his big moment with NFL.com:
First of all, had you heard about how well Alex Smith did yesterday?
Actually I didn't. I had just found out in an interview afterwards I did that he had a good workout. But I'm not surprised; he's a good player.
But I was focused on what I had to do to have a good workout. I knew he was going, but I had no idea how well he did. I only worry about things I can control; I can't control the way his workout went. I can only how good mine went and I know mine went really well; I felt great about it.
What was it like being out there before all those NFL executives and media?
A lot of my former teammates were up in the stands. My trainer was there from my workout place. A lot of media and a lot of teams were there as well. But once I got into the workout, I was able to focus on what I had to do. And like in a game situation where I can block out the fans, I pretty much just blocked out everybody else and was able to have a really good workout.
What do you think you did the best?
I was just myself. I think I showed the accuracy, arm strength and fundamentals that I think you can see on the film, and just reassured the teams I am as good as they think I am on film.
Were you nervous before you got out there?
Well, the first throw I was a little nervous but after that, you get the sweat going and it's just a matter of muscle memory making the throws you know you can make. I got into a rhythm and threw really well. My receivers did a really good job, too. They made some really good catches. There were a couple of drops but they did a really good job.
Now that you've finished showing what you can do and receiving so many compliments afterward, are you even more confident that you're going to be the first quarterback taken on April 23?
That's out of my hands. That's up to the teams. I think I reassured the teams that I'm a good pick, that I have the arm strength, I can move around a little bit, I can throw on the run and I'm extremely accurate.
What was the general reaction you got from the NFL people afterward?
Very positive. A lot of teams came up and congratulated me on a good workout, but I don't anybody was really surprised. I think people probably expected me to have a good workout, and I had a good workout. There was one slight overthrow and three drops -- those were the only balls that hit the ground. I was on.
You had a meeting and lunch with the 49ers braintrust afterward (head coach Mike Nolan, offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy and quarterback coach Jim Hostler). How did that go?
It was good. I really enjoyed my time with the two Mikes and Jim. It's encouraging just knowing the Niners have got such good people working for them.
Did you talk money at all, or about the workout?
We didn't even really talk football much. We were just shooting the breeze, talking about anything and everything. Mike Nolan's a Northern California guy. He knows the area pretty well where I'm from, so we're talking about Chico a lot, and about our familes.
So what's next for you?
I'm going to take some time off. I'm going to relax a little bit, chill out, hang with the family. I'll continue to work out, and keep my body in shape and keep my weight up.
I don't really have another big day. There was a big buildup to the combine for me, and then a little lull and then a big buildup for this workout. And now I'm going to New York for a predraft thing next week. And numerous teams have said they want me to come out for a day and come to the complex -- Cleveland, Tampa, San Francisco and Miami, obviously. So, just do those and then hope for the best on April 23.
By Bob Elliott
NFL.com
(March 17, 2005) -- With about 70 personnel from NFL teams watching his every move, former California Bears quarterback Aaron Rodgers disappointed none of them in a featured workout on the Berkeley campus. A few hours later, Rodgers discussed his big moment with NFL.com:
First of all, had you heard about how well Alex Smith did yesterday?
Actually I didn't. I had just found out in an interview afterwards I did that he had a good workout. But I'm not surprised; he's a good player.
But I was focused on what I had to do to have a good workout. I knew he was going, but I had no idea how well he did. I only worry about things I can control; I can't control the way his workout went. I can only how good mine went and I know mine went really well; I felt great about it.
What was it like being out there before all those NFL executives and media?
A lot of my former teammates were up in the stands. My trainer was there from my workout place. A lot of media and a lot of teams were there as well. But once I got into the workout, I was able to focus on what I had to do. And like in a game situation where I can block out the fans, I pretty much just blocked out everybody else and was able to have a really good workout.
What do you think you did the best?
I was just myself. I think I showed the accuracy, arm strength and fundamentals that I think you can see on the film, and just reassured the teams I am as good as they think I am on film.
Were you nervous before you got out there?
Well, the first throw I was a little nervous but after that, you get the sweat going and it's just a matter of muscle memory making the throws you know you can make. I got into a rhythm and threw really well. My receivers did a really good job, too. They made some really good catches. There were a couple of drops but they did a really good job.
Now that you've finished showing what you can do and receiving so many compliments afterward, are you even more confident that you're going to be the first quarterback taken on April 23?
That's out of my hands. That's up to the teams. I think I reassured the teams that I'm a good pick, that I have the arm strength, I can move around a little bit, I can throw on the run and I'm extremely accurate.
What was the general reaction you got from the NFL people afterward?
Very positive. A lot of teams came up and congratulated me on a good workout, but I don't anybody was really surprised. I think people probably expected me to have a good workout, and I had a good workout. There was one slight overthrow and three drops -- those were the only balls that hit the ground. I was on.
You had a meeting and lunch with the 49ers braintrust afterward (head coach Mike Nolan, offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy and quarterback coach Jim Hostler). How did that go?
It was good. I really enjoyed my time with the two Mikes and Jim. It's encouraging just knowing the Niners have got such good people working for them.
Did you talk money at all, or about the workout?
We didn't even really talk football much. We were just shooting the breeze, talking about anything and everything. Mike Nolan's a Northern California guy. He knows the area pretty well where I'm from, so we're talking about Chico a lot, and about our familes.
So what's next for you?
I'm going to take some time off. I'm going to relax a little bit, chill out, hang with the family. I'll continue to work out, and keep my body in shape and keep my weight up.
I don't really have another big day. There was a big buildup to the combine for me, and then a little lull and then a big buildup for this workout. And now I'm going to New York for a predraft thing next week. And numerous teams have said they want me to come out for a day and come to the complex -- Cleveland, Tampa, San Francisco and Miami, obviously. So, just do those and then hope for the best on April 23.
NFL.com - Rodgers' Workout a Success
NFL.com - NFL News
March 17, 2005) -- It's not exactly turning into a debate like Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf in 1998, but the argument over who's better between Utah quarterback Alex Smith and Cal quarterback Aaron Rodgers is heating up.
I spoke with people who attended Rodgers' workout and saw Smith work out the day before (which I saw in person), and at this point no one can distinguish one from the other. No one can distinguish who the leader is in the barn. All we know is that it's a two-horse race for top quarterback, and both participants are true thoroughbreds.
Furthermore, they're both adding fuel to the fire that the top pick in the draft should be a quarterback. Before this week, it was debatable if a quarterback should be taken No. 1 overall. Now it's looking more and more like it's a good idea.
Rodgers held his private workout in California under the direction of his collegiate head coach, Jeff Tedford. He threw to two receivers, Jonathan Makomnen, who was a player at Cal last year, and LaShaun Ward, a former NFL receiver, as well as to tight end Garrett Cross and running back Kevin Parker.
Like Smith, Rodgers has a busy schedule ahead of him. In fact, he met with the 49ers right after his workout. Talk about keeping busy.
Here's the verdict from Rodgers' workout:
There were 32 teams represented at the workout, including new head coaches Mike Nolan of the 49ers and Nick Saban of the Dolphins. The crowd was similar to what we saw the day before at Alex Smith's workout.
Player Position Gil's comments
Aaron Rodgers QB Rodgers stood on his numbers at the combine. At Indy, he was 6-foot-2, 223 pounds, and he ran his 40s for an average time of 4.75. He had a 33½-inch vertical, a 9-foot-8 long jump, a 4.54 short shuttle and a 7.53 three-cone drill.
Like Smith, Rodgers made all the throws -- everything from a three-step drop slant pass to a roll out deep bomb. Three of his passes were dropped by his receivers, and he had one overthrow in the same manner Smith had the day before.
March 17, 2005) -- It's not exactly turning into a debate like Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf in 1998, but the argument over who's better between Utah quarterback Alex Smith and Cal quarterback Aaron Rodgers is heating up.
I spoke with people who attended Rodgers' workout and saw Smith work out the day before (which I saw in person), and at this point no one can distinguish one from the other. No one can distinguish who the leader is in the barn. All we know is that it's a two-horse race for top quarterback, and both participants are true thoroughbreds.
Furthermore, they're both adding fuel to the fire that the top pick in the draft should be a quarterback. Before this week, it was debatable if a quarterback should be taken No. 1 overall. Now it's looking more and more like it's a good idea.
