The Cal Football Fan

Riley #2, true freshmen to play

Coach Jeff Tedford has named redshirt freshman Kevin Riley the number 2 quarterback. However, the CC Times reports:

[Kyle] Reed, a redshirt sophomore, said he has no plans on transferring or changing positions. … Tedford said the decision doesn’t necessarily mean Riley is the heir apparent to Longshore, who is a junior. … Still, Reed is clearly disappointed with the decision, something Tedford said is to be expected.

“That’s natural,” Tedford said. “When a guy puts in that much time and energy, you can’t expect him to be chipper. He’s bounced back. He’s had a good attitude the last couple of days. I have a lot of confidence he’s going to stay focused on what he needs to get the job done and be ready.”

Even though Reed has had a couple of days to digest the news, it’s clear he’s still trying to make peace with it. … “I’m not going to lie. It’s still something that’s wearing on me,” he said. “I have to suck it up as a man and try to better myself through this process.”

Tedford has also confirmed that at least defensive back Chris Conte, defensive end Cameron Jordan and running back Jahvid Best will play this season as true freshmen.

College quarterbacks

Interesting article on espn.com talking about college quarterbacks and what it requires to be one. There are also some good quotes from Tedford talking about what he looks for in a quarterback recruit.

“But it takes a special breed to be a great quarterback, with a unique mix of attributes. This is Tedford’s five-part recruiting checklist when shopping for a QB:

1. Mental and physical toughness. “Obviously, physically, you’re going to take a pounding, and you’ve got to get up and have your team follow you. You have to be mentally tough because if you throw a couple picks, you’ve got to be tough enough to come back.” 2. Intelligence. “You’ve got to be able to understand and control the offense.” 3. Competitiveness. “We look for a guy who wants the ball in his hands with the game on the line.” 4. Escape dimension. “Not everything happens the way it’s drawn up. We want a guy who can elude the rush and make something happen when a play breaks down.” 5. Natural throwing motion. “He’s got to be able to get the ball around the field.”

Click here for the full article.

Heater’s blog, with insider position info

EDIT: Jay’s done with all the positions, so check them out.

The Contra Costa Times’ Jay Heater is on a roll, with a special series on his blog detailing the situations of each of the team’s positions. It’s very informative stuff, so take a look:

• 2/28: Middle linebacker: Coach Kenwick Thompson, Zack Follett, Greg Van Hoesen, Matt Russi
• 3/01: Outside linebacker: Justin Moye, Anthony Felder, Eddie Young, Worrell Williams, Shea McIntyre, Mike Mohamed, Devin Bishop, Alex Cook, more
• 3/02: Cornerback: Syd’Quan Thompson, Darian Hagan, Charles Amadi, Brandon Jones
• 3/03: Offensive line: Alex Mack, Mike Gibson, Brian De La Puente, Noris Malele, Mike Tepper, Chris Guarnero, Chet Teofilo, Matt Laird
• 3/03: Safety: Thomas DeCoud, Bernard Hicks, Brandon Hampton, Robert Peele, Marcus Ezeff
• 3/05: Defensive line: Matt Malele, Mika Kane, Derrick Hill, Mike Costanzo, Cody Jones, Rulon Davis, Tad Smith, John Allen, Scott Smith, Phillip Mbakogu
• 3/06: Running back: Justin Forsett, James Montgomery, Tracy Slocum, Bryan Schutte, Jahvid Best, Shane Vareen
• 3/07: Fullback: Will Ta’ufo’ou, Brian Holley, RJ Garrett
• 3/08: Wideout: DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan, Lavelle Hawkins, Sam DeSa, Sean Young, LaReylle Cunningham, Jeremy Ross, Daniel Lofton
• 3/09: Tight end: Craig Stevens, Cameron Morrah, Julian Arthur, Skylar Curran, Garry Graffort
• 3/09: Special teams: Tom Schneider, Andrew Larson, DeSean Jackson, Nick Sundberg, more
• 3/09: Quarterback: Nate Longshore, Kyle Reed, Kevin Riley

Enjoy.

Pac-10 Review and Forecast

Next year looks to be an outstanding year for the Pac-10. While the Pac-10 looked rather mediocre this season and failed to meet the preseason hype of projected national rankings, the outlook for next season seems to point towards one of the most competitive for the Pac-10 in recent history. Some listed points to consider:

• Seven teams welcome back their starting quarterback (not Oregon State, Washington and Stanford). Experience at quarterback is critical for any team, but particularly in the pass-happy Pac-10.

• The top 15 rushers are all scheduled to return (though Cal junior Marshawn Lynch figures to enter the NFL draft).

• Only three of the top 10 receivers are seniors (though USC junior Dwayne Jarrett figures to enter the NFL draft).

• USC, California, Oregon and UCLA should be ranked in the 2007 preseason poll. Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon State will receive votes.

• If Lynch and Jarrett don’t return, USC quarterback John David Booty, Oregon tailback Jonathan Stewart, Cal quarterback Nate Longshore and Cal receiver wide receiver DeSean Jackson will be leading Heisman Trophy candidates.

