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Football: Recruiting’s big day finally arrives
By Jeff Faraudo
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012 at 7:45 am in Football, Recruiting.
7:35 p.m. Heading home. Just filed my story, which should be posted shortly on www.insidebayarea.com/sports or www.contracostatimes.com/sports. May have more later. Bye for now.
6:15 p.m. CB Raymond Ford of Serra-Gardena has announced he is signing with Cal. That brings Cal’s total to 17 — a final count for Wednesday. Tedford said there may be a couple more in coming days.
4:50 p.m. Said his mother told him always be a man of his word. “Going to be a great honor” to play with Keenen Allen, he said.
4:49 p.m. Cal!
4:48 p.m. Treggs on TV with mom and dad and family. Very nicely dressed. Said he tied his own tie. “It’s been a bit stressful,” he said. Well, then get it over with, already!
4:45 p.m. The FoxSportsWest show is comprehensive . . . but it’s dragging on a bit. A deep discussion of top SoCal quarterbacks, now running backs. Maybe wideouts next, but Tedford just stepped out. Hopefully he brings a large pizza when he returns.
4:41 p.m. Tedford just walked into the room as Treggs prepares to make his announcement on FoxSportsWest. Tedford looks relaxed — like a man who knows something the rest of us don’t.
4:25 p.m. Cal just tuned into FoxSportsWest’s live feed on an 8×5-foot screen here in the Cronk meeting room where the press conference will take place. Gee, wonder if that means they’re expecting good news on the Bryce Treggs question? You think?
4:24 p.m. Only six minutes to JT. Boy are we excited. (Is my sarcasm coming through or am I being too subtle. Hey, it’s been a long day!)
4:13 p.m. A hoops detour for those of you interested: Allen Crabbe was back at practice today. Apparently fine. OK, back to our regularly scheduled programming. Fifteen minutes to Tedford. Maybe.
3:55 p.m. I’m back. Let’s catch up — just in case you don’t already know. WR Kenny Lawler of Upland has committed — finally, a victory for Cal. But . . . and you saw these coming: DT Aziz Shittu picked Stanford and CB Brandon Beaver to Washington. Still awaiting word from Bryce Treggs. That’s supposed to come at 4:30 — exactly when Jeff Tedford’s press conference begins. Don’t you believe he will know — one way or the other — before stepping in front of the mic.
2:24 p.m. Folks, I’m taking a brief hiatus to drive to Berkeley for the 4 p.m. press conference with Jeff Tedford. There may some developments in the meantime. Will try to catch up on them when I get there. Should be an interesting session.
2:08 p.m. Much chatter that Serra-Gardena CB Raymond Ford could be headed to Cal. He’s 5-9 or 5-10 (depending on who you believe) and 165 or 170 pounds. Rivals lists him as No. 35 CB, Scout at No. 38. Recently reopened recruiting after committing to UCLA in June.
2 p.m. Kennedy-Richmond WR Kenny Walker has faxed his LOI to UCLA. It’s done.
1:40 p.m. Interesting take from Jordan Payton’s coach at Oaks Christian HS in the LA Times. Here’s what Bill Redell had to say about the state of recruiting: “A kid commits, it doesn’t slow anything down. There is no such thing as your word anymore. I’m so mad at the situation. He shares some of the blame, but it’s not 100% on his shoulders. It’s the whole recruiting situation. It’s not fair on the players. It’s not fair on the coaches.”
1:07 p.m. Well, except that WR Jordan Payton actually settled on a school: UCLA. And, yes, he signed. Does that affect Kennedy-Richmond’s Kenny Walker, who apparently is/was set to announce to the Bruins after previously committing to the Bears?
1:05 p.m. Yes, things have slowed. As in . . . to a screeching halt!
12:22 p.m. Lunch over. Actually chewing your food . . . not that important, right?
11:34 a.m. What does it mean that when I call up Cal on the “commitments” list on the Rivals.com site, I get a blank page and a message that reads: The selected team does not have a football program?
11:29 a.m. Cal has received Michael Barton’s faxed NLI, and word is Jeffrey Coprich Jr. has signed at a ceremony at his school. Among those committed already, only Treggs missing.
10:57 a.m. Cal site shows no new faxes since 7:53 a.m. Barton is signed. Bears still awaiting paperwork from RB Jeffrey Coprich Jr. . . . and Treggs. Will there be any surprise signings in Berkeley today? Maybe Kenny Lawler. Maybe Brandon Beaver. Word is Aziz Shittu leaning to Stanford.
10:52 a.m. Cal signee Matt Cochran, the top-rated C in the West, not whining about Bears’ recruiting losses. Far from it, with OT Freddie Tagaloa of Vallejo and OT Steven Moore also onboard. Noting Stanford’s signing of 5-star OT Andrus Peat, Cochran tweets: “Stannys gonna get (Kyle) Murphy obviously, solid oline. Can’t wait to play yall boys.”
10:27 a.m. From Upland 4-star wideout Kenny Lawler a few minutes ago via Twitter: “By far this is the hardest decision of my life cal osu or wsu.” Expected to announce at 3 p.m. or so.
10:19 a.m. Wondering why Jordan Payton didn’t consider Stanford, where his mirror-namesake, the late Payton Jordan, was a track and field coaching legend. Maybe there’s still time . . .
10:12 a.m. Bryce Treggs’ St. John Bosco Prep teammate, ATH Dalis Bruce, has committed to Eastern Washington. Treggs to declare at 4:30 p.m. on SoCal TV.
10 a.m. Greg Biggins of ESPN on WR Jordan Payton: “Not trying to bash the kid I promise, but I labeled Payton the player, ‘most likely to transfer’ out of this class months ago, not reneging.”
9:57 a.m. Christo Kourtzidis, No. 8 TE in country according to Rivals.com, has committed to Florida State over Cal. He is 6-4, 230 from Lutheran HS in Orange.
9:52 a.m. Apparently WR Jordan Payton is determined to commit to every school in the Pac-12. Most recent rumor — not necessarily true — is that he now is UCLA-bound. May just be wishful thinking on his part. Previously had committed to USC, Cal and UW. Stay tuned.
9:50 a.m. Barton on having to start at the bottom as a freshman at Cal: ”It’s refreshing to start from the bottom of the totem pole and climb your way back up. I love competition and being able to go in there and prove myself all over again is what I want to do.”
9:49 a.m. On the craziness of the past couple weeks, Barton tells our reporter Ben Enos: “It’s been a little hard. I got close to quite a few guys. … At the end of the day, I know everybody’s going to make the best decision for themselves and the guys that are there, I know they’re there for the right reasons, the same reasons I’m there for. I know those are the guys I want to play with.”
9:46 a.m. LB Michael Barton signed this morning at a ceremony off campus along with De La Salle teammates Bart Houston (Wisconsin) and Josh Jenkins (Army).
9:42 a.m. Markuss Eligwe tells Warchant.com: “When I was there (FSU), I really felt at home and already part of the team. Family is everything to me. It always felt like a second family to me whenever I was there.”
9:32 a.m. 247Sports is reporting that OLB Markuss Eligwe’s signed letter is on its way to Florida State. If true, no surprise. He was a longshot.
9:19 a.m. Word from John Breech, CBS Sports, is that 3-star Saf Zach Hoffpauir, once a Cal commit, has signed with Stanford.
9:17 a.m. Shaq Thompson to Joe Davidson of the Sacto Bee: “Oh man.A lot of weight lifted,a lot of stress.Had to dig down deep,take my time.I made the right decision (w Washington).”
9:15 a.m. Elk Grove DE/PF (and maybe eventually OT) Arik Armstead has signed with Oregon. Another possible would-be Bear.
9:08 a.m. DT Ellis McCarthy, the first to de-commit after declaring for Cal on TV during the U.S. Army Bowl, has signed with UCLA, as expected.
9:06 a.m. It was one hour ago when someone tweeted: Markuss Eligwe Any moment, will sign with FSU. We wait.
8:36 a.m. Washington announces two-time Cal oral commit Shaq Thompson, highest-rated safety in the country, has signed. No surprise.
8:30 a.m. Still awaiting word on Georgia OLB Markuss Eligwe, but Florida State seems a good bet.
8:28 a.m. Damariay Drew of Livermore, expected to play safety for the Bears, is signed and sealed.
8:25 a.m.: Cedric Dozier, a 4-star ATH who will play wideout for Cal, just faxed in his signed letter. That’s 11 officially signed.
8:05 a.m.: No one seems to know what Treggs’ St. John Bosco-Bellflower teammate Dalis Bruce is planning for today.
8 a.m.: Cal got a signed NLI from OL Steven Moore of Elk Grove a few minutes ago. That makes 10 officially signed players, including QB Zach Kline and OT Christian Okafor, both already enrolled.
Good morning. We’ll do our best to keep track of all that’s going on on National Signing Day.
After a few rough days, how much can Cal recover?
Already Wednesday morning they have signed letters from LB Hardy Nickerson, OT Freddie Tagaloa, WR Darius Powe, K/P Cole Leininger, WR Chris Harper, C Matt Cochran and FB Maximo Espitia Jr.
Here’s a tentative schedule on when other prospects have said they will announce:
— 8:15 a.m.: LB Markuss Eligwe. The OLB from Stone Mountain, Ga., who committed to Florida State in April but visited Cal last weekend, will choose between the Seminoles and Bears.
— 10 a.m.: Zach Hoffpauir, a 3-star Saf from Peoria, Ariz., is down to Cal, Stanford and Arizona State.
— 11:15 a.m.: Drew Damariay, a 3-star ATH from Livermore, waffled briefly on Tuesday but will sign with Cal.
– 2 p.m.: Aziz Shittu, a 4-star DT from Buhach Colony in Atwater, will choose among Cal, Stanford, USC and UCLA.
— 2 p.m.: Kenny Walker, a WR from Kennedy-Richmond, will flip from Cal and sign with UCLA.
— 3-4 p.m.: Brandon Beaver, a 4-star corner from Dominguez-Compton, seems to be leaning toward Washington or Utah over Cal.
— 3-5 p.m.: Kenny Lawler, a 4-star WR from Upland, may be picking between Cal and Oregon State.
— 4:30 p.m. Four-star WR Bryce Treggs, after some late heavy breathing from USC, is expected to stay with the Bears.
