Fall Camp Recap: Week 1

So I’m not officially part of the Cal “media” per say. Apparently, Cal officials feel as though stalking Jeff Tedford and falling asleep in Jahvid Best’s car doesn’t really grant me press privileges. Whatever. So what this means is that I’m unable to attend any of Cal’s closed fall practices and am therefore unable to report on what’s happening in fall camp first hand.

Fortunately, there are journalists who Cal are allowed to attend, have been doing a pretty good job reporting on most of main details. Particularly Jonathan Okanes who consistently puts up good work at Bear Talk as well as Andrew Kim over at the Daily Cal.

A quick synopsis for what we’ve learned and what we know so far about the Bears since they opened camp a little over a week ago:

-Jahvid Best is back to his blazing, explosive self. While coaches and media members are all collectively holding the breath every time he touches the ball, and cringing every time he gets hit, Best appears to be showing that he is fully recovered from his hip injury last fall and appears to be ready to be THE man when it comes to Cal’s rushing attack this fall. Oh, and even after having added ten pounds of muscle, Best thinks he’s even faster now.

-As for the all important QB Battle, both redshirt senior Nate Longshore and redshirt sophomore Kevin Riley seem to be pretty evenly. While Longshore has had a few better practices, Riley has also done pretty well running with the first team.

-By the way, Nate thinks this team is the most talented team we’ve had.

- However, Tedford didn’t seem too pleased with the passing game from either quarterback yesterday. The defense appears to be a little bit ahead of the offense, which is no surprise at this point in the year.

-While many have pegged Nyan Boateng, Michael Calvin, and Jeremy Ross as our starters this fall, a handful of receivers may have something to say about it. Coach Tedford has stated that senior receiver Sean Young has had the most consistent camp thus far of any receiver and is certainly expected to see some playing time. And Marvin Jones is living up to the hype as the new #1. One of the top 25 receivers in the country as a 4 star recruit, Jones appears to be showing he has what it takes to play right away this year.

-One of the more interesting battles in Fall camp however, will be who grabs the other starting cornerback spot between Chris Conte and Darian Hagan opposite Syd’Quan Thompson. Conte has the experience having started a number of games last year as a true freshman, but Hagan appears to have gotten his act together on the practice field and is make a strong push in camp.

-Cameron Morrah is catching nearly everything coming his way. Couple him with newly converted tight end Tad Smith, and Bears fans can be excited about the role our tight ends might play in our passing game this fall.

-Them Bears Be Hitting Hard. Injuries are beginning to slow the team as a good number of players have had to sit out a few sessions. They include: Tracey Slocum (stinger), Covaughn Deboskie (concussion), Shane Vereen (ankle), Anthony Felder (swollen knee), Chet Teofilo (hamstrong), Mike Tepper (pectoral muscle), Charles Amadi (concussion), Michael Costanzo (concussion), Jesse Brooks (concussion) Zack Follet (groin), Mika Kane (ankle). Geez. At least it’s not like UCLA’s situation. Knock on wood.

-Finally, the Cal D-Line looks to be much improved this year. Part of it is because of our scheme. Another part is because players like Derrick Hill are realizing it’s time to live up to the hype. And another is because of their new D-Line coach.