Rodgers held his private workout in California under the direction of his collegiate head coach, Jeff Tedford. He threw to two receivers, Jonathan Makomnen, who was a player at Cal last year, and LaShaun Ward, a former NFL receiver, as well as to tight end Garrett Cross and running back Kevin Parker.
Like Smith, Rodgers has a busy schedule ahead of him. In fact, he met with the 49ers right after his workout. Talk about keeping busy.
Here's the verdict from Rodgers' workout:
There were 32 teams represented at the workout, including new head coaches Mike Nolan of the 49ers and Nick Saban of the Dolphins. The crowd was similar to what we saw the day before at Alex Smith's workout.
Player Position Gil's comments
Aaron Rodgers QB Rodgers stood on his numbers at the combine. At Indy, he was 6-foot-2, 223 pounds, and he ran his 40s for an average time of 4.75. He had a 33½-inch vertical, a 9-foot-8 long jump, a 4.54 short shuttle and a 7.53 three-cone drill.
Like Smith, Rodgers made all the throws -- everything from a three-step drop slant pass to a roll out deep bomb. Three of his passes were dropped by his receivers, and he had one overthrow in the same manner Smith had the day before.
Top QB prospects impress Saban
Dolphins' Coach Impressed by Aaron Rodgers. Read the story here: Top QB prospects impress Saban
ContraCostaTimes.com | 03/17/2005 | QB Smith gets ovation from 49ers
The 49ers were impressed by Alex Smith. Read the story here:
ContraCostaTimes.com | 03/17/2005 | QB Smith gets ovation from 49ers
ContraCostaTimes.com | 03/17/2005 | QB Smith gets ovation from 49ers
FOXSports.com - NFL- Tedford's QBs suffer from separation anxiety
When Jeff Tedford has sent his quarterback chicks out from his nest, they haven't exactly soared like eagles. There is only one Pro Bowl appearance among them. Read the whole story here:
FOXSports.com - NFL- Tedford's QBs suffer from separation anxiety: "Tedford's QBs suffer from separation anxiety"
FOXSports.com - NFL- Tedford's QBs suffer from separation anxiety: "Tedford's QBs suffer from separation anxiety"
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
49er Management at Cal on Thursday
Report from Inside Bay Area Sports: “Thursday, much of the 49ers organization will be at Cal attending a workout for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whom they may choose with the first pick in next month's NFL Draft.”
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Review of Pre-Season Pac-10
Spring Preview 2005 ... Pac 10
The Pac 10's top storylines
1. The rebounding Pac 10
2004 wasn't exactly the Pac 10's banner season even with USC winning the national title. Arizona State had a fantastic year that largely went unnoticed, while Cal was everyone's darling before getting pantsed by Texas Tech. The Trojans, Sun Devils and Bears were the shining teams in a lousy year. From Oregon State's loss at Boise State, to the stunning collapse of a proud Washington program to Oregon's turnover fest against Indiana to UCLA's Las Vegas Bowl gaffe to Wyoming to Washington State missing out on a bowl to Stanford and Arizona's struggles, things weren't pretty. But this should be a tremendous bounce back season for the conference with everyone outside of Cal returning most of their starters. It doesn't hurt that the league will also be the subject of weekly scrutiny with the nation's number one team facing several tough games.
2. USC's run at immortality
With offensive coordinator Norm Chow gone along with several other assistant coaches, USC will have to make its run at a third straight national title (or second straight championship for some) while breaking in some important new faces. On talent, no one in America can touch USC led by Mr. First-pick-in-the-draft-can-wait at quarterback along with the nation's best backfield. The offensive line and receiving corps will also make runs at best in the country honors. However, sure-thing dynasties usually have a way of falling short (don't forget that best-of-all-time tag attached to the 2002 Miami Hurricanes) and USC has some mega-landmines to deal with going on the road to face Oregon, Arizona State, Notre Dame and Cal. Even so, the only team that can beat USC is USC (all apologies for the tired cliché) so if this is a relaxed spring, it might open the door for future problems.
3. Can Arizona State handle the pressure?
Arizona State was everyone's hot sleeper of preseason 2003 with a good young quarterback in Andrew Walter and enough talent on both sides of the ball to make a serious run at the Pac 10 title. One early three game losing streak later with losses to Iowa, Oregon State and USC by a combined score of 103-36 and ASU was on its way to a 5-7 season. The 2005 Sun Devils have the potential to be one of the best teams in school history coming off a fantastic 9-3 year with an exciting group of veterans coming back. If ASU can beat LSU at LSU on September 10th, the Gameday crew can make their October 1st plans for Tempe when USC comes to town. However, the team will have to deal with the preseason hype and QB Sam Keller has to show this spring that the end of last year wasn't a fluke.
4. Trying to reload in Berkeley
Cal star quarterback Aaron Rodgers might have left, but Cal was able to keep head coach Jeff Tedford from entertaining any thoughts of leaving for one of this year's big openings. His presence, and a squishy soft opening schedule, should be enough to overcome some massive personnel losses on both sides of the ball. Last season didn't exactly end on a high note as the Cal crash many had been waiting for came against Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl. Now the Bears have to replace the defensive front seven, RB J.J. Arrington, the top receivers, and Rodgers. This spring might be too early to figure out who gets the keys to operate the high octane offense, but it'll still be worth watching to see if the team can reload right away. Later this off-season, top JUCO QB recruit Joseph Ayoob will be good enough to make a run for the starting job while receiver recruits DeSean Jackson and Lavelle Hawkins will be names to remember. Marshawn Lynch will be the Pac 10's best home run hitting running back this side of Reggie Bush. It all should add up to a good season, but this spring will be important to develop starters as well as depth.
5. The tight ends
This won't be a fun year to try to give out All-Pac 10 honors at tight end. Actually, the league could sweep all the All-America tight end spots and be an in-league battle for the Mackey Award. USC's Dominique Byrd returned after missing the first four games of last year with a broken kneecap to become a top target for Matt Leinart. His diving touchdown catch was one of the highlights of the Orange Bowl. UCLA got a big dose of good news when Marcedes Lewis decided to return for his senior league after catching 32 passes for 402 yards and seven touchdowns. Oregon State's Joe Newton and Oregon's Tim Day should each hover around the double-digit touchdown mark. Even with all the great talent throughout the league, the star of the show should be Arizona State's Todd Heap-clone Zach Miller who finished with 56 catches for 552 yards and six touchdowns as a true freshman.
6. Meet the new boss
Ty Willingham and Walt Harris are big name, big time coaches looking to turnaround their careers and the fortunes of two Pac 10 teams that have seen better days. Washington was one of college football's premier programs and wasn't that far removed from the Rose Bowl winning days before everything went south last season. Willingham has a tough task ahead and won't be able to turn things around right away, but Washington is a sleeping giant with the resources and expectations to be a power. Harris has a tougher job at Stanford looking to succeed at the league's most limited program thanks to academic restrictions. If nothing else, these two newcomers will bring even more attention to the Pac 10.
7. Desert Swarm II
The Pac 10 fired out a collective "aw crap" when Mike Stoops was hired at Arizona two years ago as it meant a new age of swarming defense down in Tucson. Stoops and his staff have been top notch recruiters from the word go and even better at working with the talent they already have. While the Wildcats are still at least a year away from becoming a major Pac 10 player, the defense has the makings of something special led by a bright secondary. Antoine Cason was one of the league's best all-around corners as a true freshman while safeties Darrell Brooks and Lamon Means were solid hitters combining with Cason to make 206 tackles with 20 broken up passes. Brooks led the team in tackles, Cason was second and Means third. The Stoops defense was way too young last year, but several players got enough playing time to expect a big 2005.