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February 1st, 2012 at 8:01 am
BREAKING NEWS – Satan has just announced he has created an all new level of hell specifically for Tosh Lupoi.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:09 am
UW has TL, let him go out and recruit for the Dawgs. As a parent I wouldn’t let that pile of steaming crap on my front lawn. BTW let’s see if he can coach/coordinate.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:18 am
The man has no honor, no integrity, nothing. He’s a disgusting human being, and I question the intelligence of any player who is drawn in by his snake oil sales pitch.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:22 am
Read the LA times article today. It is hard see how they have room for Treggs with the limits.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:38 am
Hopin for a great day. Home from work. Startin with an irish coffee in a bit for the nerves.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:41 am
I finally got comfortable with our situation last night after more thought. Shaq and Jordan are the last guys I want on our team. The story is out there on how Tosh did things and if they choose to still go down that road, then their parents should be ashamed and I don’t want those kids playing in our program. Yes, as Morens reminds us, scoreboard is important, but I expect more of myself and my kids and of my team. In fact, although I do believe that times have passed by JT and it would be great for a fresh start in the near future, if you gave me a choice between him or Sarq or Kiffin or Carroll, thats not a contest at all, I would take JT in a heartbeat. He has flaws, but from what I can tell they aren’t moral flaws. I can’t possibly root for those other gentleman. So I’m happy to take those kids who want to be at CAL and continue to have a process where we can be proud of ourselves.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:42 am
This is like watching a scheduled traffic accident. I can’t shake feeling disgusted. I’m going to take a break and come back later.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:45 am
How the hell am I supposed to get any work done today. This is a disease!
February 1st, 2012 at 8:45 am
One quick thing I need to post over on the Sac Bee to make sure Shaq sees it.
Needing to go to a different school than your brother to “be your own man” is facially incorrect. That is what an insecure child does, not a man.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:46 am
Christo kouristidiz has signed his official with florida state.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:46 am
Washington snagged pio vatuvei away from usc. Wow.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:54 am
Now they may have room for treggs.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:55 am
Barton hit that fax!
February 1st, 2012 at 8:55 am
Does Vatuvei to UW open a spot for Treggs at U$C?
February 1st, 2012 at 8:58 am
Just got a bit more depressed noticing we are down to 15 expected (if lucky) commitments. I thought U$C was the one hit with a 15 player limit . . .
I keep trying to walk away, but get drawn back.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:01 am
If we get any 10-scholarship sanctions for to$h’s antics pre-washington, can we apply them to this year?
February 1st, 2012 at 9:05 am
Haha. The blog should have an organized a drinking / support group event.
Usc filled that spot with another player from florida. Forgot his name. At one point we were hoping to sign 27. Nobody better defect today.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:07 am
OK, I am genuinely going to take a break, but I have to say, as a quasi-invalid stuck in his house for years now, LOI day WAS always one of the days that made me feel better, like the first day of Spring Training. F-ing Tosh.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:12 am
Wisdom ill wait for your next post in a few minutes.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:22 am
Arik is going to be shocked when he does not get to play DE (as Chipmunk Kelly promised) and ends up as an Offensive Tackle.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:23 am
More rumors – supposedly Clancy may be interested in the Raiders’ DC job, and supposedly UW made a run at Jim M at the same time it made the runs at Tosh and Eric, but Jim M said no.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:24 am
Haha. I haven’t had a drink before noon for more than a coupla years…but a Bloody Mary is sounding pretty good.
At first, I understood tl’s move. But the more I hear, the more I say F you, you zero integrity Ahole. He is truly acting like a 30 year old “man” who has never lived outside of the East Bay. Never experienced homesickness.
To the young men who have committed, welcome Cal Bears!
February 1st, 2012 at 9:30 am
Eric thanks for the news. As a raider fan id be shocked. Raiders historically run a 4-3 defense. Will not be happy going to a 3-4.
Wehofx im getting dressed to go track down a bloodynmary or irish coffee. Its like a reward for enduring these weeks and getting back to my life.
Anyone see that shaq might get drafted for baseball and sark will let him play spring training ball. Apparently we werent going to allow that.
Kind of underwhelmed by the new wr coach recruiting this year. He was setup to fail since he was only here two weeks. Hopefully next year he and the dl coach really get after it.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:33 am
We haVent received another loi in over an hour. This better not be it.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:38 am
Twelve?
At one point, aiming at 27, it is now at 12, and we’ll be lucky to get 14.
Wait, 27-14, that does resemble a Tedford score.
I hope he keeps his cool, though. If he ends up signing players he did not really want just to have bodies, then I’ll be really mad. It is time to fold up shop and scope out next recruiting season.
Break the bank to keep Clancy (Sandy, tell him he is number one on the list to replace Tedford if the offense is impotent again next season). Then, aim REALLY high for the next recruiting class with all the available spots.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:41 am
Welcome back wisdom.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:48 am
Current recruits:
Offense (including K / P):
Zach Kline – Quarterback
Christian Okafor – Offensive Lineman
Matt Cochran – Offensive Lineman
Freddie Tagaloa – Offensive Lineman
Steven Moore – Offensive Lineman
Jeffrey Coprich – Athlete hasnt submitted loi
Maximo Espitia – Fullback
Chris Harper – Wide Receiver
Cedric Dozier – Wide Receiver
Bryce Treggs – Wide Receiver hasnt submitted loi
Darius Powe – Wide Receiver
Cole Leininger – K / P
Defense:
Hardy Nickerson – Linebacker
Mike Barton – Linebacker
Damariay Drew – Safety
February 1st, 2012 at 10:00 am
The Doug Drabik twitter feed just showed that Cal Athletics has gone into propoganda mode to try to cheer up fans, now noting Kline and Okafor, as if new LOIs just came in.
This is over.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:04 am
The football programs performance isnt up to par with the rest of what Cal is. If we ever had a consistent winning tradition recently wed be top 10 recruiters every year.
Academics, location, facilities, nfl pedigree but recently pretty irrelevant on saturdays when it comes to the national stage, bcs, etc.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:05 am
Seriously, while it objectively could have gotten worse, could things have really been worse?
——————–
New Bears, this is not a reflection of you guys. You are all welcome, of course, but there is no reason for us, or you, to not be disappointed by today’s lack of numbers. It does, however, leave open the spots for a monster class next year. Make sure you all note that to friends being recruited for next year.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:06 am
Treggs could make the sky fall. He better stick. He sticks and im hopeful and happy.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:06 am
Not a lot of names, but a lot of 4-star guys, and 4-star guys that are not only solid on Cal, but will probably be here all 4 years. That’s a pretty good haul. We used to have to make do with JC transfers and 3 star guys. We shored up the offensive line. These guys are going to be fun to watch. If we get treggs and just one positive surprise today, I’ll be happy. At least the drama isn’t all unfolding today. Imagine if Shaq and Armstead decided to bail right now instead of days ago. We had time to fill two holes in the coaching staff with good replacements. If we can hold everything together, next year should be fun. And I’m definitely coming out for the UW game. Nice to have 4 big rivalries going now.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:08 am
Juancho, I’m sure you saw the twitter pick of Shittu with a Cal hat on. I think he is pouring salt on our wounds and still signing with Stanfurd.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:09 am
Rollon, 2 weeks is not time to recoup in a process that take years.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:23 am
Rollon we only have 4 4-star guys in this class. Kline, dozier, treggs (hopefully), barton.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:24 am
Wisdom i havent seen it. Ill take a look.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:26 am
Looks like it. Reports were he already told stanford hes committing. Keep in mind he has a sister who went to stanford. Also one that went to sc.
Hes teammates with commit matt cochran, so that explains the hat.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:33 am
I’ve decided to be happy.
In some alternate universe, the differences between us and them begin when Tosh decided to remain a Bear. Their Cal class kept expanding, collecting a few more top recruits instead of losing any, and currently sits as a top 3 class on all boards.
Go (alternate universe) Bears!
February 1st, 2012 at 10:35 am
Lupoi just keeps killing Cal. When you deliver such an upgraded class/talent, he’s worth the $$$. Tedford doesn’t get it, is a day late and a dollar short, behind the times – as usual. And Sarkisian is a genius.
The only bright spots for me today are some of the darkly funny lines you guys have. Pretty interesting how hard people are taking all this. I took this kind of stuff hard 5-6 years ago when I saw Tedford was becoming the second coming of Ben Braun. But I’m WAY over Tedford and I’m WAAAAY all this stuff.
What did we all expect from Tedford? I mean really.
As i posted a few days ago, when I predicted all these top recruits were gone and the ones that were leaning our way weren’t coming- these past few weeks are a microcosm of the past several seasons under Tedford….
Tosh leaving felt like the OSU loss. The past couple weeks feels like losing 6 of 7 after the OSU game. And today feels like the last couple years, our now perennial losing Pac 10/12 record with several blowout losses per season. I have feeling the loss to Texas and this next season will feel the same as today feels.
THIS IS TEDFORD, guys. Why is anybody surprised or shocked? The definition of insanity. The sample set of Tedford’s absolute mediocrity is LARGE. I have said it here many times…
NO COACH does less with the talent he has than Tedford.
NO COACH is more over-paid than Tedford.
This program is destined to mediocrity under Tedford.
We will all be sitting in a debt ridden, half-empty stadium watching our beloved Golden Bears by the end of this coming season, the following season at the latest.
But I guess that’s OK because Tedford isn’t Tom Holmoe. I wish I had $5 for every time I’ve read that on this line over the past 5 years on this blog.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:36 am
Relax guys, we always sign in clusters on signing day. I feel good with the players we signed so far today. Things will be fine. Don’t forget, we have some really good guys already in the system. We just signed some good LBs, OL, and a great QB. We are in fine shape right now.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:39 am
One thing I intimated on my last post, but should have been clearer. Some you guys are VERY funny and your Cal education clearly shows through your intelligent and witty comments, along with the perspective in the scheme of life.
I would love to have pre-game beers with many of you next season. I’m sure we would have plenty to talk about, and many laughs would be had.
At least you guys brought your “A” game over the past few weeks.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:45 am
The rumor on Clancy being interested in the Raiders is that Clancy is a NFL guy – he doesn’t want to deal with recruiting, administration, grades, etc.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:48 am
+1 on comment 41
Eric also remember clancy was a raider hire for a week before he took the cal job.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:49 am
Gee, Clancy is now turned off by the recruiting aspect of college ball.
I wonder how that disinclination evolved . . .
February 1st, 2012 at 10:52 am
Just facilitating source info (or rumor-mongering, however you want to define it). This is the same source that told me on 1/7 or 1/8 UW was looking to poach Tosh, and I passed that along.
Source also indicates that Tedford better do better than 6-6 or, well, you know.
Clancy may not have much of a hand in recruiting, and he really laid an egg for the Nevada game, but his defensive schemes over the last two years are the only reason why we’ve managed to avoid Holmoe-like results.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:01 am
Eric ive not once seen clancy listed as a prime recruiter for any of our recruits over the past two years.
I would always see tosh and arroyo and others. Gould not as much as in the past.
Folks you think we could do it? Can we get to 100 comments on this post ?
February 1st, 2012 at 11:02 am
@Dan maybe kids decommit because they read their schools blogger comments. Chill out my man. I’d be scared as $#it to go here after reading some of these comments. The sky is not falling.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:03 am
Barring surprises stanford, oregon, ucla will leapfrog Cal in the class rankings. Usc is currently ahead of us.
This could be stanfords best all time class.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:05 am
Theres no chance commits read blog comments. They read their texts from tosh and recruiters.
The reports tosh badmouthed Cal and the program to recruits is the problem.
