BearTalk

I’ll have more thorough coverage tonight, but I wanted to throw out a few tidbits from today’s controlled scrimmage. The Bears didn’t play a game, but simply pitted the offense against the defense for a number of possessions, each starting at different parts of the field.

Some thoughts/notes:

• Both coach Jeff Tedford and quarterback Kevin Riley said the offensive line had its best practice of the spring, which is a little surprising because center Chris Guarnero joined right tackle Mitchell Schwartz on the sideline with a pulled calf. Schwartz has been out for over a week with tightness in his back. Donovan Edwards and Mark Brazinski took turns at center while Sam DeMartinis played right tackle. Matt Summers-Gavin continued to play left tackle, Richard Fisher was at left guard and Justin Cheadle was at right guard.
• None of the three quarterbacks did anything especially exceptional but both Beau Sweeney and Brock Mansion made more mistakes. Mansion took a sack for a safety and also was intercepted by safety Alex Logan at the end of practice.
• Brazinski struggled with the shotgun snap, misfiring on two on the same possession. After the second one, Riley connected with wide receiver Jeremy Ross for a 60-yard touchdown pass. Logan missed a tackle after the catch.
• Because of injuries to Trevor Guyton (shoulder), Mike Costanzo (appendectomy) and Keni Kaufusi (shoulder), the Bears are thing along the defensive line right now. That caused nose tackle Kendrick Payne to play some defensive end Saturday.
• Cornerback Darian Hagan, who is spending most of the spring focusing on academics, didn’t participate Saturday because he has two midterms next week, according to Hagan. Hagan did practice last Saturday.
• Langston Jackson blocked a punt by Brian Anger.
• Isi Sofele took the first reps as kick returner, followed by Dasarte Yarnway and Steve Williams.
• Mansion threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Ross, who held on to the ball after taking a bit hit in the end zone.
• Tailback Covaughn DeBoskie-Johnson scored on an 11-yard run.
• Oregon State transfer Kameron Krebs forced a fumble by Yarnway, which was recovered by Payne.
• Riley threw a short TD pass to DeBoskie-Johnson.