Aaron Rodgers Profiled by CBS Sportsline
Aaron Rodgers
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195
Position: QB
College: California
OVERVIEW
Aaron was a two-time All-Section selection at Pleasant Valley (Chico, Cal.) High School, where he threw for 2,176 yards as a senior and 2,243 yards during his junior campaign … He attended Butte (Cal.) Junior College in 2002, where he led the team to a No. 2 ranking in the national polls, completing 164 of 265 passes (61.9%) for 2,408 yards, 28 touchdowns and only four interceptions, adding 294 yards with seven scores on 101 carries (2.9 avg.) … A true student of the game and a bright protégé of coach Jeff Tedford, Aaron emerged as one of the nation's premier quarterbacks as a junior in 2004 … His 161.2 passer efficiency rating in 2004 established a school season-record, as he led the fifth-ranked offense (492.4 ypg) in the NCAA Division 1-A ranks … He boasts a 17-5 record as a starting quarterback for the Bears … In two seasons at California, Aaron completed 424 of 665 passes (63.8%) for 5,469 yards, 43 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, adding 336 yards and eight scores on 160 rushing attempts (2.1 avg) … His passer efficiency rating of 150.31 shattered the previous school career-record of 142.6 by David Barr (1992-94) … His 5,469 yards passing rank seventh in California-Berkeley annals and his 43 touchdown passes rank fifth … Only Rich Campbell (64.5%, 1977-80) had a higher pass completion percentage in school history … Only Randy Gold (10, 1960-62) had fewer interceptions in a career as Cal's starting passer … His percentage of 1.95 passes that were intercepted broke the old school all-time record of 2.74% by Pat Barnes (26 on 950 throws, 1993-96) … In the 2004 Southern California contest, Aaron tied the NCAA single-game consecutive completions record, connecting on his first 23 attempts (Tee Martin of Tennessee first accomplished that feat vs. South Carolina in 1998) and set a new NCAA overall consecutive completions record with 26 consecutive (three at Oregon State and 23 at USC), breaking Martin's 1998 record of 24 … Aaron gained 5,805 yards in total offense at California, the sixth-best career total in school annals … His 3,113 total yards in 2003 are topped only by Pat Barnes (3,499 in 1996) on Cal's season-record chart.
ANALYSIS
Aaron is a well-built athlete with a medium to long stride and good foot quickness … Also has displayed good athletic ability and change of direction agility for the position … Has a good setup and a quick release to go along with very good arm strength … Rarely will he make questionable decisions … Has no trouble reading defenses and will not force the ball into traffic (see low interception percentage) … Stays on his primary receivers too long at times, but when he can't locate and hit secondary receivers, he will take off and run with the ball … Shows good poise, especially when faced with pressure, but must stand in the pocket longer to wait for the play to develop … Has shown flashes of great play-making ability due to his good athleticism and very good arm strength … He's a developing prospect with all the physical tools, displaying excellent quickness in his delivery and release … Very effective at generating the quickness and snap on the forward motion of his release to easily loft the ball into his target's waiting hands … His feet are very quick, but it's his long ball accuracy and touch that stand out, taking enough off his long throws to feather the ball to receivers … While Aaron is not the biggest quarterback you will find, he does have a loose arm, tight circle and knows how to step into his throws … The thing you notice on film is his ability to flash a good pass set, drift and soft touch, showing the vision and awareness to slide and move in and out of the pocket with ease … Displays a smooth, accurate long ball and can run the quarterback draw like a tailback, making him a definite running threat.
INJURY REPORT
2003 -- Joined California in fall drills with a pre-existing left knee injury … Re-injured the knee during fall camp, but did not miss any time … His knee was again injured in the Southern Mississippi game (8/30), but he played with the injury throughout the season … Underwent surgery to repair the ligament damage on 1/07/03, sitting out 2004 spring drills while recovering.
AGILITY
4.74 in the 40-yard dash … 340-pound bench press … 32 5/8-inch arm length … 9 3/8-inch hands.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Pleasant Valley (Chico, Cal.) High, where he was a two-time All-Section choice in 2000 and '01 … Passed for a combined 4,419 yards during his junior and senior seasons … Set single-game school records for touchdowns (6) and all-purpose yards (440), and single-season marks for passing yards (2,176) and total yards (2,466).
PERSONAL
American Studies major … Son of Darla and Ed Rodgers … Born 12/02/83 … Resides in Chico, California.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 195
Position: QB
College: California
OVERVIEW
Aaron was a two-time All-Section selection at Pleasant Valley (Chico, Cal.) High School, where he threw for 2,176 yards as a senior and 2,243 yards during his junior campaign … He attended Butte (Cal.) Junior College in 2002, where he led the team to a No. 2 ranking in the national polls, completing 164 of 265 passes (61.9%) for 2,408 yards, 28 touchdowns and only four interceptions, adding 294 yards with seven scores on 101 carries (2.9 avg.) … A true student of the game and a bright protégé of coach Jeff Tedford, Aaron emerged as one of the nation's premier quarterbacks as a junior in 2004 … His 161.2 passer efficiency rating in 2004 established a school season-record, as he led the fifth-ranked offense (492.4 ypg) in the NCAA Division 1-A ranks … He boasts a 17-5 record as a starting quarterback for the Bears … In two seasons at California, Aaron completed 424 of 665 passes (63.8%) for 5,469 yards, 43 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, adding 336 yards and eight scores on 160 rushing attempts (2.1 avg) … His passer efficiency rating of 150.31 shattered the previous school career-record of 142.6 by David Barr (1992-94) … His 5,469 yards passing rank seventh in California-Berkeley annals and his 43 touchdown passes rank fifth … Only Rich Campbell (64.5%, 1977-80) had a higher pass completion percentage in school history … Only Randy Gold (10, 1960-62) had fewer interceptions in a career as Cal's starting passer … His percentage of 1.95 passes that were intercepted broke the old school all-time record of 2.74% by Pat Barnes (26 on 950 throws, 1993-96) … In the 2004 Southern California contest, Aaron tied the NCAA single-game consecutive completions record, connecting on his first 23 attempts (Tee Martin of Tennessee first accomplished that feat vs. South Carolina in 1998) and set a new NCAA overall consecutive completions record with 26 consecutive (three at Oregon State and 23 at USC), breaking Martin's 1998 record of 24 … Aaron gained 5,805 yards in total offense at California, the sixth-best career total in school annals … His 3,113 total yards in 2003 are topped only by Pat Barnes (3,499 in 1996) on Cal's season-record chart.
ANALYSIS
Aaron is a well-built athlete with a medium to long stride and good foot quickness … Also has displayed good athletic ability and change of direction agility for the position … Has a good setup and a quick release to go along with very good arm strength … Rarely will he make questionable decisions … Has no trouble reading defenses and will not force the ball into traffic (see low interception percentage) … Stays on his primary receivers too long at times, but when he can't locate and hit secondary receivers, he will take off and run with the ball … Shows good poise, especially when faced with pressure, but must stand in the pocket longer to wait for the play to develop … Has shown flashes of great play-making ability due to his good athleticism and very good arm strength … He's a developing prospect with all the physical tools, displaying excellent quickness in his delivery and release … Very effective at generating the quickness and snap on the forward motion of his release to easily loft the ball into his target's waiting hands … His feet are very quick, but it's his long ball accuracy and touch that stand out, taking enough off his long throws to feather the ball to receivers … While Aaron is not the biggest quarterback you will find, he does have a loose arm, tight circle and knows how to step into his throws … The thing you notice on film is his ability to flash a good pass set, drift and soft touch, showing the vision and awareness to slide and move in and out of the pocket with ease … Displays a smooth, accurate long ball and can run the quarterback draw like a tailback, making him a definite running threat.
INJURY REPORT
2003 -- Joined California in fall drills with a pre-existing left knee injury … Re-injured the knee during fall camp, but did not miss any time … His knee was again injured in the Southern Mississippi game (8/30), but he played with the injury throughout the season … Underwent surgery to repair the ligament damage on 1/07/03, sitting out 2004 spring drills while recovering.
AGILITY
4.74 in the 40-yard dash … 340-pound bench press … 32 5/8-inch arm length … 9 3/8-inch hands.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Pleasant Valley (Chico, Cal.) High, where he was a two-time All-Section choice in 2000 and '01 … Passed for a combined 4,419 yards during his junior and senior seasons … Set single-game school records for touchdowns (6) and all-purpose yards (440), and single-season marks for passing yards (2,176) and total yards (2,466).
PERSONAL
American Studies major … Son of Darla and Ed Rodgers … Born 12/02/83 … Resides in Chico, California.
