Just got back from the New York Cal Reception with Cal Head Coach Jeff Tedford and Athletic Sandy Barbour, two of my most favoriteist Bears out there.
It was a jolly ole time, and I must say, $10 for food, open bar and a chance to hear Barbour and Tedford talk is about as good of a deal as you're going to get in the city. That, and chicken and rice on 53rd and 6th.
Anyway, on to recapping the event. Here's my best effort in summarizing what was said. I didn't have a tape recorder (which would have been useless anyway due to noise level), and I had already taken full advantage of the open bar at this point. But here's to a modest effort.
Sandy Barbour was introduced after a brief introduction, and essentially praised the amazing things happening with Cal athletics (9th in the director's cup), as well as the great things happening in the classroom as well. She highlighted the graduation rate among football players being in the 40 percent range prior to Tedford's arrival, and how now that rate was now in the 80s. In addition, Cal has seen the Bears take home conference and national championships this year (like Men's bball and rugby respectively), so much praise all around.
Tedford then came on, and reiterated a number of points from offseason media clippings. Best way to start the talk though was his emphasis on his love for Cal, and how he wouldn't stop until the Bears won the Rose Bowl.
Also, shout outs to Mrs. Tedford, and BOOM, Eric Levy and "Big Game hero" Steve Levy are in the house!!! (Cue Oprah cheer)
He talked about the consistent success the Bears have had, but emphasized the need to get over the "hump."
Quarterback Kevin Riley
Not too much time was spent talking about the QB position, but Tedford did say that while there would be competition at the spot, that Riley would be taking first team snaps in the fall. He reiterated that Riley was the active leader in conference wins (15-8) at QB, and was tied with Jake Locker for most starts.
He did say that he felt Riley would see a bit of a "breakout year" this year. And yes, he did say "breakout." Or was it "breakthrough?" I don't remember. I was still drinking.
New Facilities and SAHPC
He believed that the new facilities would be one of the key pieces to getting over the hump, especially in regards to helping the national recruiting base. He talked about how the facilities hadn't changed in what seemed like 80 years, and how difficult it was to have recruits come for visits. He recounted how they had just visited campuses at Tennessee or Michigan or Texas the weeks prior, and upon seeing our facilities, had the look of wanting to hop on the next flight out. It was obviously a bit of a joke, but one could tell how much he was stressing the importance of facilities.
He said the new facilities are a reality at this point, and that he has seen them and feels that everyone will be happy when they see the final product.
Strong Recruiting Class
He talked a bit about the strength of this recruiting class and that Keenan Allen was most likely to be in contention for immediate playing time. He praised the impact he has had since coming to campus this summer and that he "hasn't been letting anyone down." He also mentioned that Allen was even bigger than when they had been recruiting him, so it looks like Allen has been hitting the weights seriously.
He also talked about David Wilkerson and Nick Forbes probably making an immediate impact. He gave a brief mention of Chris Martin's departure, which was near verbatim what he stated his press release, what with the distractions and everything.
No mention of Cecil Whiteside. (More on that at the end of the evening.)
Road Game Schedule
A question was asked about our upcoming road schedule. He stated the benefit of only having 5 road games, but specifically mentioned Arizona, and the difficulties we've had with them on the road. "They've spoiled the party for us." He praised Mike Stoops though, and said there will be extra attention given to preparing for that game (first conference game of the season).
Expectations
Although he cited success early on in the season, he admitted that the Bears have not finished well. There will be a focus on competitive excellence. He stated that he felt that if they focused on that, that they had to ability to beat anyone on their schedule.
Runningback Depth Chart
Tedford said that we all knew what Vereen could do, but stressed the importance of creating depth at the RB position. After his 42 carry performance at Stanford, he was never quite the same for the rest of the season.
Isi Sofele was the first name mentioned and stated that he had been doing a "real nice job." This further adds to my suspicion that Sofele may potentially jump to second on the depth chart by the time of the season opener.
He also mentioned Covaughn Deboskie-Johnson, and Dasarte Yarnway, but no specific analysis or praise was given.
USC Sanctions and Effects on Recruiting
Some interesting points came up when a question was asked about USC Sanctions and its effects on recruiting. Tedford mentioned the NCAA rules that prohibited sanctioned players from transferring to conference schools, so while they received some calls from USC players who wanted to transfer to Cal, they weren't allowed to really have that conversation with them. Makes one wonder who those players were.