Part bc tosh did it. But part bc recruiting rules need to be changed. To much contact is allowed.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:10 am
The only reason these kids have such a tough time deciding is because of the recruiting and the people involved. They are getting pulled all different directions. If there was no recruiting most of the decisions would be easy. Go to the best school that feels like a place you want to be.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:14 am
Gee whiz, Juancho, I didn’t say “consensus” 4-star.
Powe and Tagaloa are rated 4 stars by espn and rivals, Okafor is a 4star by espn and scout.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:21 am
Stanfurd’s getting some huge O-lineman, but who are they protecting? I’m really starting to like this class. I do wish the cal site didn’t show the 13 blank slots below the last signee, though. Kind of puts the spotlight on a pretty small number.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:21 am
My apologies rollon. Youre point i agree with. Small class but talented guys. Only one real commit i think has a real uphill battle to contribute. But ill be rooting like hell for him too.
Anyone know what safeties will be on the team this year ? Curious to start thinking what starters could look like.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:27 am
Maybe someone bumped the plug on the fax.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:32 am
#47 Raf- go read other school’s blogs. This blog is nothing. It’s one of the reasons I enjoy this one.
If kids de-committed because of what is posted on these kinds of blogs, they wouldn’t go anywhere.
Recruiting is so much about momentum. These kids were coming to Cal because of Lupoi, Cal had momentum and a huge national buzz. Kids saw big things happening here and wanted in.
Lupoi, a guy that had built himself into a trusted advisor to them, left. Cal lost that buzz, that momentum, many decided to they are going elsewhere.
Now it feels like we have been spurned, and it feels like it does after back to back, taken to the woodshed, blowout losses to SC and Oregon.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:36 am
Rollon #44 –
Lol, classic.
Comedian dying on stage … “Is this mic on?”
Cal coaches in the office, sitting around staring at each other. “One looks like he has a great idea, says- “hey, is the fax still plugged in.”
Greatness Rollon.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:41 am
Back from a psuedo-jog where the highlight was grooving to Jimi Hendrix version of Born Under a Bad Sign (from Jimi Hendrix Blues – an incredible track).
Safe to say Cal is done save the Treggs decision. Wow.
To add to Dan, above, those that really tried to have their finger to the pulse of the recruiting season should understandably be more upset than others.
It is not merely that Cal went from having some great prospects turn away. Cal had those commits, AND MOMENTUM. We were on the verge of adding even more, not losing recruits.
It has been compared by many to Riley running for the end zone when Cal was on the verge of a #1 ranking. Personally, it’s worse. I handle losing by paying close attention to players and watching them progress. Not landing many of the players I had hopes of watching puts this in a different category for me.
(cont.)
February 1st, 2012 at 11:42 am
Are they dialing 1 before the area code ?
February 1st, 2012 at 11:43 am
Dabo Sweeney said his best recruiters are the recruits. They get all excited and build momentum and recruits each other. The great recruits… all in or all out. They were all in, now most are all out.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:44 am
Dan @39 –
The Tedford bashing is ridiculous and unfounded. Check out this account:
After losing to Baylor 67-56 in the Alamo Bowl, Washington Coach Steve Sarkisian fired his former Defensive Coordinator, Nick Holt, and other members of his staff. Immediately Coach Tedford alerted Sandy Barbour that UW might hire Justin Wilcox (then DC at Tennessee and Cal’s former LB Coach) as their new DC. Given the friendship that existed between Wilcox and Tosh Lupoi Coach Tedford speculated Wilcox would come after Lupoi. Barbour and Tedford discussed what resources they had to preemptively make a retention offer to Lupoi. Tedford made an upgraded offer to Lupoi on January 2nd; he accepted and assured Tedford that he was no longer interested in UW (the “bleed Blue and Gold” speech). Nevertheless, UW continued to pursue Lupoi, and Cal made a revised offer on January 10th. Once again this was accepted by Lupoi, and Tedford received assurance that the “recruitment” was over. Once again, UW persisted in their efforts. On January 15th Cal made a final revised offer – a significant increase and very competitive with the rest of the Pac 12 and most of the rest of the nation (excluding the SEC). Tedford learned that Lupoi was going to UW on January 16th.
I wouldn’t let Tosh or Sark anywhere near my son. They represent everything that is wrong with college sports today.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:44 am
Irish coffee is in hand. God bless san francisco.
Rollon i believe highly touted brett nottingham is next up at qb for the furd. Lets hope he sucks. But im more worried about barry sanders jr.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:47 am
Wisdom you ever hear hendrix acoustic version of “hear my train acoming” incredible.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:49 am
May make you smile, may make you cry, but here is a true story . . .
During my first interview for a position as a Public Defender in a Public Defender’s Office, the head honcho prefaced, then asked, “Some people find it very difficult to be a Public Defender because we lose the vast majority of our cases. Do you think you can handle losing?”
“I’m a Cal fan,” I suggested rather quickly, only partially in jest.
I was literally not a half second from continuing to give a real answer when he interrupted, hand up in the ‘stop’ position, “Say no more. I’m a 25 year season ticket holder.”
After some time, we did get back to the interview. Not sure how to look back at that now. It was before Tedford, and now I don’t deal with losing so well. Make your own conclusions.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:51 am
Juancho, “Can you dig that? Can you dig that?”
One of my top 5 climaxes to a song.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:53 am
Oops, correction on an obscure answer. My favorite is off Radio One, though I believe they refer to it as an accoustic version, Juancho.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:55 am
I miss that stretch where Stanfurd stunk.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:55 am
Nice wisdom. Ive got his bbc sessions recordings. Im a big fan.
Jeff you should feel proud. Youve provided a great service to us. I appreciate your work and time. I will continue to hope baseball will be covered this year.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:57 am
Jeffs 1134 update. Did sandy sell us to the highest bidder ?
February 1st, 2012 at 11:57 am
Wisdom @ #57
No, you’re right. This is BAD. There’s now no way to feel good about what went down the past few weeks. This story is a better potential movie script than Moneyball. You couldn’t write this stuff, you wouldn’t believe it if it weren’t true. Paging Mike Silver.
And heavens knows what we don’t know about what went down. Rest assured a lot of ugliness and certainly not the best of what we are as people.
College football has really gotten ugly- this recruiting stuff, the BCS, ESPN’s sway on what goes on (if ESPN doesn’t cover it, it doesn’t exist), the joke of the NCAA, bad officiating, the disparity of the haves and have nots, cheating scandals- and on and on.
I really try to focus on the wonder of fall Saturdays, but it gets harder all the time.
Cal either has to get in the game or be OK with being mediocre and having fan apathy and a half empty stadium. An opportunity presented itself with the new TV contract and the huge dollars available. UW decided they were going to investment spend on trying to win championships. Cal decide they were going to play it safe, channeling Eeyore ..
“Good morning, Pooh Bear,” said Eeyore gloomily. “If it is a good morning,” he said. “Which I doubt,” said he.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:57 am
Hey Juancho (and also Dan),
Why are there no defensive lineman on the list? I know we missed out on Armstead and I think McCarthy played defensive line. Are we hurting ourselves a lot by not signing any defensive linemen?
Dan, you’re the man. Agree with you on what you wrote, and I’ve written the same. Cal was penny wise and pound foolish on not giving Tosh what he wanted. Sandy and Tedford’s lack of judgment on that subject is producing immediate negative results, though I think that, overall, Cal offers a good opportunity for recruits (now we have great facilities to offer in addition to a great degree, IF the recruits can graduate). Also Cal has excelled in doing what recruits really want, which is train them to get drafted and play in the NFL.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:59 am
Florida state just landed darby. They have a monster class.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Faraudo’s 11:34 a.m. post may have made my day. When the beat reporter joins in the dismayed jesting, we can at least find comfort in knowing he relates, unlike Ted “You’re Overreacting About Tosh” Miller.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:07 pm
@gobears
First and foremost tosh departure. The recruiting system works this way at Cal. Or worked that way. Position coaches recruit their position and tosh gets carte blanche to recruit anyone. And tedford assigned lupoi the 5 stars on top of that.
So tosh had the double or triple whammy with d linemen. When he left our ability to sign d linemen this year left.
We offered:
Armstead
Mccarthy
Shittu
Eddie goldman
Darius hamilton
Mario edwards
With armstead mccarthy and shittu being the ones i consider silent commits we lost.
We got good d linemen last year. But so what. Programs that win get top talent every year. Because its a numbers game.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Ted “plays every comment safe and every program is great ” miller
February 1st, 2012 at 12:11 pm
once this is over, what are we going to do with our lives until spring ball?
February 1st, 2012 at 12:15 pm
take a breather guys .. this class plugs some big holes with quality guys.
I hope JT gives scholies to some walk-ons who have busted their butts and done well.
Kicker for Loopie was when he was guaranteed his own large, sound-proof private shower with an isolated entrance – so he can relax with long-term, possible “recruits”.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Avery sebastian was asked by josh hill how many guys we lost (bc of tosh).
He replied 4 dlinemen, 1 wr, 2 safeties.
This supports my theory that shittu, armstead, mccarthy and hamilton were all coming here. Avery’s “smh” (shaking my head) seems to show some similar frustration.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Covinared, thats why im begging jeff to throw some baseball posts up.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:25 pm
This is like a Tedford managed football game. When Tedford has momentum, start playing it safe–by the %s. The %s said Tosh wouldn’t lie and you can’t pay him an extra $200k/year just for recruiting.
Just another kneel down…..
February 1st, 2012 at 12:25 pm
How is Crabbe’s leg?
February 1st, 2012 at 12:26 pm
LA times reports Payton has signed with ucla.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:29 pm
You know. Now that ive relocated to my favorite gentlemans club. Our recruiting class is goid, if we keep treggs.
Sign tedford up for a raise !
February 1st, 2012 at 12:31 pm
I like jeffs comments. I think of the writers weve had on the blog he has the most Cal sensibility and flavour.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Jeff F. at 11:34 AM – You just had to get in on the merriment? Very funny. Welcome aboard the USS Pessimism- which just hit an iceberg!
February 1st, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Sun is shining in Pleasanton. Bet the Brats at Top Dog are tasty right about now.
PS. Tosh’s 3 year average was $400K, not $500K+ as reported. There are reportedly provisions for bonuses for recruting- bet he gets a fat bonus for that.
2 Things-
1) That contract sounds as creative and inventive as Chip Kelly’s offense.
2) If Cal offered $300K, they couldnt have offered $400K and avoid this mess????
Newman!
February 1st, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Memo to Sandy, let’s consider having some non-compete clauses in future contracts. And let’s not put all our eggs in one basket. Still, if we were doing some of the stuff the other schools/coaches are, we might be having a great day, but I’d be less of a fan.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:46 pm
So if clancy leaves then what ?
February 1st, 2012 at 12:48 pm
One day Tosh’s old Cal teams will have an oldtimers reunion. I wonder how he’ll feel about his decision then.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:49 pm
sepukku
February 1st, 2012 at 12:51 pm
There wasn’t a non-compete clause in the contract? That’s worth more than 100k right there!