In his analysis of the current season, Ted Miller also gave his MVP award to Marshawn Lynch, and Newcomer of the Year award to DeSean Jackson:

Most Valuable Player

	Lynch

Running back Marshawn Lynch, Cal

Lynch didn’t become the Heisman Trophy candidate he was touted as during the preseason, but he led the conference in rushing (1,245 yards) and all-purpose yards (1,657). He scored 13 touchdowns (nine rushing) and averaged 6.1 yards per carry. He piled up those numbers while battling a pair of sprained ankles, so his toughness deserves a tip of the cap as much as his talent.

And it was hilarious when he drove that golf cart onto the field after the Bears nipped Washington.

Newcomer of the Year

DeSean Jackson, Cal

Jackson, who led the Bears in receiving last season as a true freshman, has spectacular speed and athleticism — comparisons to Reggie Bush don’t evoke sarcastic snickers — making him the conference’s most dangerous player during his sophomore campaign.

He led the nation in punt returns, averaging 18.2 yards per return with four touchdowns. He also caught 54 passes for 979 yards and nine touchdowns.

With two or possibly three Heisman Trophy candidates, a competitive Pac-10, and an opening home game against Tennessee, next season should be quite exciting for the Bears.

SI: Longshore #7 Top College QB

Sports Illustrated has honored Nate Longshore with the nod for the #7 spot in their list of the Top 15 College Quarterbacks. They write:

The beginning of Longshore’s career was far from easy. First, he broke his leg in Cal’s 2005 opener, ending his season. Then he managed just 85 yards passing with an interception before being pulled from Cal’s 2006 opener, a blowout loss to Tennessee. But since the embarrassment in Knoxville, Longshore has compiled 1,501 yards and 17 touchdowns in six straight Cal wins.

They all still have to bring up Tennessee over and over again, sadly. Nevertheless, this is great recognition for Nate.

Nate Longshore now in Heisman Watch

With his injury this past weekend, it appears that Marshawn Lynch has been dropped from the public Heisman voting. However, due to outstanding performances the past five weeks and the blowout of #11 Oregon, Nate Longshore has found his way into the spotlight. He has been added into this week’s final slot for Heisman voting, so go here to cast your vote.

Longshore is USA Today Player of the Week

QB Nate Longshore has been awarded the USA Today Player of the Week honor, as two members of the media overrode the public vote.

A prolific passing day carried California quarterback Nate Longshore to this week’s USA TODAY’s Player of the Week honor. The sophomore threw for four touchdowns and 270 yards as the Golden Bears scored 42 first-half points in a 49-21 defeat of No. 18 Arizona State. Longshore won the award with the votes of Gannett News Service columnist Mike Lopresti and college football editor Erick Smith. Fan voting sided with Notre Dame defensive back Terrail Lambert.

It’s nice to see Longshore’s efforts recognized by national media.

Longshore Pac-10 Player of the Week - again

QB Nate Longshore has been named Pac-10 offensive player of the week for the second time this season.

Longshore, a sophomore from Canyon Country, Calif., directed California’s offense in the Golden Bears’ 49-21 win against No. 18-ranked Arizona State. Longshore completed 18 of 26 passes (.692) for 270 yards and four touchdowns covering 9, 31, 23 and 8 yards with just one interception. All four touchdown passes came in the first half as California built a 42-14 halftime lead. It marks the second time this season Longshore has been named Pac-10 offensive player of the week having also been so honored after his performance in Cal’s win against Minnesota.

DB Daymeion Hughes and WR/PR DeSean Jackson were also nominated for defensive PotW and special teams PotW, respectively.

Longshore for USA Today Player of the Week

QB Nate Longshore has been nominated by USA Today for their College Football Player of the Week award. He is one of five players in the running, alongside Notre Dame DB Terrail Lambert, South Carolina WR Sidney Rice, Utah DB Eric Weddle, and Northern Illinois RB Garrett Wolfe.

You can help Longshore out by visiting the site and casting a vote for him. He’s currently in second place at 23% behind Lambert with 33%.

Also, Todd McShay with Scouts Inc./ESPN recognized Nate Longshore’s great performance on Saturday and included him on his weekly college football stock report in “Stock Up”. He writes:

Nate Longshore, QB, Cal
It would have been easy to write Longshore off following the season-opening debacle at Tennessee. So give head coach Jeff Tedford credit for sticking with the confidence-shaken sophomore. Longshore made progress in wins over Minnesota and Portland State, but his breakout game came Saturday in Cal’s lopsided victory over Pac-10 foe Arizona State. His poise and accuracy were most impressive, as Longshore completed 18 passes to eight different receivers. He finished the afternoon throwing for 270 yards and four touchdowns. As a side note, CB Daymeion Hughes headlined Cal’s dominant defensive performance with two interceptions and WR/RS DeSean Jackson showed his rare explosiveness on an 80-yard punt return for a score.

Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter is listed in the “Stock Down” section following his dismal performance against Cal’s defense.

QB Longshore is Pac-10 Player of the Week

QB Nate Longshore has been named Pac-10 player of the week for his impressive performance in Saturday’s game.

Longshore, a sophomore from Canyon Country, Calif., directed California to a 42-17 win against Minnesota. Longshore completed 22 of 31 passes (.710) for an even 300 yards and four touchdowns covering 24, 2, 48 and 11 yards, with no interceptions. The passing yardage and touchdown passes were both career highs for Longshore. The California offense piled up 31 first downs and 531 yards total offense against Minnesota.

Daymeion Hughes was also nominated for the award.