Combined feed (RSS)Post-practice: Friday
By Jonathan Okanes
Friday, August 15th, 2008 at 4:56 pm in Training camp.
Cal held one of its few early afternoon practices of the fall, and it was heavy on drillwork after Thursday’s scrimmage.
There was something different about Friday after talking with Jeff Tedford following practice. The beginning of the season suddenly seems more imminent after Tedford said the team will know soon who has won some of the position battles going on in camp.
Of course, that kind of talk immediately makes one wonder about the quarterbacks. Tedford said the plan still is to wait until the week of the opener — and perhaps into the game against MIchigan State — to pick the No. 1 guy. But he quickly added: “As of now. Unless something changes in the next day or two. We’ll see. We have to make that decision. That’s part of the evaluation process.”
This is the second time in the past few days that Tedford has hinted that the quarterback competition could be settled before his original deadline. Earlier in the week, Tedford essentially said if one of the two quarterbacks would separate himself, then he would be the guy. It makes for an interesting study, because Nate Longshore and Kevin Riley seem as even as they have all fall right now.
There are two notable developments in this process. One, Tedford said the coaching staff was going to have a personnel meeting later Friday to discuss depth. Two, the Bears are holding their second and final scrimmage of the fall next Tuesday, and it is strictly closed — no media, no family members, etc. Tedford acknowledged that will be the last thorough evaluation the coaching staff will make on personnel, because the Bears will start game planning for Michigan State the following day.
Does that mean the quarterback situation will be resolved by then? Who knows. But just the fact that it might be possible is a notable change from what we have expected all offseason.
“The whole thing is going to be about consistency in everything we do, mentally and physically,” Tedford said.
Aside from the quarterback, it seems as though we’ll have a more clear depth chart very soon. Answering a question about the kicking battle between incumbent Jordan Kay and freshman David Seawright, Tedford said: “We should know in the next few days.”
Tedford said things should be “solidified” after next week’s scrimmage. That includes determining which freshman will play this season, and which ones will redshirt.
On to injuries, linebacker Zack Follett sat out Friday after suffering a groin injury, one Tedford believed was different than the one he had last week. Rulon Davis missed practice to go to a doctor’s appointment.
Tedford said linebacker Worrell Williams “is a little bit better but he’s not ready to play yet. Williams has missed the past two days with an abdominal strain.
Nose tackle Derrick Hill was on crutches after suffering a sprained ankle during Thursday’s scrimmage, but isn’t expected to be out too long. Cornerback Syd’Quan Thompson missed practice after suffering a sprained shoulder Thursday, but Tedford expects him back soon as well.
Tedford said defensive back Kamaron Yancy is still trying to finish off his junior college schoolwork to get eligible. Yancy isn’t expected back for camp but could join the team after enrolling for fall classes.
The Bears will have a double-day practice Saturday, the morning session in full pads. They have another full-pad workout on Sunday.
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August 15th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
the team is falling apart with injuries, and we haven’t even kicked off the season? who’s conditioning these guys?
August 15th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Rollonubears,
“You” are not part of the “we”. So go away.
August 15th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Jonathan:
Magnificent job. Keep up the good work. Thanks for being our “embedded reporter”.
…GBear
August 15th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Hawkins scores for Titans on 51 yard TD pass. Cal receivers looking good so far.
August 16th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Hey JO, how has Will T been playing? I haven’t seen you mention his name. I’m surprised, since I and many other fans had thought he might play a greater role this year, especially in 3rd Downs. Opps, is this part of the secret play category? Delete my post if it is! In addition, what about the backup FBs? Are Garret or Tyndall pushing for playing-time?
On the QB competition based upon your quote, I think Tedford is sharing both his thoughts and the company line. The two might be different, since Tedford’s opinion and his coaches input on personnel are not the same in some cases. Tedford must listen to Cignetti and the other coaches in his overseeing capacity, and I think your quote shows that.
For fans who claim that Tedford is stubborn your qoute also shows that he is open to other possibilities.
Go Bears!
August 16th, 2008 at 10:51 am
ross, when you’re an alumnus of uc berkeley, you’re part of the “we.” your bruins have their own problems. you should be following them. oh, and a tip on writing novels - limit the adverbs. go bears!
August 16th, 2008 at 11:00 am
rollonubears Says:
August 16th, 2008 at 10:51 am
ross, when you’re an alumnus of uc berkeley, you’re part of the “we.” your bruins have their own problems. you should be following them. oh, and a tip on writing novels - limit the adverbs. go bears!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
rollonubears - I believe you are speaking to a relative of one of the Cal players. Jerk!
August 16th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Rollonubears, small correction. Its not UC Berkeley. Its the University of California.
Other than that, I agree with you completely.
August 16th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Hey J.O., I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but you’re leading in the small poll on californiagoldenblogs.com among Cal Bear writers. I think you’ve got some love in that article, since it appears you’re being compared to Aaron Rodgers. Go J.O.! Go Bears!
August 16th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Rollon, I know some fans in the stands would like to think they contribute to the team, because they don’t have a voice after the game, but that’s such a drop in the bucket. Have you been working out all year to prepare for the season? Have you been involved in the team meetings? Have you taken a few hits in practice from men who are 50 to 100 lb heavier than you? Have you been studying the playbooks? Finally, while doing all of this for 40 hours a week, have you been taking classes? I think not. Unless you’ve played college football for Cal, you can’t say that you are in the We. You’re an outsider looking in, even if you’ve been going to Cal games like me for 25 years or more, or you’re a major donor and Sandy gives you special privileges. We are graduates of Cal, and they are the players in the program. I know that’s hard to swallow for some fanatics, but it’s the truth, even if the newest ad makes us feel special by being included in the Every. Go BEARS!
August 18th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Injuries are part of football, and have alwys been, and I think with the blog’s it’s just more noticeable. Hell, just take a look at the rest of the leauge…I expect injuries, from spring training throuhgout the season, I just hope “they” can stay out of the backseat of the local P-D patrol cars, as we have been (unlike Georgia).
August 18th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Jan, Will looks like his typical self, blocking well, gaining positive yardage on dives, etc. I don’t anticipate him having a substantially different role this season, however. I don’t think Will has to worry about any other fullbacks displacing him, either. And thanks for the update about the poll. Good to know I haven’t scared you all away yet.