Cal NFL Prospect Results
CALIFORNIA (March 8th) senior quarterback AARON RODGERS decided to wait until March 17th to perform a full workout, but did 4.32 short shuttle and 7.12 three-cone... senior defensive tackle LORENZO ALEXANDER ran between 4.98 and 5.06 in the 40... 4.62 short shuttle... 7.78 three-cone... 8'9" broad jump and also did 29 reps of 225 pounds... weighed in at 6017, 289 pounds... most teams would like to see him carry 295 pounds on a consistent basis... senior tight end GARRETT CROSS ran between 4.82 and 4.88 in the 40... 4.28 short shuttle... 35" vertical... 9'3" broad jump... pulled up with a hamstring strain during the three-cone... weighed in at 6043, 245 pounds... has been a bit injury-prone in terms of nick-nack type things like this... still has room to grow... senior wide receiver CHASE LYMAN ran between 4.50 and 4.52 in the 40... 36.5" vertical... 9'7" broad jump... weighed in at 6032, 218 pounds... senior safety MATT GIORDANO ran between 4.52 and 4.58 in the 40... 33" vertical... 10'0" broad jump... weighed in at 5106, 199 pounds... suffered a strained pectoral muscle, while attempting the bench press... may try to workout again before the draft... very good role player potential; somewhat comparable to Steve Gleason (Saints)... senior defensive end/linebacker RYAN RIDDLE ran between 4.82 and 4.88 in the 40... 4.38 short shuttle... 7.31 three-cone... 8'11" broad jump... 20.5" vertical... weighed in at 6016, 253 pounds... not really athletic enough to move back to linebacker full-time... probably more of a situational guy for the NFL... senior linebacker WENDELL HUNTER ran between 4.75 and 4.82 in the 40... 4.46 short shuttle... 7.08 three-cone... 32.5" vertical... 9'3" broad jump and also did 22 reps of 225 pounds... weighed in at 6006, 228 pounds... senior long snapper L.P. LADOCEUR ran between 4.88 and 4.95 in the 40... 4.48 short shuttle... 7.40 three-cone... 33" vertical... 9'3" broad jump and also did 18 reps of 225 pounds... weighed in at 6051, 257 pounds... seen as one of the top long snappers in the draft with the chance to be taken late... senior defensive tackle TOM SVERCHEK ran between 5.12 and 5.18 in the 40... 4.42 short shuttle... 7.28 three-cone... 29.5" vertical... 8'5" broad jump and also did 26 reps of 225 pounds... weighed in at 6027, 288 pounds... a number of teams are also evaluating him as a conversion to offensive line; center... senior safety RYAN GUTIERREZ ran between 4.70 and 4.74 in the 40... 4.08 short shuttle... 6.78 three-cone... 34" vertical... 9'9" broad jump and also did 26 reps of 225 pounds... weighed in at 5107, 203 pounds... has been injury-prone (knee)... but flashes some potential, both at safety and on special teams... senior linebacker FRANCIS BLAY-MIEZAH ran between 4.78 and 4.82 in the 40... 4.31 short shuttle... 7.22 three-cone... 38.5" vertical... 10'1" broad jump and also did 25 reps of 225 pounds... weighed in at 5116, 229 pounds... senior running back J.J. ARRINGTON did not workout at his Pro Day, as he was satisfied with his results from the Combine... there were an additional ten prospects that worked out, but none are seen as true NFL prospects.
Texas Tech Still Rejoicing Over Blow Out Bowl Win
Secondary Prepped for Spring Football
Spring Football Outlook
March 14, 2005
By Jenna Sampson, Texas Tech Media Relations
While the recent win over fourth-ranked Cal Berkeley in the Holiday Bowl is still fresh in the minds of many Red Raider fans, spring football is just a few weeks away. The Texas Tech secondary was instrumental in shutting down Aaron Rodgers' passing game in San Diego, but the crew claims to have put the game behind them and are gearing up for another season.
"It did feel good to shut down their passing game. I don't think a lot of people expected us to do that, but it wasn't a surprise to us at all," said senior cornerback Antonio Huffman.
"We had a good win and it ended well, but now we're focused on next year," he added.
The strong outing in Southern California wasn't a surprise to fans sporting Red and Black all fall. Coach Dave Brown's secondary unit finished the season ranked 15th in the nation, allowing 13 total touchdowns and an average of 181.3 yards per game. The unit also chipped in 11 interceptions.
Brown will have both Huffman and Khalid Naziruddin back for another season to torment opposing route runners, and seasoned free safety Vincent Meeks will likely be joined by senior Dwayne Slay.
"It's nice having two corners back, but we haven't arrived. That's the point I want them to understand, and I think they know that and they've been in here working hard and continuing to improve," said Brown.
If Naziruddin continues to improve at the pace he set when he stepped foot on campus last year, Brown should be encouraged. The senior corner entered the 2004 spring roster as a walk-on from Division III Howard Payne and worked his way through the ranks to become one of the most talented corners in the Big 12. He finished the season with a team leading 53 solo tackles and tied senior linebacker Mike Smith with 83 overall, good enough for a conference ranking of 13.
"Khalid has the best story- walking on, earning a scholarship. That's tremendous," said Huffman.
Brown claims Naziruddin's success is due in part to his work ethic in the weight room, conditioning, and time spent in the film room. Then, of course, there's the raw talent aspect.
"Khalid is a student of the game. He's continuing to grow and mature. He needs to do that along with all of our other corners- Antonio Huffman, Chris Parker, Darcell McBath, SirDon Lewis, and Marcus Bunton. All of those guys are going to continue to get better not only on the field, but in the classroom," Brown added.
Regardless of player talent, good coaching is always vital. Brown is entering his fifth season at Tech, and brings a wealth of experience with him. The former NFL veteran and All-Pro defensive back with the Seattle Seahawks also served as Seattle's cornerback coach from 1992-98.
"Coach Brown is a former player- he still thinks he's a player," Huffman added with a laugh.
"He thinks he can still get out there, and he probably could. With 17 years in the league, Coach Brown teaches us a lot about how to approach the game, how to have the right attitude going out there, how to stay poised in certain situations and to basically be humble. He's not the type of guy that likes showboating," he said.
Brown will be looking for improvement in secondary communication this spring- notably down and distance awareness, noting where the ball is on the hash mark, and recognizing receiver splits and pre-snap reads.
Safeties coach Carlos Mainord is also looking forward to a productive spring. He has veteran free safety Meeks around for another season, but will be looking to fill the strong safety spot left vacant by senior Josh Rangel. Junior transfer Slay spent this past fall learning the system and is expected to earn that slot.
"He got some playing time and did well when he was in there. He's a tall guy that can run, so we're looking forward to him having a good spring," said Mainord.
Mainord is also looking to seeing strong outings from sophomore Joe Garcia, junior Greg Aycock, and a few freshmen.
"We have a couple of freshman we would like to get a good look at this spring, but Meeks and Slay are the oldest and most seasoned players- Meeks especially. The way we play our safeties, there's not a lot of difference between free safety and strong safety so the guys could play either one and not miss a beat," he added.
Meeks had a great year, finishing the season ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 10 passes defended, two interceptions, and a lot of hits.
"I'm expecting us to continue to do the same things we did last year and to improve. We want to do everything we can to help our football team win a football game. Every football game we believe that we can win," Brown summed up.
The Red Raiders begin preparing for another winning season when spring drills commence on Wed. March 23. The annual Red-Black Game is scheduled for April 16 at 1 p.m. at Jones SBC Stadium.
Spring Football Outlook
March 14, 2005
By Jenna Sampson, Texas Tech Media Relations
While the recent win over fourth-ranked Cal Berkeley in the Holiday Bowl is still fresh in the minds of many Red Raider fans, spring football is just a few weeks away. The Texas Tech secondary was instrumental in shutting down Aaron Rodgers' passing game in San Diego, but the crew claims to have put the game behind them and are gearing up for another season.
"It did feel good to shut down their passing game. I don't think a lot of people expected us to do that, but it wasn't a surprise to us at all," said senior cornerback Antonio Huffman.
"We had a good win and it ended well, but now we're focused on next year," he added.
The strong outing in Southern California wasn't a surprise to fans sporting Red and Black all fall. Coach Dave Brown's secondary unit finished the season ranked 15th in the nation, allowing 13 total touchdowns and an average of 181.3 yards per game. The unit also chipped in 11 interceptions.