I’m guessing there was one, even though they’re pretty hard to enforce, and I think 300k was probably already 50 to 100k over the max they were willing to pay, so even though it doesn’t seem like much, they had to choose where to draw the line.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:55 pm
You guys are all bagging on Tosh and deservedly so … but only to a degree. You cannot cannot fault a guy for leaving for 2.5X – 3X his current salary. You would do it & 99% of us would given the choice. Also, realistically Tedford has 1 more year (2012) to prove he is worthy to continue coaching Cal. If Sandy doesn’t throw down a clear ultimatum that says Jeff – Cal has been mediocre or worse the past 5 years and you sir are being paid a LOT of $$ and those results are unacceptable. Jeff – either Cal in 2012 goes 8-4 or better or you are gone before 2013. The assistant coaches know the likelihood of Cal winning 2/3 of its games or better in 2012 are slim. So, Tosh and others chose to bail for more job security AND more $$. Tedford could end up back as OC for Fresno St. or Toledo the way the U.S.S. Cal Titanic is sinking right now.
I personally hope Clancy P. sees this and opts to coach the Raiders D where he will be paid more and at least that Head Man has a 4 year deal in place.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Still say they should have gotten the needed money for Tosh out of Tedford’s salary. Nobody would need to know about it (at least for a long while) but Sandy and Tedford. If I were Sandy and there was nowhere else to get the money, that is what I would have done. I think Tedford would have had to go along with it to keep Sandy happy, long term. However, I don’t know the administrative hurdles to get that done, real time. That easily could have prevented it from happening. Still, it would have been worth looking into.
When this is all done someone needs to compile a list of commits before Tosh left and how it finally settled out, divided into 1) oral commitment and 2) leaning (i.e. maybe Armstead) categories.
Someone suggested that all of us complainers of how this was handled (or just general complainers) should get together for a drink. I think that is a great idea. Maybe before a Cal game next year. A good place would be the nice restaurant place just up a half block from Top Dog on Durant on the same side of the street. Great place to have a drink and the food is good. Haven’t tried Pappy’s yet, but seems like a coming new tradition. They have a big downstairs room but not enough places to sit.
February 1st, 2012 at 12:58 pm
@ H8sRed – where did you find that?
February 1st, 2012 at 1:01 pm
@ Gobears – I suggest at Ohio State. We’ll all need beers to deal with those fans.
February 1st, 2012 at 1:05 pm
@gobears i can post tgat research this evening. Im planning on using value based metrics to also show how much as a percentage was this class weakened by the departures and decommits.
February 1st, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Tedford’s press conference later (today or tomorrow?) to introduce and review this years class will be MUST SEE TV. You know someone in the media will have the balls (Jeff?) to ask Tedford some hard questions. His scowl and terse replies will be … “Gold Jerry, Gold!!”
February 1st, 2012 at 1:16 pm
I am ALL IN on getting together pre-game next year.
To Amy or Not Amy? THAT is the question!
February 1st, 2012 at 1:19 pm
re #60 and #93–probably from the draft protest Cal will file with the conference/NCAA or Teddy’s don’t fire me brief to be submitted to Sandy
February 1st, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Eric,
Columbus is a great city, but I doubt most of us will be traveling there (I know I won’t).
By the way, this whole scenario brings up the word that I wrote about on a previous blog — typicalcal. That’s when things are really look up (like before we lost the OSU game at the end) and then something or someone pulls out the rug from under Cal. Other experiences would be not getting to the Rose Bowl in 2005 even though we had a great team and (since I’m a big Cal basketball fan) Cal losing Omoke just before the NCAA’s and Christopher getting hit in the eye at the start of the Duke game. A smaller typicalcal would be Soloman recently being declared ineligible, which is a shame, as I think Cal had, potentially, a REALLY GOOD TEAM this year that could have easily been a big surprise in the NCAA’s, and won’t be the same for years (since Gutierrez and Kamp will be graduating this year) unless Monty steps up his recruiting. By the way, I saw something potentially really good in Behrens the last game and I hope he gets more playing time, and soon. Monty needs to come up with something to offset the loss of Soloman, and fast.
February 1st, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Boldly going where no BearTalk has gone before – 100 posts.
Jordan Payton … is it easier to list the P12 schools he didn’t verbal to. Maybe we’re lucky he’ll be in Westwood.
February 1st, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Over/under on months before Payton decides to transfer? Usually, I like to cut these guys some slack since they’re kids…but come on, now!
February 1st, 2012 at 1:31 pm
100 posts ?!?!?!
February 1st, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Small pleasures. Fitting at a time like this.
February 1st, 2012 at 1:58 pm
We should set up a beartalk blog gameday drink group.
February 1st, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Maybe when a kid verbals no coach is allowed to talk to the kid. Seems simple.
February 1st, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Wait so did ucla pull their offer for walker ?
February 1st, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Sigh.
On the “what now?” front, I’ll continue to tread water even if Tedford’s Bears have more of a weight than a floatation device.
It could be worse, guys. You could be me. Check out the blog I’m starting if you don’t believe me, have nothing better to do, or simply want to feel better about your own situation.
Go Bears! (In this, or any universe. Well, maybe not some bizarro universe where OC Chip Kelly ran an obscure gimmick offense and we still lost all the time.)
February 1st, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Kids should be able to sign after junior year. But after one signs it should be final. The verbal process needs to end. Maybe kids cant keep more than 3 scholarship offers at once. If there is a formsl scholarship rejection process maybe it becomes easier.
February 1st, 2012 at 2:17 pm
Wisdom Cow, when I have a bad day and want to feel better about my situation, I just remember – at least I’m not Moren! LOL
February 1st, 2012 at 2:23 pm
@PeteBear – I was being snarky. I posted that exact quote last night, plus a link to the entire story (which certainly doesn’t suggest Tosh is that bad a guy as opposed to Sarkasian) but I am well known to be a “Please fire Tedford so that we can become relevant again” guy, and H8sRed is a “Please don’t fire Tedford becomes he isn’t Holmoe” guy.
I try my best to at least semi-objective, so that while I think the real story of L’Affaire Tosh is not whether the guy is a turncoat, backstabber, etc., but rather understanding why we have now had one of the most extraordinary “collapses” in recruiting, akin to the 2007 collapse, if news or rumors surface that put Tedford is a decent or ok light, it needs to be aired just as much as when he is in a bad light.
When http://www.espn.com‘s recruiting class tracker last night has Tedford on the front page, and yet Cal’s class has dropped MF Global stock, that ain’t good. When top-shelf recruits clearly care more about their DL coach than they do their HC (pulling in eight figures annually), that ain’t good. But if that DL coach has in fact done exceedingly sleazy things, or Tedford really truly tried to do something positive, that needs to be put into the public sphere.
February 1st, 2012 at 2:27 pm
There is no ill than winning can’t heal. Tedford has got to start winning the important games!
I thinkl it will happen if we can get some good quarterbacking. A good QB makes up so so many other prolems.
February 1st, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Up to 14, we may even tie U$C in number of recruits! Who says our sanctions will stop us? oh, wait.
February 1st, 2012 at 2:44 pm
So, now that UCLA has 15 receivers, are they going to run some kind of a sneaky new offense?
February 1st, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Any update on Crabbe?
February 1st, 2012 at 2:47 pm
HAHAHAHA you guys have 14 signees and you aren’t on sanctions. Pathetic.
I thought new facilities make the difference.
It is al about winning.
February 1st, 2012 at 2:50 pm
All that’s left is for Treggs to bail. That would be Typicalcal. Like that GoBears49? The meaning and weight of that “word” you invented grows by the day, and today by the minute.
Either way, Treggs in or Treggs out, one player at this point is not going to make a difference- the 10-12 guys who bailed or decided not to come? Now that makes a BIG difference.
Have we ever seen this many readers “posts” before? At least they can’t say some Bear alums and fans aren’t passionate.
February 1st, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Moren-
Really, for you, it’s all about the spelling. Who is “al” and what does he have to do with winning?
If you can’t take the heat, you don’t want to compete!
February 1st, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Bearister had a good idea. File a lawsuit. THe legal reasoning is on another thread. I would also add an injunction enjoining Washington from enrolling any of the players stolen from us. Jurisdiction would be proper in Federal Court for Northern California and that would give us a logistical advantage.
The publicity might be nice if worked right.
I’m not licensed in California but I bet Bearister is….
February 1st, 2012 at 2:59 pm
Perhaps we could repo that boat.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Pathetic!!!!!
http://www.bearinsider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55830
What a pathetic thing to do to a recruit who doesn’t choose your program. I have said your fans are the worst.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Any word on treggs ?
February 1st, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Rivals ranks Cal’s class at #29, Rivals at #50. Wow.
This BOGGLES the mind. I’m telling, this would make a compelling movie- if they can make Moneyball good, this is gold.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Washington announced brandon beaver has sent his loi
February 1st, 2012 at 3:06 pm
I think its best for Tedfraud to turn over the entire presser this afternoon at 4pm to Monty to talk about the 1 Cal major men’s sports team doing well, with conference title realistic aspirations and well coached.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:07 pm
I picture tdford in his sunglasses muttering to himself “no question” … “no question”…
February 1st, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Moren, you might be right about whatever you’re trying to get us to click on to make one your many inane points you are frequently trying to make. Of course, none of us would bother to click on anything you recommended.
So I’ll grant you that it is probably pathetic- you would be the authority on pathetic.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Really really excited about this group of guys. Core group of guys. Really addressed some immediate needs. Really excited to get into spring and see what these can do in the fall. Would have like to have more guys, but this is a really really core group here. Ready to come in and get to work immediately.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Kenny Lawler just picked up the Cal hat! nice!
February 1st, 2012 at 3:14 pm
A video of the National Signing Day Press Conference featuring Cal head coach Jeff Tedford discussing members of the team’s 2012 signing class that have signed National Letters of Intent and had them approved by the school’s administration will be posted shortly after the conclusion of the event that begins at 4:00 p.m. PT.
It’s not going to be on live? Bummer.
Will Cal edit it, or at least edit out the media questions and Tedford’s answers/reactions? If not, I’m telling you, this is going to be MUST SEE TV.
No matter how much he tries to put on a happy face, there is no way he feels good about what has happened. No one that cares about Cal feels anything but lousy.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:16 pm
We got lawler !? Yyyeeeeeehaw! Great player
February 1st, 2012 at 3:16 pm
No treggs news ?
February 1st, 2012 at 3:18 pm
Did they just close up the fax room and go home? Not so much as a post since this morning on the blog there. Yay for Lawler!
February 1st, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Steve, you can’t possible get an injunction against kids from attending their school of choice. The best that can be hoped for is NCAA sanctions against UW, should the NCAA even bother. And then, that does nothing for us.
This was supposed to be the first year Cal started making up ground on U$C, the penalties finally being applied. How’s that going?
February 1st, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Monty just personally invited me to purchase tickets to Thursday’s game at calbears.com. Awesome!