While Tedford said that they hadn't realized too much of the effect of the sanctions yet, thought they might see a bit more so as the year goes on.
So Who Won Between Jahvid Best and Desean Jackson's Footrace?
The questions never dies! At this point, a smile came across Tedford's face, and you could tell he was proudly recounting the story as if it were yesterday. Tedford said a race really only happened once. Everyone wanted to see it and were crowded around the two.
As the race began, Jahvid jumped out to a bit of an early lead. Tedford said he could tell there was some level of mutual or possible elder respect, so Jahvid looked over at Desean as they were running, and backed off a bit, letting Desean win the race.
He said those two (Desean and Jahvid) were the fastest on the field--ever. "I promise you that...You can't teach that speed."
Balanced Offense
"Are we going to be a bit more balanced on offense this year, instead of relying on such a heavy run game?"
A tough question, this time by a kid in the audience. Like at the Coach's Tour, Tedford joked that kids asked the toughest questions. Likely because their parents put them up to it.
Tedford did admit that that would be important for the team to succeed this year. He also mentioned something I've been thinking for a while, which was that the team would need a higher percentage passing game. And by that he didn't mean completing more passes, but rather pulling back a bit on trying to throw the ball down field as much, and trying to throw more higher percentage passes. He really wanted to avoid those third and longs.
[Blogger's note: Wholeheartedly agree. How many times do we remember a 1st down run for 1-2 yards, an incomplete streak or post pattern, and a resulting 3rd and 8?]
Offensive Line
Chris Guarnero was the first mentioned, and mentioned multiple times, so it seems like a near lock based on Tedford's comments that he will be the starting center. Matt Summers-Gavin was also mentioned, along with Mitchell Schwartz, Donovan Edwards, Brian Schwenke, and Dominic Galas. I thought it was interesting to hear Edwards' name mentioned at the top of the list, as he's often forgotten by Cal fans, but this blogger thinks he's the Bears most versatile OL player, and the likely the first one off the bench in nearly any situation this season.
Tedford stated that with the O-line, it's not so much about finding the top 5 players, but really the top 8-9 players who have the most chemistry. In reality, there are going to be injuries this season, and that it is important to create some depth there.
[Blogger's Note:I'm already shuddering at the idea of MSG missing another game. I kill the rest of my beer and order another.]
Rush Linebacker Position
A question I was going to ask regarded the rush linebacker position. The first name mentioned was Keith Browner, and that Mychal Kendricks might be moved to the outside to fill the gap there. Jarred Price is likely to be a third down specialist.
The question involved Gabe King, and the chances we'd see him in that spot. Tedford said that they'd have to see what he can do given that he's coming off a foot injury. He did say that he would imagine that King would play the defensive end position. He wasn't sure that King had the versatility to stay in coverage so King was likely to stick at DE.
Harbaugh Annoying?
Tedford answered a question by stating that Stanford Coach Jim Harbaugh wasn't really as annoying as he appeared, although Tedford was likely being kind. He did say it was nice to actually shake his hand on field though. *Smiles.*
Walk-On Kickers?
Some guy in the crowd stated that he had a year of eligibility left and asked if he could walk on as kicker. To which Tedford responded, "How fast can you be here?"
[Blogger's note: I do not think Giorgio Tavecchio is amused. I take a shot for my Italian brother. And no, I am not Italian.]
(Crowd laughter.)
Greatest Play in Tedford's Mind?
A lot of plays stood out Tedford, most recently Mike Mohammed's interception to seal the win in the big game. Also, the first play of his tenure (the halfback pass) stood out as well.
He recounted some big wins, including the Michigan State game his first season which really proved to the country as well as to the team itself that they were going to be competitive and were for real.
He also praised the 2003 Insight Bowl against Virginia Tech.
Cornerback Depth
The first name out interestingly was a player who didn't play at all in Spring, Darian Hagan. He also mentioned Bryant Nnabuife and Josh Hill. Tedford also stated that a young guy who is going to play a lot for us this year is Steve Williams. I quote, "We have a guy, Steve Williams, who is probably the best cover corner we've had here." He even compared him to Syd'Quan Thompson.