Brown will have both Huffman and Khalid Naziruddin back for another season to torment opposing route runners, and seasoned free safety Vincent Meeks will likely be joined by senior Dwayne Slay.
"It's nice having two corners back, but we haven't arrived. That's the point I want them to understand, and I think they know that and they've been in here working hard and continuing to improve," said Brown.
If Naziruddin continues to improve at the pace he set when he stepped foot on campus last year, Brown should be encouraged. The senior corner entered the 2004 spring roster as a walk-on from Division III Howard Payne and worked his way through the ranks to become one of the most talented corners in the Big 12. He finished the season with a team leading 53 solo tackles and tied senior linebacker Mike Smith with 83 overall, good enough for a conference ranking of 13.
"Khalid has the best story- walking on, earning a scholarship. That's tremendous," said Huffman.
Brown claims Naziruddin's success is due in part to his work ethic in the weight room, conditioning, and time spent in the film room. Then, of course, there's the raw talent aspect.
"Khalid is a student of the game. He's continuing to grow and mature. He needs to do that along with all of our other corners- Antonio Huffman, Chris Parker, Darcell McBath, SirDon Lewis, and Marcus Bunton. All of those guys are going to continue to get better not only on the field, but in the classroom," Brown added.
Regardless of player talent, good coaching is always vital. Brown is entering his fifth season at Tech, and brings a wealth of experience with him. The former NFL veteran and All-Pro defensive back with the Seattle Seahawks also served as Seattle's cornerback coach from 1992-98.
"Coach Brown is a former player- he still thinks he's a player," Huffman added with a laugh.
"He thinks he can still get out there, and he probably could. With 17 years in the league, Coach Brown teaches us a lot about how to approach the game, how to have the right attitude going out there, how to stay poised in certain situations and to basically be humble. He's not the type of guy that likes showboating," he said.
Brown will be looking for improvement in secondary communication this spring- notably down and distance awareness, noting where the ball is on the hash mark, and recognizing receiver splits and pre-snap reads.
Safeties coach Carlos Mainord is also looking forward to a productive spring. He has veteran free safety Meeks around for another season, but will be looking to fill the strong safety spot left vacant by senior Josh Rangel. Junior transfer Slay spent this past fall learning the system and is expected to earn that slot.
"He got some playing time and did well when he was in there. He's a tall guy that can run, so we're looking forward to him having a good spring," said Mainord.
Mainord is also looking to seeing strong outings from sophomore Joe Garcia, junior Greg Aycock, and a few freshmen.
"We have a couple of freshman we would like to get a good look at this spring, but Meeks and Slay are the oldest and most seasoned players- Meeks especially. The way we play our safeties, there's not a lot of difference between free safety and strong safety so the guys could play either one and not miss a beat," he added.
Meeks had a great year, finishing the season ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 10 passes defended, two interceptions, and a lot of hits.
"I'm expecting us to continue to do the same things we did last year and to improve. We want to do everything we can to help our football team win a football game. Every football game we believe that we can win," Brown summed up.
The Red Raiders begin preparing for another winning season when spring drills commence on Wed. March 23. The annual Red-Black Game is scheduled for April 16 at 1 p.m. at Jones SBC Stadium.
Cal Alum Puts Curse on Maryland
The curse of Mote?
University president is link between two athletic programs' shocking tailspins
by Evan Millar
March 15, 2005
Three years ago, Terrapin fans cheered a resurrected football team to a surprise Orange Bowl berth and a top-tier men’s basketball team to its only national championship.
This season, those fans ended the football and basketball regular seasons with little to root for.
The Terps earned neither a bowl spot nor an NCAA men’s basketball bid this year. The downfall is unique, a statistical anomaly shared by only one other school: University of California-Berkeley.
But while the schools sit on opposite coasts, they stand together in history. And their fates are linked by one man — Dan Mote.
Yes, that Dan Mote.
“It’s déjà vu all over again,” the university president said with a laugh. “Am I the plague?”
Mote was earning his first of three degrees at Cal in 1959, when the Golden Bear football team made the Rose Bowl and when the men’s basketball team won an NCAA championship. His first date with future wife Patsy was that next year at the 1960 NCAA tournament, where Cal again reached the Final Four.
Yet by the time Mote earned his doctorate in 1963, those two teams had already fallen off the map. The 1961 Golden Bear football team finished 1-8-1. In 1962, it finished 1-9.
“I didn’t go to the Rose Bowl. I went skiing instead,” Mote said. “During those times, we went to the Rose Bowl fairly often, so it didn’t look strange that we went. If I had known that would be the last time they’d gone in 45 years, I would have gone. If they went this year, I would have flew back there.”
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Cal basketball started to struggle as well. After making the tournament every season from 1957 to 1960, the Golden Bears missed the NCAAs in consecutive years — a startling streak considering their Final Four appearances just two years earlier.
But even when Mote left Cal briefly from 1963 to 1967, the struggles remained. When he returned as a professor, it seemed to solidify the curse. In his 31 years on that university’s faculty, the Golden Bears did not return to their level of prominence.
Cal football did not make a bowl until 1979 and did not win one until the 1990 Copper Bowl — not one of the most sought-after destinations. Even with Mote gone and NFL prospect Aaron Rodgers at quarterback the past few seasons, the Golden Bears still could not make the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl or Sugar Bowl — the four most desired postseason appearances.
California men's basketball returned to the NCAAs in 1990 and increased its appearances as Mote’s tenure there neared its end, making trips in 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997. With Mote gone, the Golden Bears made consecutive trips from 2001 to 2003.
But while Cal reached the Sweet 16 twice since its downfall, it has not advanced further and has not Danced the past two seasons.
The Terps, meanwhile, benefited — at least briefly — from Mote’s arrival. In 2001, three years after Mote took over as president, Gary Williams took Maryland to the Final Four. A former Terp football player, Ralph Friedgen, arrived that spring to revive a once-prominent program.
In his first season, Friedgen led the Terps to a 10-2 record, including their first ACC championship since 1985. The Terps earned an Orange Bowl spot for the first time in 46 years. Months later, Terp men’s basketball reached its second-straight Final Four.
The Terps knocked off such powerhouses as Connecticut and Kansas to reach the title game, where they defeated Indiana. Seniors Juan Dixon and Lonny Baxter rolled around on the floor, overwhelmed by emotion.
Similar emotion was rarely seen this season, both on the football field and in Comcast Center. Terp football had few bright spots this season, aside from a 20-17 upset of No. 5 Florida State — the program’s first win over a Top-5 team since 1983. But they finished 5-6, the worst season in Friedgen’s tenure.
Gary Williams also saw a similar inconsistency. The Terps learned Sunday they will not be in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1993, a fate that was likely sealed by the Terps’ loss to Clemson in the first round of the ACC tournament.
“It’s always hard on the team,” said Mote, who was at the game. “I feel so much for the players who put their heart and life into this. But they’ll keep going. They move on.”
The Terps and their fans hope so. And Terp nation and Mote hope Cal’s history does not repeat itself in College Park in the coming decades.
“It’s very important to the university. It creates a common basis for all people,” Mote said. “They come together in athletics like no other thing they have here.”
University president is link between two athletic programs' shocking tailspins
by Evan Millar
March 15, 2005
Three years ago, Terrapin fans cheered a resurrected football team to a surprise Orange Bowl berth and a top-tier men’s basketball team to its only national championship.
This season, those fans ended the football and basketball regular seasons with little to root for.
The Terps earned neither a bowl spot nor an NCAA men’s basketball bid this year. The downfall is unique, a statistical anomaly shared by only one other school: University of California-Berkeley.
But while the schools sit on opposite coasts, they stand together in history. And their fates are linked by one man — Dan Mote.
Yes, that Dan Mote.
“It’s déjà vu all over again,” the university president said with a laugh. “Am I the plague?”
Mote was earning his first of three degrees at Cal in 1959, when the Golden Bear football team made the Rose Bowl and when the men’s basketball team won an NCAA championship. His first date with future wife Patsy was that next year at the 1960 NCAA tournament, where Cal again reached the Final Four.