February 1st, 2012 at 3:26 pm
I am a die-hard Cal fan, but at least one tick below on the passion meter from most of the posters today. I am not going through the hand wringing because the writing is clearly on the wall. Cal has had one (only one!) five star athlete in the Tedford era. That is just not good enough to pull up the Cal football program with the elites in the conference. I still believe that Cal had those great early seasons under Tedford because the conference was at an all-time low in coaching talent at places like Washington, Stanford, Washington State, Arizona, UCLA and Arizona State.
It is unnatural for a charismatic assistant coach to lure elite athletes into a football program based almost soley on his personality. Kids need to buy into the tradition, the school, and ultimately the head coach. Something had to break down, and it did.
Tedford is clearly not in league with Chris Peterson, Kyle Whittingham or Chris Reilly, guys who can coach up two and three star athletes to regular greatness. I am gearing up for the next few seasons of hovering around the 500 line and getting to a minor bowl game two out of every three seasons. It’s just easier for me to sleep at night when you lower your expecations.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Jeff please return from your hiatus as i am feeling scared and worried youre en route to seattle. Please advise.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Steve dont forget about patterson.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Suck it up Gang! There is an arms race going on in the Pac-12 and we got caught sleeping. Step 1-We still have great facilities and a “new” stadium. Step 2-We have a good class with a top rated QB. Step 3 We have to win. If we complete the last step, Shaq, Arik and that turn coat punk TL will live to regret this day. GO BEARS
February 1st, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Get some work done and…Holy SH*T! Great thread.
This has gotta be a record and, from a cursory read, hardly any posts feeding the troll.
Now, great news about Lawler. But still no news on Treggs? wtf?
Juancho, you 3 sheets to the wind yet, brother? In a coupla hours I finally get to hit the bar, watch espnu and get my drink on.
Come on, B Treggs. Cal is the school for you.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:36 pm
I wish wehofx. Took a break to enjoy a mcdonalds calorie overload. Plan on getting back on the horse in a bit. Hopefully after good treggs news.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:38 pm
I would be reinvigorated if Tedford comes out and tells his side of Tosh-gate and announces that Sandy if filing a grievance with the conference.
Of course, that is completely different from what I think is going to happen. He’ll talk up the recruits that we did get and avoid any questions regarding the collapse.
I want to see the Jeff Tedford that threw the clip board. I want to hear “bleep” every other second to block the cursing. I want to see that he is as mad as I am, not grabbing his ankles and blaming the process.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:38 pm
SteveNTEXAS,
I’m an attorney. Would love to see the Barrister’s argument that UW owes us damages for taking Tosh. If you can copy and paste it into the blog, I would appreciate it and I’m sure others would like to read it.
Personally, while I don’t work in that area of the law, I don’t think there is a good legal argument that covers our situation. The analogy is when a regular business (Business #2) hires an excellent recruiter away from another business (Business #1) so it can land people that Business #1 was trying to recruit. Business #1 would seem to have to prove that, but for the hiring of their recruiter, the recruits would have gone to work for them. Hard to prove that. But I have an open mind about this, so I’d love to read about it. I may even look up the law on my own and, if I agree with the theory, I’ll publish that opinion on a blog. But believe me, nothing is ever going to come from making a charge against UW about this.
Regarding Treggs, I haven’t read one word about what his father, a great Cal Bear, has to say about his son thinking about going to other schools. He must have an opinion about this. Perhaps Juancho knows what that is.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:47 pm
You know who DIDN’T have what it takes to become a lawyer? Moren. LOL
February 1st, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Again, I don’t KNOW, but I’d bet UC Athletics can’t sue UW athletics as part of Pac 12 membership. There is more likely than not a form of arbitration they would have to go through with the league, maybe even the NCAA.
Don’t count on any legal action in courts even being possible. Cal would have to file as if the arbitration process/decision was “arbitrary and capricious,” which is legalese for a sham. Even when they are shams, you can rarely prove they are. All the conference would have to do is give Tosh a fine, even confidentially, and that would probably end things.
I am presuming the league has an arbitration process of some sort, but I honestly can’t imagine them not having one.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:55 pm
I know that calbears.com is probably not updating because those involved are all preparing for the news conference, but I can’t help but hope they are really preparing to go to war.
Give us dirty laundry!
February 1st, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Kenny Lawler looks like AJ Green…check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqNRtjX8Ac4
Would be a top wr class with Treggs.
February 1st, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Taking my mom out to dinner for her birthday tonight. Perspective.
Then coming home to watch my #17 ranked Aztecs put a hurt on Boise State- on CBSHD – in HD – at Viejas, the Madhouse on the Mesa. Hoping to pay back the Broncos back for the a$$ kicking they gave us on the gridiron. As good as BSU is in football, they’re that bad in hoops.
Tomorrow night I’ll be at Haas watching Monty, Jorge, Harper, Justin and the boys take it to the Mildcats.
Maybe that’s why I am not near suicidal about all this, having a bit of fun with it. Lots to look forward to for me in hoops. Perspective.
PS- I attended the Cal-SDSU game in SD this season, flew down for the game. If you ask me who I rooted for, I won’t tell you. But I will tell you it was the same team as I rooted for last year at Haas. But not who I rooted for the time before that. Perspective.
Go Aztecs! Go Bears!
February 1st, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Stanfurd kicking our ass again today. Nice haul from them, they just stayed under the radar and were laughing all the while. Couldn’t care less about UW but that hurts.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:05 pm
Any word on Treggs?
February 1st, 2012 at 4:11 pm
So what does Tedford do now?
Forget litigation or complaining. Time to suck it up and move on.
This was a major failure- no doubt. Tedford will be judged harshly by this by many, which he should. He deserves that- especially given his compensation and position.
He should be defined, and truly judged, by what he does next. What will do about this failure? Real failure is not coming back stronger than ever.
He needs to make sure this never happens again.
He needs to think outside the box (Uh oh on this one).
He needs to be more determined.
We are defined not by our failures, but how we bounce back from those failures. Letting failure defeat us, not fixing what we did wrong, not being determined to get better … that is failure.
Let’s see what Tedford, Barbour, and Cal does now. This is big boy, big time football. You can complain, whine and make excuses- or- you can get determined, get pissed and take it out in everything this program does moving forward.
Chip on their shoulder? How about a boulder! Don;t talk about it. Go DO IT. Do it in the weight room, in meetings, in drills, in 7 on 7, in recruiting for next year.
Do it in EVERY THING this program does starting tomorrow.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Treggs is supposed to be 4:30. Diva much? I bet he loves this.
Get Treggs on top of Lawler, we are SERIOUS at WR. Go watch the Lawler highlight video in Shaka’s post. Dude is SOLID and then some. As a former WR, this guy has it coming and going. Fast, great lean, explodes off the line, great cuts/routes and separation, breakaway speed, good size, tough, can go up and get the ball that is up for grabs. He WILL see the field early.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:40 pm
@Dan – nice post. Damn right.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Here’s my arguments, with the caveat that they are just ideas for potential causes of action.
vs. Tosh Lupoi:
Count One: Breach of Contract. This one is pretty simple – he recruited Shaq on our dime. I have to think that’s a breach of his contract.
Count Two: Breach of Fiduciary Duty. Again, he went to Shaq’s house on our dime and recruited him to Washington. As a coach, I’d think he has a fiduciary duty to the University to act in good faith. Maybe a stretch.
Count Three: Fraud. If it is true that he told Tedford he was staying, continued to recruit, and was lying, there is a misrepresentation and detrimental reliance
vs. University of Washington:
Count Four: Tortious Interference. UW recruited Tosh and had him recruit our players, players who had intended to sign with Cal. They did so by having him lie to Tedford.
We couldn’t enjoin the players, but: (a) through discovery, we could torture UW for months; and (b) a punitive damages award would be a nice F-you to Sarksleasian and the Whore Lupoi.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Dan, #150 True dat.
B Treggs, enough already.
Jeff F Re: 4:24pm post. Haha. Sounds like you’re as punchy as a lot of us. Your work is appreciated.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:45 pm
I say we come out next year with a passing attack offense like we are seeing in the NFL. Pass 4 out of every 5 downs. Might have some growing pains, but with a top qb and a wrs, and an OL trained to pass block, we should be able to eat up defenses once we get our groove. Then let our strong and now experience D take over to shut them down. I’m a believer!
February 1st, 2012 at 4:46 pm
“Tedford just walked into the room as Treggs prepares to make his announcement on FoxSportsWest. Tedford looks relaxed — like a man who knows something the rest of us don’t.”
Yeah. He knows he’s guaranteed millions of dollars for the next couple years despite having a losing conference record the last few years. Taking pride in NOT losing a guy whose dad played for Cal is at best putting a bow on a giant turd. Tedford got duped.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Treggs sticks with Cal!
February 1st, 2012 at 4:51 pm
The way they are trying to spin things with a Treggs announcement, I almost hope he goes with UCLA. I hate spin. They are going to act like today was a great day for Cal athletics. I can feel it coming.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:52 pm
Trigger2!
February 1st, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Well, we did it. Cal 17, U$C 15. We win, right?
February 1st, 2012 at 4:54 pm
You think this was a coincidence that the presser was set at the same time that Treggs was going to announce? Dad played at Cal and now his son comes to Cal… a good way to spin an end to the saga. Disappointed in how things went down the last 2 weeks but damn proud of the guys we did get! Go Bears!
February 1st, 2012 at 4:55 pm
As I mentioned last week, the trip to UCLA was strictly perfunctory.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Thankfully we got treggs. I think darius powe is the best of the receivers in this class and expect him and lawler to be big as freshman.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:57 pm
@gobears49(#142) missed a few of those law school classes did you? The recruit is a customer you are selling something to. You hire someone to sell for you, he takes your money and does the job–for a while; then he entertains offers to takes the sales you have paid him to make with him when he hires on to a competitor; he transfers the relationships you have paid for him to make to his new employer and takes off with all that inside information you paid him to develop to get those customers to change their minds and go with another “vendor.” Check B&P code 17200. Would I take the case? Not if venue is in the superior court; but if it was at the conference table or at the NCAA, I would pound the table till it broke and demand that Sark and the Tutu come in for “questioning” by the conference and NCAA; I would demand that the conference adopt a rule that gun-running of this sort is not allowed (short term covenants [i.e., several months during the Christmas season] not to steal salesmen or for salesmen not to jump ship are probably/possibly lawful in Ca.) and call the resulting rule the Sark/Tutu rule–forever branding them with slime. You need to be a bit more imaginative if you want to make points in this game.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:59 pm
@CalBearister
Don’t think TL owes a fiduciary duty to the University. If he had an employment contract, could be a breach of contract or breach of the contract of good faith and fair dealing. No way that there is a fraud claim. And the biggest problem – proving damages. That we didn’t get a particular recruit? Two defenses to that – one, how many similarly situated recruits have been busts, arrested, kicked out of school, quit, or transferred? Two, causation. way too many factors involved, and how many kids flipped schools around the country today?