(Wow. Given the quality of cover corners we've had here, including Hughes and Thompson, that's saying a lot about a RS frosh).
Tedford then also mentioned Marc Anthony as a candidate.
Moving on to the safeties, Sean Cattouse and Chris Conte are our best bets at the safety positions. Overall, Tedford seemed pleased with the depth with this unit, and said that "secondary looks solid."
Wide Receivers other than Marvin Jones
First name up was Jeremy Ross, but Tedford also praised oft-injured Michael Calvin as a player who has stepped up big time for us. (I guess those summer workout reports are true.)
Tedford also mentioned Alex Lagemann, but also mentioned incoming WRs Coleman Edwards and Tevin Carter as being very fast. He said all the incoming WRs were sub 10.8 and 10.6 guys (in the 100m dash).
As for whether Carter would redshirt, it would depend on how fast he understands the offense, but he does have the ability to help us.
Switch to 4-3?
A question was posed, that given the depth at the tackle position, whether there would a change to the 4-3 might be considered. Tedford answered with an emphatic "NO. We're a 3-4 team."
However, he did say that we would see things this year that look like a four or five man front, which only affirms the benefit of the 3-4 scheme in creating diversity defensively.
Non-Conference Schedule
Tedford mentioned Colorado being scheduled for 2011, but wasn't sure how that would play out with the impending Pac-12 shift.
Northwestern is scheduled for 2012, and Ohio State (big applause and some confused Buckeye fan cheering loudly) scheduled the year after.
Texas is scheduled after that (a few hisses from the crowd and a "Get at Mack Brown" is loudly heard.)
[Blogger's note: Alcohol and the mention of Texas and Mack Brown gets my blood boiling. I make eye contact with Steve Levy and think of chucking my pint glass.]
Reasons for the end-of-season meltdown?
Nope. (laughter, though this blogger is not laughing.) Really, the last two games stretched the team's depth, and stated the team lacked firepower with both Jahvid and Shane not being completely healthy.
But he chalked those reasons up to being excuses and took a lot of responsibility for the lack of motivation. He gave credit to Washington, stating it was their last game, but still, regardless of recorded, stated that the team should play the same and compete every down and every play.
"What happened at Washington last year should never happen. We've lost games before, but we've never lost games where we were outscored like that."
[Blogger's note: I vaguely remember Oregon (42-3) and USC (32-3), but it's all a hazy blur. I am hiccuping annoyingly.]
Leaders this Year
When asked about leaders, Tedford stated that it would really have to be by committee this year. While there was no one quite like a Zack Follett, the most obvious leader was ILB Mike Mohammed. While Mohammed wasn't the most vocal guy, Tedford said that the things Mohammed says to the rest of the guys in the huddle definitely motivates them.
As for who would catch the fans' or cameras' attention on gamedays in terms of getting the team pumped, Sean Cattouse would likely fill that role.
But Tedford then rattled a number of players who could could be deemed as leaders on defense, including Trevor Guyton, DJ Holt, Derrick Hill, etc.
Young Quarterbacks
Tedford stated Beau Sweeney and Brock Mansion were behind Riley in the depth chart. He mentioned that Allan Bridgford had been recovering verl well, and that Austin Hinder would have to mature a bit physically. He listed Hinder as being 6'4 and only 170 pounds or so.
[Blogger: Dayam, that's about the same weight as THA1, and with about 6 inches. Hinder needs Muscle Milk. Or whatever Carrot Top is taking.]
Tedford also listed a recruit who he can't talk about, but that would be Kyle Boehm.
Cecil Whiteside's Eligibility
Tedford had time to field one last question, and you could see the obvious disappointment when it regarded incoming player Cecil Whiteside.
Tedford stated that Whiteside's academics were being evaluated by the NCAA, and that there was a high possibility that he was going to greyshirt, and come in during January.
[Blogger's note: That's a bummer, but I'm thinking that if it's an NCAA eligibility issue, that might mean Whiteside may not have the option of transferring to a school like ASU? I don't know. I'm getting beer hunger pangs and am craving Crif Dog.]
Tedford thanked us for coming out, and said if any of us ever made it back to California, that we always had a home. Aww, I can't wait to move in with the Tedfords in their Danville mansion. It'll be the next great reality show. "Hanging with the Tedfords!"
Go Bears!
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