Spring Practice Update: Riley and Tavecchio continue to shine

Quick Spring Ball update for you all. Apparently Jonathan Okanes from the Contra Costa Times appears to be the only media rep really providing updates on Spring practices, as I can’t seem to get accounts from other places without signing up for select Insider memberships. And I would do that, except, you know the economy sucks and all that stuff. Although, my Starbucks stock is the highest it’s been in four months, so who knows? Maybe I’ll splurge.

Anyway, the biggest news that Okanes emphasized was just how much QB Kevin Riley and K Giorgio Tavecchio continue to shine at practice.

Riley seems to be performing very well, drawing the praise of a number of coaches. In fact, Okanes only recalled one instance in which Riley misfired.

“Riley did make one mistake when it appeared he threw to the wrong area on a route by Jeremy Ross, but otherwise he was very good. He made a terrific throw over the middle and through traffic to tight end Anthony Miller, which prompted an animated reaction and pat on the rear from Jeff Tedford. Then he lofted a perfect long pass down the middle on a play action play, right in stride and softly into the hands of Nyan Boateng. That got some hoots and hollers out of running backs coach Ron Gould.”


Tavecchio on the other hand, continues to show off productive results from having hit the weight room this off season. He was consistently hitting 42-yard field goals, while also blasting balls from one sideline into the opposite stands.

“His work in the weight room is really evident,” Tedford said. “The ball is really jumping off his foot. He looks very good.”

“I’ve been lifting like crazy,” Tavecchio said. “I’ve been getting a lot stronger, just working on following through the ball, making good contact.”

We can’t get too ahead of ourselves with it only being the third practice of Spring ball. The team hasn’t even started working in full pads yet. But, it’s still very reassuring considering the QB and kicker positions were some of the biggest question marks entering into spring ball. It’s good to see some early results match up with the high regards and expectations many people have of these players.

One last note:
“Cornerback Darian Hagan and wide receiver Verran Tucker missed practice to concentrate on academics. Tedford said both players will periodically miss some spring sessions to hit the books.”

I hope this is completely a preemptive measure and in no way a reaction to poor grades that may ultimately make either player academically ineligible. Tedford and his coaching staff have done a wonderful job thus far with keeping his players’ academics prioritized fairly high, so let’s hope this trend continues.