And there is the humiliation factor. I don’t Tedford would ever want to admit in public that he was that irrelevant.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Eric — an Old Blue affiliated with the SF Grid Club sent it to me. Another section sums things up well:
From the day that UW fired their defensive staff (December 30th), Sandy Barbour has been in touch with members of the San Francisco Grid Club and its leadership about raising the resources to retain Lupoi and subsequently Coach Kiesau. Based on assurances that private fundraising would supply the necessary resources, Coach Tedford was able to proceed and make preemptive and counter offers to vulnerable staff members. So let’s give credit where credit is due. On December 30th 2011, Tedford identified a potential problem, alerted the AD and they (discussed what resources they had) to solve it with a pre-emptive raise on January 2nd.
February 1st, 2012 at 4:59 pm
WisdomCow: “act like today was a great day for Cal athletics”. Well, if by that you mean “try to celebrate the young men who just committed to Cal”, then yeah, I’m on board with that.
Those guys stuck with Cal and deserve to be celebrated – don’t fool yourself, these are all high quality players, we just didn’t get the numbers we were hoping for.
For us to sit up there and complain about the guys who *didn’t* come to Cal would be an insult to the great players who did come.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Deciding to follow Dad’s path is easier to do than following brother’s. Welcome Bryce and the rest of our fine recruiting class. You all made the right choice to become Bears for life. Now go out and kick some butt.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:02 pm
Barrister99: no need to get all lawyerly about it. Lets move on and settle things on the field like men.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:02 pm
200 posts anyone ?
February 1st, 2012 at 5:07 pm
I hate spin, Bigdruid. When the truth can be stated, like “We want to celebrate the young men who just committed to Cal.” Then state it. Make the conversation completely about those that signed, but without generalizations specifically written to pretend nothing went wrong.
This wasn’t Cassius Marsh switching at the last minute, where the day was still a great victory for the program. Today was a loss. While I agree with Dan (above) about moving on, you can’t ignore what happened or you are doomed to repeat it.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:09 pm
This WR recruiting class is insane. Line up 4 at a time. Things are gonna get fun in a year or two. Maybe even right away. I hope a lot of these kids get to play as freshmen. And I hope we don’t blow all our leftover scholarships on soso jc guys. Save a few for a big haul next year. I’m excited.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Must look at bright side…while we didn’t get the defensive studs we thought we were going to get, our defense HAS ton of young talented players. In this recruiting year Cal got a massive injection of talented offensive linemen, something it needed desparately and an influx of talented WRs (Keenan Allen may be gone after next season so this was well needed as well).
And of course, Zach Kline appears to be a good college QB, time will tell, but if he plays like I hope he does this class could actually be very special…certainly on the offensive side of the ball.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:16 pm
For God’s sake, can somebody update the freaking cal home page blog. What an embarrassment. Looks like nobody gives a crap once letter start rolling in.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Dan also posted above to fix what went wrong. Now I must be punchy as I just wrote in the 3rd person. Long day. Time for mom’s bday, maybe a nice steak at Forbes Mill. Now that will be a nice end to a crazy day. That and an Aztecs W.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:24 pm
Juancho understands dan’s exhaustion. Juancho arises from mid day nap to embrace happy hour.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:24 pm
Any confirmation on raymond ford ?
February 1st, 2012 at 5:34 pm
I’ll close with this one,
Tosh stole the Glengarry leads, but we did end up with a nice set of steak knives. I know it’s better than that, but that is about as far as I can go until I get some freakin’ satisfaction.
What would please me most . . .
As I figured, it is a closed door arbitration matter, but Sandy violates the gag requirements to let us know she filed and gives us updates, incurring a fine (probably greater than the slap on the wrist Tosh gets) for each mention.
I’ll give in on Tedford being better off putting this behind him, but Sandy is there to get his back, and I’d like to know she is fighting for the program.
Good night.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Coffee is for closers wisdom.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:54 pm
You guys are on fire. TWC, thanks for bringing some comic relief to an otherwise disappointing signing day/week. Juancho, thanks for all of the updates. JF, great reporting (as usual).
February 1st, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Just saw that SC signed 3 five stars and 10 4 stars in it’s sanctioned limited class of 15. They remain the elephant in the room on the West Coast.
February 1st, 2012 at 5:58 pm
A good class and I think we have a people who have been fore tested and stayed with the program. This say something about their character. As for those who feel life is better in Seattle, Eugene and Westwood? Enjoy your time there and I pray in three or four years you guys will regret your decision.
February 1st, 2012 at 6:09 pm
EPIC is a horribly overused word but this thread truly is EPIC. (all the more for being troll food free)
Welcome to all the new Cal Bears! Esp. Avery Sebastian, your loyalty and work is appreciated. #calgang Show the pac 12 you are the real deal and kick ass next year.
I’m expecting to see 200 + when I log back on tmrw. Now, I’m gonna get my drink on.
Go Bears!
February 1st, 2012 at 6:16 pm
Esteban W dont forget about stanford and ucla. Monster classes. Stanford got three 5 star linemen.
February 1st, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Any hints about Diggs?
February 1st, 2012 at 8:00 pm
You are EPIC losers.
First, you experienced the Greatest Collapse in college football history when you melted down in 2007
Second, you experienced the Greatest Collapse in college football recruiting.
Own up to it losers.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Moron don’t hate that to which you were not admitted! Stand at the intersection of Telegraph and Bancroft, look into Sproul Plaza, take a deep breath and sigh while saying to yourself, “Oh God if I were only smart enough to have attended”.
–Class of ’78
February 1st, 2012 at 8:14 pm
If we were told months ago we would have the #22 class and fill just about all of our needs everyone would have been stoked. Considering what happened with Tosh today was a win finishing that high. This class combined with our D class from last year has things looking pretty good for the future.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:20 pm
MoreNCS_are_ignored and sanctioned! troll post blocked
Moren couldn’t even get into clown college LOL!
..or even worse, $C!
February 1st, 2012 at 8:38 pm
Disagree with 188. I wouldnt have been hapoy with 22. Months ago we were primed for top 10.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:49 pm
#22 rated recruiting class, our new facilities are finished, we’re moving back into a beautiful renovated stadium…
I’m disappointed like everyone else that we lost a few elite prospects but am happy with the guys we’re bringing in that want to play for the Bears.
February 1st, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Really like Jeff Coprich. Kid has a huge heart. Love to see Treggs sign too. Go Bears!
February 1st, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Bryce has a good mom. Teach you child that his word is one of his most precious assets. Don’t go out and announce to the world that you are going to do one thing, and do something different a few weeks later.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Sure it could have been an epic day, but when it’s all said & done, Cal filled all of its needs, especially O-Line and receiver. Add them to the defensive talent we picked up in 2011 and we have the makings of a formidable team. I think the whole team will train harder and play with a chip on their collective shoulder to show those who fell for the sleaze and deception of the past few weeks what a mistake they made.
February 1st, 2012 at 9:44 pm
So close to 200. We can do it, for Jeff !
February 1st, 2012 at 9:54 pm
Two classes in a row ranked in the Top 25. Now it’s time to prove it on the field, Tedford. Your teams haven’t even sniffed the Top 25 at season’s end in the past several years. Hopefully this new kicker can stick it in the end zone on a regular basis. And please make sure Zach hangs around over the summer and throws a lot of balls to his young receivers. Or maybe reopen the quarterback competition?
February 1st, 2012 at 10:09 pm
covinared Says:
February 1st, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Bryce has a good mom. Teach you child that his word is one of his most precious assets. Don’t go out and announce to the world that you are going to do one thing, and do something different a few weeks later.
______________________________________________________
Like Bigelow did to UW?
February 1st, 2012 at 10:13 pm
“Bryce has a good mom.”
You know who didn’t have a good mom?
MoreNCS_are_ignored and sanctioned! troll post blocked
Explains a lot, doesn’t it? LOL
February 1st, 2012 at 10:27 pm
I’m a nega bear. I think JT is a crappy coach.
After reading all 195 posts I can safely say I feel better about the direction of Cal football. In the last 5 years the bears have had talent. We are second to SC in NFL draft picks. The problem has been a lack of fire and belief. The 2007 collapse proved that. The last 3 seasons have proved that. The 42-14 loss at $C where we forgot to get off the bus proved that. Then JT famously said “well at least we won the second half”..fml
Every commit we got this year WANTED to play at cal. Guys like steven moore and bryce treggs and Zach kline..EVERYBODY!! They are BEARS. McCarthy wasn’t a bear, payton was definitely not a bear, even cal blood like SHAQ was never really a bear. I’m excited about the future. I’m excited to have guys like avery sebastian in our program. Real Bears!!
Hey it sucks we lost so many BIG TIME recruits, but the future is still bright. The ratings might not say it, but the heart of our class is impressive.
We got to keep our heads up.
February 1st, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Better late than never–the Teddy acknowledges that the Cal staff is ancient from a social media standpoint and that putting all your eggs in one TuTu basket might not have been a good idea. So change the system going forward and rethink how you approach recruiting. As for the field, you got plenty of good material (intellect and common sense)from the last couple of years and this year, so do something with it that is aggressive, not risk averse, sometimes unexpectedly delightful in scheme and execution. That will fill the seats and bring the smiles.
February 1st, 2012 at 11:49 pm
@WisdomCow: check out the video of Tedford’s press conference (http://www.calbears.com/allaccess/). I thought he dealt with things in a pretty straightforward manner with a minimum of spin.
One thing I find distressing is that Tedford is only a few years older than me, but he sounds like my aged father when it comes to the internet – “cyberspace”? “the twitter and the facebook”? Apparently Cal hasn’t even updated our recruiting guidelines to reflect the latest NCAA rule changes re: unlimited social networking access to recruits.
Hopefully we can get some recruiters on-staff who understand how to cultivate relationships and create our online brand with recruits, because the game is changing and we need to change with it.
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:54 am
Wow, 200 posts! Someday, blogs will be irrelevant, and hopefully our coach will be up to speed with the latest forms of communication by then. For now, this is a day to celebrate. And to honor JF for all his hard work.
Cal fans great.
February 2nd, 2012 at 6:11 am
Treggs said it all when he pointed out that his mom taught him to be a man of his word. I’ll take guys like that over folks like Jordan Payton who commit to four schools before signing day ($20 says he transfers before it’s over).
February 2nd, 2012 at 8:34 am
I was in agreement, Bigdruid, until he tried to make it seem like Cal had the same decommitment problems as everyone else on the ticker.
February 2nd, 2012 at 8:58 am
Maybe while they are at it with social media they can figure out how to modernize the ticket buying process. Hire someone from the Warriors.
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:43 am
The guess-and-check model is absolutely insane. I really like stubhub’s model. Their fees are ridiculous, but at least you can all the sections that have availability, and the row, seat and price info when you roll over.
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:11 am
Wow! 206. Great.
Thanks, Jeff – notice you’re also doing Cal Women’s Hoops, too. Geez.
Go Bears! Beat Zona.