Yet by the time Mote earned his doctorate in 1963, those two teams had already fallen off the map. The 1961 Golden Bear football team finished 1-8-1. In 1962, it finished 1-9.
“I didn’t go to the Rose Bowl. I went skiing instead,” Mote said. “During those times, we went to the Rose Bowl fairly often, so it didn’t look strange that we went. If I had known that would be the last time they’d gone in 45 years, I would have gone. If they went this year, I would have flew back there.”
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Cal basketball started to struggle as well. After making the tournament every season from 1957 to 1960, the Golden Bears missed the NCAAs in consecutive years — a startling streak considering their Final Four appearances just two years earlier.
But even when Mote left Cal briefly from 1963 to 1967, the struggles remained. When he returned as a professor, it seemed to solidify the curse. In his 31 years on that university’s faculty, the Golden Bears did not return to their level of prominence.
Cal football did not make a bowl until 1979 and did not win one until the 1990 Copper Bowl — not one of the most sought-after destinations. Even with Mote gone and NFL prospect Aaron Rodgers at quarterback the past few seasons, the Golden Bears still could not make the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl or Sugar Bowl — the four most desired postseason appearances.
California men's basketball returned to the NCAAs in 1990 and increased its appearances as Mote’s tenure there neared its end, making trips in 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997. With Mote gone, the Golden Bears made consecutive trips from 2001 to 2003.
But while Cal reached the Sweet 16 twice since its downfall, it has not advanced further and has not Danced the past two seasons.
The Terps, meanwhile, benefited — at least briefly — from Mote’s arrival. In 2001, three years after Mote took over as president, Gary Williams took Maryland to the Final Four. A former Terp football player, Ralph Friedgen, arrived that spring to revive a once-prominent program.
In his first season, Friedgen led the Terps to a 10-2 record, including their first ACC championship since 1985. The Terps earned an Orange Bowl spot for the first time in 46 years. Months later, Terp men’s basketball reached its second-straight Final Four.
The Terps knocked off such powerhouses as Connecticut and Kansas to reach the title game, where they defeated Indiana. Seniors Juan Dixon and Lonny Baxter rolled around on the floor, overwhelmed by emotion.
Similar emotion was rarely seen this season, both on the football field and in Comcast Center. Terp football had few bright spots this season, aside from a 20-17 upset of No. 5 Florida State — the program’s first win over a Top-5 team since 1983. But they finished 5-6, the worst season in Friedgen’s tenure.
Gary Williams also saw a similar inconsistency. The Terps learned Sunday they will not be in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1993, a fate that was likely sealed by the Terps’ loss to Clemson in the first round of the ACC tournament.
“It’s always hard on the team,” said Mote, who was at the game. “I feel so much for the players who put their heart and life into this. But they’ll keep going. They move on.”
The Terps and their fans hope so. And Terp nation and Mote hope Cal’s history does not repeat itself in College Park in the coming decades.
“It’s very important to the university. It creates a common basis for all people,” Mote said. “They come together in athletics like no other thing they have here.”
Monday, March 14, 2005
PAC-10 Approves Experimental Use of Instant Replay
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Pacific-10 Conference approved the use of instant replay for the 2005 football season. The Pac-10 Directors of Athletics,meeting at the Pacific Life Pac-10 Men's Basketball Tournament, voted to experiment with instant replay beginning immediately. The Pac-10 will implement a system similar to that utilized by the Big Ten Conference last season. The Pac-10 joins a number of conferences electing to experiment with instant replay in 2005.
The instant replay system the Pac-10 will implement differs from that used in the National Football League in that the coaches will not be allowed to challenge calls on the field and a replay official located in the press box will make the replay decision as opposed to the referee on the field.
The instant replay system the Pac-10 will implement differs from that used in the National Football League in that the coaches will not be allowed to challenge calls on the field and a replay official located in the press box will make the replay decision as opposed to the referee on the field.
Scouts Inc.: QB class lacks surefire franchise player
Few quarterback classes can compare with last year's, and this won't be one of them. There are two probable top-10 prospects in the group, but neither Aaron Rodgers (Cal) nor Alex Smith (Utah) would have gone ahead of the top three quarterbacks selected in 2004 – Eli Manning (Giants), Philip Rivers (Chargers) and Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers).
Rodgers has elite arm strength and is further along in his development than Kyle Boller was when he left coach Jeff Tedford, but Rodgers doesn't have great size and there are some understandable concerns that he's a product of a passer-friendly system. Those same concerns exist for Smith, who played not only in a wide-open offense at Utah but also in a scheme that primarily used the shotgun.
Rodgers has elite arm strength and is further along in his development than Kyle Boller was when he left coach Jeff Tedford, but Rodgers doesn't have great size and there are some understandable concerns that he's a product of a passer-friendly system. Those same concerns exist for Smith, who played not only in a wide-open offense at Utah but also in a scheme that primarily used the shotgun.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Cal receiver chases goal: a 6th season
Cal receiver chases goal: a 6th season
By Mark Purdy
Mercury News
The NCAA keeps telling us it wants to reward true student athletes. Chase Lyman has a modest reward in mind.
How about giving him a fair shake?
Lyman played wide receiver for Cal last year -- at least until the Bears' fourth game. In the third quarter of the Bears' loss to USC, his left knee was twisted and his season was done. Because he was a fifth-year senior, Lyman's college career was also thought to be finished.
But why should that be? That's what Lyman wanted to know. He had already missed the 2002 season because of a torn hamstring muscle. Now he was going to miss almost the entire 2004 season. Lyman knew about an NCAA rule that allows a sixth year of eligibility in such cases.
``There's still some stuff in college I'd like to accomplish,'' Lyman said Thursday. ``I'd like to go to the Rose Bowl. That's always the goal. And I think with the coaches and players we have, there's a chance to do that next season.''
NCAA appeal
Thus, with the encouragement of Coach Jeff Tedford and several teammates, Lyman sent a letter to the NCAA a few months ago. He asked for a medical-hardship waiver that would permit him to play the 2005 season.
His chances, however, do not look so hot -- simply because of a 36-minute technicality. Under the strictest interpretation of NCAA rules, a sixth year of eligibility is granted only to a player who has missed at least 80 percent of two seasons. If Lyman had been hurt in Cal's third game, rather than 36 minutes into the fourth game, there would have been no problem.
To buttress his case, Lyman has told the NCAA that during his time at Cal, he played in barely half of the games because of other medical issues -- torn ankle ligaments, a groin pull, a hip pointer, even an emergency appendectomy.
``My experience was kind of cut short every year,'' said Lyman, a former star at St. Francis High. ``I don't know if there's been some kind of curse on me at Cal or what. I just know there's no way I'm going to let an injury end my career.''
Waiting game
You would think the NCAA would want the same thing. Lyman has been an exemplary role model for college athletics. He has never been in trouble, has helped organize charitable activities on campus and already has enough credits to graduate with a degree in American studies. Lyman is the anti-Maurice Clarett.
Except that right now, more than anything, Lyman is in limbo. The NCAA has told him it will rule on his request before the end of this month, so that he can participate in the NFL draft, although his future there is uncertain. When healthy at Cal, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Lyman displayed next-level talent.
It has all made for a frustrating, odd winter. To protect his pro prospects, Lyman attended the Indianapolis scouting combine. If he receives enough positive feedback, he might turn pro, regardless. But he has followed the NCAA guidelines by not signing with an agent.
At the combine, he ran no agility drills but was clocked in 4.42 for the 40-yard dash, not bad for a guy recovering from knee surgery.
``It's a total meat market there,'' Lyman said, describing the scene, then chuckling slightly. ``It's a unique experience. They interview with all sorts of interesting questions. What was your home life like growing up? A lot of psychology stuff. Do you think you're a cat or a dog? Stuff like that.''
So. Is Lyman a cat or a dog?
``I'm a dog.''
Dogged, too. Let's hope the NCAA gives him the option of proving that at Cal again.
By Mark Purdy
Mercury News
The NCAA keeps telling us it wants to reward true student athletes. Chase Lyman has a modest reward in mind.
How about giving him a fair shake?
Lyman played wide receiver for Cal last year -- at least until the Bears' fourth game. In the third quarter of the Bears' loss to USC, his left knee was twisted and his season was done. Because he was a fifth-year senior, Lyman's college career was also thought to be finished.