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:30 am
I heard that DJ Foster got burned at ASU – the back coach left a few hours after DJ sent in his LOI.
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:31 am
While we’re add it, the # 1 easy fix for me, is for Tedford to open up practices.
As a youth sports Coach we always look for cheap and fun things that we can take our teams to. If football practice were open we’d be taking kids routinely to watch the team, walk the campus, and let them experience a little bit of Cal.
This is a minor thing but meaningful to me. Open the program back up to the casual fan. Well I guess Cal doesn’t real have any casual fans. Open it back up so that we can have some of these new generations who grow up close by, root for Cal.
Most Cal fans follow the programs because a relative went there. Other than that local kids will follow winners (i.e., my baseball kids wore Stanford sweaters more than any other college b/c of Luck). But other than winning if we make it a place where they can have memories and find players to root for, we’re helping ourselves.
The basketball program donated a bunch of Cal / Stanford bball tickets to us this past weekend. You should have seen the looks on the kids face when we saw Jorge Gutierrez after the game as we left Fat Slice.
That’s the type of memories the casual kid in the bay area needs so that they have an impetus to give a good G’damn about Cal.
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:35 am
Eric – thanks for that news. I hadn’t heard that. Actually focused on work all morning for once in a long while. Felt good.
What’s interesting about Foster is that as soon as Graham took the ASU job, he immediately hired Foster’s highschool coach from Saguaro. So I doubt Foster will try to get out of his LOI.
The system needs to be changed.
Kids should be allowed to sign LOI’s much sooner. I say as soon as they’re Juniors and have taken the SAT, etc. But that bad boy needs to be binding.
We need to get rid of the “pubic announcements” culture.
The rules also need to be changed to give kids a chance to switch if coaches switch at inopportune times.
Just read the article on how Tedford admits the program needs to catch up to social networking. Pretty funny. “The twitter, and the facebook”.
I think he’s a fine human being. But sometimes I wonder, does he have enough people around him who aren’t yes men ? He needs to recruit some Cal alumni with savvy business sense who can form some type of volunteer strategy committee.
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:55 am
Juancho, you totally nailed it on the open practice thing. My first cal game was a football game when I was in high school. I wore the sweatshirt I picked up that day, pretty much every day, until the C fell off my freshman year at Cal. Anything to get youngsters into the games (or practices as a team trip or something) is a great idea.
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:06 am
Absolutely Rollon.
My story is similar. When my family moved here from Mexico we were lucky to meet a family (of Cal alumni) at church.
They went out of their way to take us to Cal games, and get us Cal attire. I got my first Beat Stanford t shirt as a freshman in high school.
Without those types of opportunities to teach non-Cal affiliated youngsters about the school we’re doing ourselves a disservice.
That’s why as a coach I go out of my way to ensure I take kids to Cal, get ‘em a t shirt or something. So that instead of them just hearing me talk about how much I love my school, maybe they can start to think Cal is pretty cool.
And it works. There’s nothing like an 11-12-13 year old kid, who last year didn’t know Cal from Harvard, coming into practice and saying “Hey, Cal plays Arizona this week right” ?
Practices must be opened back up. We’re a public school. Not a private school. Hell if they were smart they could make a pretty penny on merchandise sales at practices.
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:12 am
In case anyone is curious. This is what our roster now looks like:
Steve Williams DB SO
Alex Logan DB SO
Marc Anthony DB RS JR
Michael Coley DB RS FR
Adrian Lee DB RS FR
Isaac Lapite DB RS FR
Tyré Ellison DB JR
Josh Hill DB JR
Stefan McClure DB FR
Joel Willis DB FR
Avery Sebastian DB FR
Kameron Jackson DB FR
Deandre Coleman DL SO
Austin Clark DL SO
Keni Kaufusi DL SO
Gabe King DL RS FR
Nathan Phillip DL JR
Kendrick Payne DL JR
Aaron Tipoti DL JR
Brennan Scarlett DL FR
Puka Lopa DL FR
Mustafa Jalil DL FR
Todd Barr DL FR
Viliami Moala DL FR
Nico Dumont FB SO
David Aknin FB RS JR
Eric Stevens FB JR
D.J. Holt LB SR
Nick Forbes LB SO
Steven Fanua LB SO
Dan Camporeale LB RS SO
Ted Agu LB RS FR
Matt Mayes LB RS FR
J.P. Hurrell LB JR
Kameron Krebs LB JR
Jason Gibson LB FR
Jalen Jefferson LB FR
Cecil Whiteside LB FR
Nathan Broussard LB FR
Chris McCain LB FR
David Wilkerson LB FR
Brandon Madueño LS SO
Cary Kriegsman LS RS FR
Matt Rios LS JR
John Sheperdson LS FR
Justin Cheadle OL SR
Bill Tyndall OL SO
Mark Brazinski OL RS SO
Chris Adcock OL RS FR
Geoffrey Gibson OL RS FR
Alejandro Crosthwaite OL RS FR
Matt Williams OL JR
Brian Schwenke OL JR
Dominic Galas OL JR
Tyler Rigsbee OL JR
Matt Summers-Gavin OL JR
Christian Okafor OL FR
Brian Farley OL FR
Jordan Rigsbee OL FR
Jed Barnett P RS FR
Cole Leininger P FR
Vincenzo D’Amato PK JR
Benjamin Calder PK FR
Allan Bridgford QB RS SO
Austin Hinder QB RS FR
Zach Maynard QB JR
Kyle Boehm QB FR
Zach Kline QB FR
Dasarte Yarnway TB SO
Mitchel Bartolo TB RS SO
Trajuan Briggs TB RS FR
Covaughn DeBoskie-Johnson TB JR
C.J. Anderson TB JR
Isi Sofele TB JR
Mike Manuel TB JR
Darren Ervin TB FR
Brendan Bigelow TB FR
Daniel Lasco TB FR
Anthony Ferrario TE SO
Spencer Hagan TE SO
Scott Bueno TE RS JR
Spencer Ladner TE JR
Ben Miroglio TE FR
Brett Buchanan TE FR
Richard Rodgers TE FR
Jacob Wark TE FR
Keenan Allen WR SO
Jackson Bouza WR RS SO
Ross Bostock WR RS JR
Terrance Montgomery WR RS FR
Kaulin Krebs WR JR
Maurice Harris WR FR
Stephen Anderson WR FR
Bryce McGovern WR FR
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:16 am
Looks like Stefon Diggs, who would be our top rated WR if he chooses us, will announce his decision a week from tomorrow; Friday February 10.
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:45 am
Not sure we need another WR, but would be a good problem to have.
February 2nd, 2012 at 12:08 pm
what about spies infiltrating open practices.
February 2nd, 2012 at 12:27 pm
close a small portion of each practice for special projects and game plan walk through. it’s not either/or.
February 2nd, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Juancho,
February 2nd, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Agree with petebear. Doesnt mean every practice needs to be open. Also not all should be closed except for five minutes of running.
February 2nd, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Juancho,
Thanks for sending the entire roster. Please project who you think will be the other two starting wideouts opposite Keenan Allen. Are any of these young WR’s enrolling for spring ball, and do any of them have a chance of cracking the starting lineup?
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:16 pm
Steve W, I’m going to do a post for each position group. I’ll start with the secondary.
The starting corners will be Steve Williams and Marc Anthony. The third corner spot will go to Stefan McClure if he gets healthy in time. I don’t think he will get healthy in time. Too much knee damage. I think that third corner spot will belong to Kam Jackson when the season starts.
The starting safeties will be Avery Sebastian and believe it or not, I predict Damariay Drew will start as a true freshman. Safety is a really weak area on the current roster. Avery is the only one on the roster who was on the team last year – and is a highly rated / highly thought of safety.
Other secondary players who I expect will see playing time:
Mike Coley, Josh Hill (unfortunately), Joel Willis.
From this year’s recruits, I think Damariay Drew contributes a lot this year. I think Raymond Ford redshirts and we hear from him next season.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Linebackers, we’re stacked.
I think Cecil Whiteside, Chris McCain, David Wilkerson and Jason Gibson start. I think Mike Barton sees a lot of playing time as a true freshmen. Keep in mind Barton is a true middle linebacker, something we need. As most of the returning linebackers are very highly rated, but mostly outside / speed type guys. Although I think Wilkerson can play any position. He’s a beast.
I think Hardy Nickerson Jr. redshirts. And I think he becomes an average player when it’s all said and done. I don’t think he comes near the career his dad had. I see him as a Anthony Felder type. Pretty good player in a good group, but not a real difference maker.
Barton is a difference maker. Jalen Jefferson and Dan Camporeale will also see a lot of time.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:23 pm
*Made a mistake above. Forgot to include Nick Forbes and Todd Barr as guys who will see a lot of playing time at LB as well.
Defensive line we’re stacked.
Starting up front will be Aaron Tipoti, Kendrick Payne and Deandre Coleman. We run a constant rotation system so a lot of other guys will see a lot of playing time. They include:
Gabe King, Brennan Scarlett, Vei Moala, Mustafa Jalil, Keni Kafusi.
Maybe the most talented group on the team right now, it’s close between this group and the linebackers.
I feel like Puka Lopa may transfer out of Cal this year. Pure speculation, but I just don’t see when he’ll get ahead of the guys we have on the team on the depth chart.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Fullback: Eric Stevens starts, freshman Maximo Espitia gets a lot of playing time, and I believe has a good chance of being the starter by the end of the season.
Punter: Cole Leininger. He’s the only punter on the team, the other punter decided to transfer so he shouldn’t be listed above.
Kicker: Vince D’amato. Get ready for a season of stressful field goals.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Runningback:
Isi Sofele starts, he gets spelled by CJ Anderson and Covaughn Deboskie Johnson. Same as this past season. I hope everyone enjoyed it this past year b/c it’s the same thing in store for 2012.
Brendan Bigelow should see more playing time. I don’t think he will though. I think Tedford will play it conservative with him b/c of the two knee operations and he’ll be on the sideline a lot again this year. Which is a shame b/c if he can stay healthy he’s in another league from the 3 running backs above.
Jeffrey Coprich Jr., is the only RB we recruited this year. I don’t think he’ll ever see significant playing time at Cal. Just my prediction. I think he’s hands down the least talented kid we recruited this year. Not knocking the kid, just objectively rating how I see it.
Daniel Lasco could also see a lot of playing time. And I also predict that one or two running backs transfer out of the program, such as Trajuan Briggs and / or Dasarte Yarnway. If Lasco and Bigelow stay healthy and play to their potential, Yarnway and Briggs would be better served looking for playing time elsewhere.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:33 pm
Offensive Line:
None of the incoming recruits play. They all redshirt. That’s just the reality of incoming offensive linemen. Even the great majority of the five stars redshirt.
Starters will be:
Dominic Galas, Matt Summers Gavin, Mark Brazinski, Brian Schwenke, Tyler Rigsbee.