But why should that be? That's what Lyman wanted to know. He had already missed the 2002 season because of a torn hamstring muscle. Now he was going to miss almost the entire 2004 season. Lyman knew about an NCAA rule that allows a sixth year of eligibility in such cases.
``There's still some stuff in college I'd like to accomplish,'' Lyman said Thursday. ``I'd like to go to the Rose Bowl. That's always the goal. And I think with the coaches and players we have, there's a chance to do that next season.''
NCAA appeal
Thus, with the encouragement of Coach Jeff Tedford and several teammates, Lyman sent a letter to the NCAA a few months ago. He asked for a medical-hardship waiver that would permit him to play the 2005 season.
His chances, however, do not look so hot -- simply because of a 36-minute technicality. Under the strictest interpretation of NCAA rules, a sixth year of eligibility is granted only to a player who has missed at least 80 percent of two seasons. If Lyman had been hurt in Cal's third game, rather than 36 minutes into the fourth game, there would have been no problem.
To buttress his case, Lyman has told the NCAA that during his time at Cal, he played in barely half of the games because of other medical issues -- torn ankle ligaments, a groin pull, a hip pointer, even an emergency appendectomy.
``My experience was kind of cut short every year,'' said Lyman, a former star at St. Francis High. ``I don't know if there's been some kind of curse on me at Cal or what. I just know there's no way I'm going to let an injury end my career.''
Waiting game
You would think the NCAA would want the same thing. Lyman has been an exemplary role model for college athletics. He has never been in trouble, has helped organize charitable activities on campus and already has enough credits to graduate with a degree in American studies. Lyman is the anti-Maurice Clarett.
Except that right now, more than anything, Lyman is in limbo. The NCAA has told him it will rule on his request before the end of this month, so that he can participate in the NFL draft, although his future there is uncertain. When healthy at Cal, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Lyman displayed next-level talent.
It has all made for a frustrating, odd winter. To protect his pro prospects, Lyman attended the Indianapolis scouting combine. If he receives enough positive feedback, he might turn pro, regardless. But he has followed the NCAA guidelines by not signing with an agent.
At the combine, he ran no agility drills but was clocked in 4.42 for the 40-yard dash, not bad for a guy recovering from knee surgery.
``It's a total meat market there,'' Lyman said, describing the scene, then chuckling slightly. ``It's a unique experience. They interview with all sorts of interesting questions. What was your home life like growing up? A lot of psychology stuff. Do you think you're a cat or a dog? Stuff like that.''
So. Is Lyman a cat or a dog?
``I'm a dog.''
Dogged, too. Let's hope the NCAA gives him the option of proving that at Cal again.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Bears host Final Spring Practice on Saturday, April 17 at Noon
Bears host Final Spring Practice on Saturday, April 17 at Noon
(No news today, but fans should plan on attending the Spring Practice on April 17th! Much more intimate that the Fan Appreciation Day in August, which used to be a cozy gathering of diehard fans but has turned into a bandwagon express, with people who never attended a game while we had real grass)
Cal football’s four-week spring practice and training sessions will culminate in the Blue-Gold Spring Game Saturday, April 17 at 12:00 noon in Memorial Stadium. The annual event features a "situational scrimmage," and previews the exciting season ahead for the Golden Bears in 2004.
Admission is free, and head coach Jeff Tedford and the team welcome all fans to enjoy a fun afternoon with Cal football.
Free food from West Coast Pizza and Baja Fresh will be provided to the first 1,000 fans at the Spring Game, and will be served inside Memorial Stadium. Complimentary food will be made available to the first 1,000 fans in attendance, or while supplies last.
Rodgers Gives NFL Scouts Sneak Peak (At football Skills, that is)
By JAY HEATER
Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.)
BERKELEY, Calif. - A group of about 25 NFL scouts gathered in the middle of the Memorial Stadium field Tuesday afternoon as Aaron Rodgers slipped off his sweatshirt.
Already scheduled to throw for NFL coaches and scouts March 17 at Memorial Stadium, Rodgers wasn't expected to give the scouts anything to write home about Tuesday.
The scouts expected the quarterback merely to be a spectator while they tested and examined several other Cal players, such as defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander, defensive end Ryan Riddle and tight end Garrett Cross, who hope to be drafted.
But toward the end of the workout session, Rodgers decided to join his former teammates in the short shuttle drill, an explosion exercise where a player runs 5 yards to his left, then 10 yards to his right, then back another 5 yards to where he began.
Rodgers whipped through a couple shuttle runs while the scouts scribbled notes. "We didn't get to run that shuttle drill at the (NFL scouting combine)," said Rodgers' agent, Mike Sullivan. "It is just a matter of completing his resume."
The final piece of Rodgers' resume will be completed March 17. "We want Aaron to show his level of accuracy and his quick release," Sullivan said. "That's what will separate him from (Utah quarterback) Alex Smith."
On March 17, Rodgers will be the only player on the field being tested. "We wanted a firm schedule so Aaron can prepare," Sullivan said of the private workout. "When there are 20 other guys, there is not a focus.
Rodgers has been focused on preparing himself for the various testing drills since the Bears ended their season at the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30. He said the process is beginning to wear on him. "It's mentally fatiguing," Rodgers said. "I feel like I've been training for a year. I'm ready to start playing some football."
It's way too early to tell where Rodgers will land in the NFL. Several mock drafts have projected Rodgers as the first overall pick on April 23, and that selection belongs to the 49ers. Sullivan, who represents former No. 1 picks Michael Vick and David Carr, doesn't expect to hear anything from the 49ers soon.
"Each situation is different," Sullivan said. "With Vick, the Chargers contacted me the Monday before the draft. With Carr, the Texans contacted me at the end of March. But I can tell you that it won't be early this year."
Sullivan said he would be surprised to hear anything until the week of the draft this year.
While Rodgers can be certain that he will be a first-round pick, his former teammates were trying to secure a spot somewhere in the draft.
Alexander ran a 5.04 40-yard dash, which he believes showed the scouts his mobility for an inside defensive tackle. Alexander said Tuesday's workout probably will be his final one for the scouts before the draft.
Cross probably helped himself with his workout. He weighed 245 pounds, which was seven pounds more than he weighed at the East-West Shrine Game. He pumped out 20 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press to show scouts that he is increasing his strength.
"He didn't get invited for the combine because he played at 233 pounds," said Sullivan, who also will represent Cross. "They are looking for much bigger guys."
But with a workout program that has built him up in a short period of time, Sullivan said Cross is showing scouts that he is headed in the right direction.
"He is going to be drafted," predicted Sullivan. "He is a quality West Coast tight end."
Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.)
BERKELEY, Calif. - A group of about 25 NFL scouts gathered in the middle of the Memorial Stadium field Tuesday afternoon as Aaron Rodgers slipped off his sweatshirt.
Already scheduled to throw for NFL coaches and scouts March 17 at Memorial Stadium, Rodgers wasn't expected to give the scouts anything to write home about Tuesday.
The scouts expected the quarterback merely to be a spectator while they tested and examined several other Cal players, such as defensive tackle Lorenzo Alexander, defensive end Ryan Riddle and tight end Garrett Cross, who hope to be drafted.
But toward the end of the workout session, Rodgers decided to join his former teammates in the short shuttle drill, an explosion exercise where a player runs 5 yards to his left, then 10 yards to his right, then back another 5 yards to where he began.
Rodgers whipped through a couple shuttle runs while the scouts scribbled notes. "We didn't get to run that shuttle drill at the (NFL scouting combine)," said Rodgers' agent, Mike Sullivan. "It is just a matter of completing his resume."
The final piece of Rodgers' resume will be completed March 17. "We want Aaron to show his level of accuracy and his quick release," Sullivan said. "That's what will separate him from (Utah quarterback) Alex Smith."
On March 17, Rodgers will be the only player on the field being tested. "We wanted a firm schedule so Aaron can prepare," Sullivan said of the private workout. "When there are 20 other guys, there is not a focus.
Rodgers has been focused on preparing himself for the various testing drills since the Bears ended their season at the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30. He said the process is beginning to wear on him. "It's mentally fatiguing," Rodgers said. "I feel like I've been training for a year. I'm ready to start playing some football."
It's way too early to tell where Rodgers will land in the NFL. Several mock drafts have projected Rodgers as the first overall pick on April 23, and that selection belongs to the 49ers. Sullivan, who represents former No. 1 picks Michael Vick and David Carr, doesn't expect to hear anything from the 49ers soon.
"Each situation is different," Sullivan said. "With Vick, the Chargers contacted me the Monday before the draft. With Carr, the Texans contacted me at the end of March. But I can tell you that it won't be early this year."
Sullivan said he would be surprised to hear anything until the week of the draft this year.
While Rodgers can be certain that he will be a first-round pick, his former teammates were trying to secure a spot somewhere in the draft.
Alexander ran a 5.04 40-yard dash, which he believes showed the scouts his mobility for an inside defensive tackle. Alexander said Tuesday's workout probably will be his final one for the scouts before the draft.
Cross probably helped himself with his workout. He weighed 245 pounds, which was seven pounds more than he weighed at the East-West Shrine Game. He pumped out 20 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press to show scouts that he is increasing his strength.
"He didn't get invited for the combine because he played at 233 pounds," said Sullivan, who also will represent Cross. "They are looking for much bigger guys."
But with a workout program that has built him up in a short period of time, Sullivan said Cross is showing scouts that he is headed in the right direction.
"He is going to be drafted," predicted Sullivan. "He is a quality West Coast tight end."
Pac 10 Coach Preview (from collegefootballnews.com)
Spring Preview 2005 ... Pac 10 Coaches A quick run down of the coaching situation in the Pac 10
Best Coach Pete Carroll, USC It took some lean years as an NFL head coach, but Carroll has certainly found his calling at USC. After back-to-back national championships, and another star-studded recruiting class, he’s on top of his profession, and shows no signs of letting up. Since breaking even in 2001, Carroll has gone 36-3, including one-sided BCS bowl wins over Iowa, Michigan and Oklahoma.
Most Underrated: Jeff Tedford. Tedford has gotten near-maximum pub the past year, and yet it still does not do justice to what he has accomplished in three seasons in Berkeley. During that time, he has: 1) won 25 games, and guided the 1-10 team he inherited into a national power 2) helped perennial underachiever Kyle Boller to a first-round signing bonus 3) helped former JUCO quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a first-round draft grade 4) forced Cal to give its facilities a much-needed facelift and 5) been the subject of some very stylish "Ted Head" t-shirts
Most Overrated: Tyrone Willingham, Washington. Not many coaches in college history have won so few big games, and yet have commanded so many headlines. Willingham is all that is good in amateur coaching, but the attention he gets is hardly commensurate with his production in the fall or in February. And whether three years was too quick of a hook or not, no one can argue that Willingham was not getting the job done in South Bend.
Coach on the Hot Seat: Mike Bellotti, Oregon. No one expected Bellotti to produce double-digit win totals every season, but three years of mediocrity and no postseason wins has the former rising star in unfamiliar territory. The administration wouldn’t be foolish enough to replace him anytime soon, but a Top 3 finish in the Pac-10 would be timely. Playing in the shadow of mighty USC, UCLA’s Karl Dorrell looks overwhelmed in his two seasons in Westwood.
Bucking for a Promotion: Tedford. There are only about two dozen college and pro teams combined that would not deep six their current head coach to get Tedford on board. He is that hot right now. The promise of improved facilities in Berkeley kept Tedford from straying for now, but the right combination of cash, power and potential for a championship will eventually lure him away.
Best Offensive Coordinator: Dirk Koetter, Arizona State. The Pac-10 lost some quality offensive coaches in the off-season, but Koetter will be back to coordinate his own offense again in 2005. He likes to air it out as much as any other team in the conference, and toss in plenty of wrinkles to keep defensive coordinators guessing. Bob Cortez has been outstanding at Cal, but the Bear offense is covered with Jeff Tedford’s fingerprints.
Best Defensive Coordinator: Carroll. Beyond players like Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and Mike Williams, the Trojans can also play some defense, Carroll’s forte. Cal’s Bob Gregory, a Broyles Award finalist last year, did a stunning job with an unheralded group of Bear defenders.
Best Off-season Hire: Gary Crowton, Oregon. As a head coach, Crowton makes a darn good coordinator. After a fast start, he circled the drain at BYU, but the head gig isn’t for everyone. Crowton will spread the field and keep defenses guessing, and enters a situation in Eugene that could provide him with immediate success; the Duck offense has been slipping of late, but returns quarterback Kellen Clemens and all of his skill position players.
Worst Off-season Loss; Norm Chow, USC. The term gets tossed around way too much, but Chow is truly an offensive genius. Wherever he’s coached, offenses have hummed and quarterbacks have exceeded their potential, which is why the Tennessee Titans named him their offensive coordinator in February. In his place step Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin, the young Trojan assistants with the unenviable task of trying to replace college football’s version of Yoda.
Best Coach Pete Carroll, USC It took some lean years as an NFL head coach, but Carroll has certainly found his calling at USC. After back-to-back national championships, and another star-studded recruiting class, he’s on top of his profession, and shows no signs of letting up. Since breaking even in 2001, Carroll has gone 36-3, including one-sided BCS bowl wins over Iowa, Michigan and Oklahoma.
Most Underrated: Jeff Tedford. Tedford has gotten near-maximum pub the past year, and yet it still does not do justice to what he has accomplished in three seasons in Berkeley. During that time, he has: 1) won 25 games, and guided the 1-10 team he inherited into a national power 2) helped perennial underachiever Kyle Boller to a first-round signing bonus 3) helped former JUCO quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a first-round draft grade 4) forced Cal to give its facilities a much-needed facelift and 5) been the subject of some very stylish "Ted Head" t-shirts
Most Overrated: Tyrone Willingham, Washington. Not many coaches in college history have won so few big games, and yet have commanded so many headlines. Willingham is all that is good in amateur coaching, but the attention he gets is hardly commensurate with his production in the fall or in February. And whether three years was too quick of a hook or not, no one can argue that Willingham was not getting the job done in South Bend.
Coach on the Hot Seat: Mike Bellotti, Oregon. No one expected Bellotti to produce double-digit win totals every season, but three years of mediocrity and no postseason wins has the former rising star in unfamiliar territory. The administration wouldn’t be foolish enough to replace him anytime soon, but a Top 3 finish in the Pac-10 would be timely. Playing in the shadow of mighty USC, UCLA’s Karl Dorrell looks overwhelmed in his two seasons in Westwood.
Bucking for a Promotion: Tedford. There are only about two dozen college and pro teams combined that would not deep six their current head coach to get Tedford on board. He is that hot right now. The promise of improved facilities in Berkeley kept Tedford from straying for now, but the right combination of cash, power and potential for a championship will eventually lure him away.
Best Offensive Coordinator: Dirk Koetter, Arizona State. The Pac-10 lost some quality offensive coaches in the off-season, but Koetter will be back to coordinate his own offense again in 2005. He likes to air it out as much as any other team in the conference, and toss in plenty of wrinkles to keep defensive coordinators guessing. Bob Cortez has been outstanding at Cal, but the Bear offense is covered with Jeff Tedford’s fingerprints.
Best Defensive Coordinator: Carroll. Beyond players like Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and Mike Williams, the Trojans can also play some defense, Carroll’s forte. Cal’s Bob Gregory, a Broyles Award finalist last year, did a stunning job with an unheralded group of Bear defenders.
Best Off-season Hire: Gary Crowton, Oregon. As a head coach, Crowton makes a darn good coordinator. After a fast start, he circled the drain at BYU, but the head gig isn’t for everyone. Crowton will spread the field and keep defenses guessing, and enters a situation in Eugene that could provide him with immediate success; the Duck offense has been slipping of late, but returns quarterback Kellen Clemens and all of his skill position players.
Worst Off-season Loss; Norm Chow, USC. The term gets tossed around way too much, but Chow is truly an offensive genius. Wherever he’s coached, offenses have hummed and quarterbacks have exceeded their potential, which is why the Tennessee Titans named him their offensive coordinator in February. In his place step Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin, the young Trojan assistants with the unenviable task of trying to replace college football’s version of Yoda.
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