The group should be a lot better in year 2 of Jim Michalzik’s return. If nothing else they all have experience.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Quarterback:
Maynard whether you like it or not. Kline will redshirt. Tedford will talk up the “open competition” to try to market the program and keep buzz up. But Kline will redshirt. Andrew Luck redshirted so it’s not necessarily that bad of a thing.
Maynard will be backed up by Allan Bridgford and Kyle Boehm.
Again I think a QB could transfer out. We have too many. Hinder could bolt.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:35 pm
I think Tedford mentioned something about one of the new guys possibly stepping in immediately at one of the tackle slots. Whoever’s best is fine with me, but that’s not usually how it goes with JT.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Wide Receivers:
Keenan Allen starts alongside his cousin Maurice Harris. The third receiver will be Darius Powe, who by seasons end could be the # 2. I think he’s hands down the best WR we got in this class. Bryce Treggs / Kenny Lawler and Cedric Dozier will all see significant playing time.
The day they step on campus they’re immediately ahead of guys like Jackson Bouza, Terrence Montgomery, Bryce McGovern on the depth chart. They’re just in a different league.
Of the incoming guys I think Chris Harper redshirts and has a minimal impact at Cal. I just don’t think he’s that good of a player. Certainly not the level of the other incoming guys. I love that he loves Cal. But from an objective how good is he standpoint, he’s a step or two behind the other freshmen.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Rollon he mentioned Freddie Tagaloa, but it won’t happen. Just never does.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Tight End: Spencer Ladner starts, and Spencer Hagan as well as Richard Rogers and Jacob Wark all see significant time.
Keep in mind Rodgers and Wark came in as much more highly touted guys than the Spencers. But they’ll both be true sophomores this coming season.
Kick returners: Cedric Dozier, Kenny Lawler
Punt returner: Damariay Drew or Kenny Lawler
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Tedford will also get new sunglasses for 2012.
February 2nd, 2012 at 1:49 pm
You guys just signed some lame recruit from Granite Bay that no one wanted.
February 2nd, 2012 at 2:14 pm
No one wanted Aaron Rodgers…
February 2nd, 2012 at 2:16 pm
H8sRed – I see your point. But that’s not necessarily true. When we signed Rodgers from Butte CC, Rodgers was then rated as a 4 star recruit.
True he wasn’t that when he graduated from high school. But after his season at Butte he was a 4 star.
February 2nd, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Wow Juancho, do you work for the government? You have a lot of time on your hands (I say enviously of course, lol).
Just ribbing you a bit, in the way I would a good buddy. I actually really appreciate all your insights, contributions and passion here. I’m glad you bring so much to the table here.
I guess we have all been through “the wars” here a bit together, especially the last couple of weeks and particularly yesterday.
Yesterday was an epic day here, and despite some major disappointments, the emotion, humor, wit, intelligence, camaraderie and class displayed here (except you know who) made the day strangely enjoyable, funny and unique in a really good sort of way. Kind of like if we had to go through it, at least we all went through it together. It was pretty cool. One more common experience of being Golden Bear alums/fans and all things Cal- or Typicalcal- that “word” is growing on me.
I’m kind of hoping Jeff doesn’t start a new FB post for a few days so we have this thread to come back to for a little while longer.
Interesting on Foster at ASU and his position coach leaving today. Man, I wonder if he wonders now about how life with the incomparable Ron Gould would have been.
The SDSU O Line coach took the same job at Utah today. He purposely waited until after LOI signing day so he didn’t torpedo the 6 O Line recruits the Aztecs signed. I guess that would make him the Anti-Tosh.
I do think that’s a better way to do handle this whole recruiting thing which has become kind of a mess, but there are issues in this whole system if a main reason you are picking a college to play at is for a specific ooach. One of the first adult lessons they learn, nothing is guaranteed in life.
I do know that Tedford got caught with his pants down, he comes off as really old and out of date here. It would be maybe ok in the coporate world, but not ok when your world and success depends on 16-17-18 year old HS kids and 19-20-21-22-23 year old college student. Either he better get with it, or he better bring in some younger guys – like Lupoi- who get it so he doesn’t have to. And he better get it now, like YESTERDAY!
Looking forward to happier times, pre-season expectations and excitement, that first game in the re-modeled Memorial Stadium under what will no doubt be a glorious late summer day at the mouth of Strawberry Canyon. Go Bears!
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Juancho,
Impressed with your knowledge of the Cal players. But isn’t Barton a bit small to play middle linebacker, at least at what he weighs now. What does he weigh?
Glad you got my guy Boehm at third string. He has everything except escapability, though Kline may be a bit more accurate QB.
The big question is who you think will be the starting QB two years out, the year after Maynard graduates. Give us the order of QB’s then, with the contenders being Bridgford, Boehm, and Kline. Thanks.
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:07 pm
Another point, Juancho. I totally support your idea of opening up practices, at least spring practices. It would do a lot to increase the number of blog posts, as everybody argues who should be the starting QB the next year based upon the most recent practice performance.
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:33 pm
My only worry at QB is that we take too long to bring along our young studs, and by then our strong defense is gone and we didn’t exactly knock it out of the park back-filling them this year. So to really do something special, we need to have all of our strengths come together at the same time. Maybe that isn’t feasible, but I’d like to see Tedford think outside the box a little and roll the dice and see if we can make it happen. I say throw the kid QB out there with some great receivers and an innovative gameplan and let’s score some points!
February 2nd, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Haha thanks dan.
I read something a couple days back that said barton weighs exactly what kendricks weighed as a freshman. Barton i believe is 6’3″ and 215 lbs. they want him to get to 240.
Im going to research the qb stuff. I want to see if tedford has ever shown hed start a redshirt freshman.
My gut says maynard this year. Bridgford as a courtesy begins next season as a starter. If he stumbles then kline takes over. I think boehm ends up transferring.
February 2nd, 2012 at 4:04 pm
Agree strongly with Dare. Got to weigh in on this exceptional stream.
This year has to be the time for Coach T to break the box, extend the field, play the best players including the QB, excite the students and alums to sell out Memorial every game…because don’t we owe it to those players who stayed the course with CAL now and previously?
And while I dream on, I want the Cal Bears Band to drown out that obnoxious usc one track ditty they only know how to play, over and over again.
Props to Juancho’s huge contributions and Dan’s disclosure of mixed loyalties from someone holding degrees from both schools. Nice work to all the Bears Gang.
February 2nd, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Daredevil next year 2013 is Cals most promising year. Not loading up on defense this year means we’ll struggle on d again in 2014.
If kline can convince keenan to stay for his senior year , watchout.
February 2nd, 2012 at 4:13 pm
Jeff how soon can you convince bay area news group to sell us official beartalk blog t shirts with our blog handle names to commemorate this historic blog post ?
February 2nd, 2012 at 5:33 pm
on Ladner. he came in highly regarded. I read he may have left the program.
February 2nd, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Juancho,
Boehm had better stay. Since you say you believe Hinder will transfer, and I don’t think Cal signed another QB this year, that leaves us with two QB’s two years out (Kline, as a redshirt freshman and Bridgford as a senior), not counting who they bring in as a freshman that year.
February 2nd, 2012 at 6:54 pm
Agree i hope boehm stays. My point is this.
The expectation and pressure in 2013 for kline to start will be unlike anything weve seen. Essentially a lot of folks feel like he is the difference maker weve missed since rodgers.
If kline starts next year why would boehm stick around and be a full time backup ?
Lets say bridgford starts in 2013
Then boehm in 2014
And if boehm does well he’ll have 2015
You think fans can wait that long for kline ? I dont. I think hes make or break for tedford. And tedford will have to play that hand sooner rather than later to put butts in the seats.
February 2nd, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Juancho,
I disagree. I don’t think Kline plays until 2013 unless Maynard really stinks up the place next year (and he came close to that for awhile this past season, before recovering). The reason is what you would expect — Tedford won’t want to burn a year of Kline’s eligibility and play him before he’s truly ready. Also, since you think Boehm is a transfer candidate (I don’t, as I think it will be tough to sign a really good QB in the next class with Kline around, making Boehm at least the consensus #2 in 2013), delaying playing Kline until 2013 will delay having him win out over Boehm until then, when Boehm will be a sophomore. By then, Boehm should be a bit ahead of Kline, at least at the start, as hopefully Boehm will have a chance to play a little next year.
I have an open mind as to who is best — Bridgford, Boehm, or Kline. I have seen all three play (though not much) and I think all throw a very nice ball. Kline has a bit more escapability to him to avoid the rush than Boehm but Boehm is a very good runner when his number is called. Kline is not as good a runner but has lots of guts and thus gets the job done when he runs out of the pocket, though I don’t think you would ask him to run a direct running play. I haven’t seen Bridgford in the pocket when the protection breaks down nor run at all and certainly has not been asked to run directly from scrimmage.
I say let the real competition between them begin in 2013, though I agree Tedford may be under the gun to win bigger in 2012 or else, but Maynard now has the experience to get the job done so I think it would take a major breakdown from him for Tedford to bring in someone to replace him who lacks real experience..
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:57 pm
Gobears49,
Maynard will break down again, and probably often. Look at his stats last year and his year at Buffalo. He padded his numbers against crappy teams late in the season, but the good defenses like SC’s and Oregon’s will force him into bad decisions. Call me old fashioned, but I want to see a Cal qb who can operate mainly from the pocket with poise and just enough mobility to sidestep most of the defensive pressure while delivering a ball to a receiver in stride.
The last time I saw that? Nate Longshore before the ankle injury in 06 and 07.
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:06 pm
MoreNCS_are_ignored and sanctioned! troll post blocked
Are we making fun of Moren’s mom again? Or the lackthereof?
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:09 pm
EPIC! 247!
And i hope it wasn’t lip service when jt said Kline will be able to compete in the Spring.
EPIC!
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:12 pm
Just hit refresh to proof my post. “Look what I found.” I’m #250. I’ll take it.
February 3rd, 2012 at 6:24 am
Maynard was fine when we just gave him some select rollouts and he singled in on his brother finding space. But MJ was completely left out of the game. With the receivers we now have, they will be completely under utilized with Maynard as I just don’t believe he has it in him to be a pocket passer and make a bunch of tough passes. With the receivers we now have, we Must upgrade ourselves at QB to utilize them. With another year at OC, hopefully JM starts to really hit his stride and if JT can just focus on the young QBs, and open up his mind to really putting them out there, I’m excited to see what our offense can be like.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:30 am
Daredevilfan,
The college game has evolved quickly in the past years. Teams such as Oregon and Auburn (and Nevada two seasons ago), and many others, have shown that you need a mobile QB to maximize your offensive potential and make it explosive. So pocket passers represent 20th century offenses, not the 21st century ones. Optimally, what is needed is a fast QB who can run directly, move about in the pocket, and elude the rush because of their mobility, as well as pass accurately. Longshore had a great arm and was a very good QB for his time, before his injury, but he is a perfect illustration of an old style QB that is not optimal in this new day and age.
Maynard has the ability to be a mobile passer and to run directly and when flushed out of the pocket (I saw Kline do a bit of that as well). Maynard’s problem is that he is not a consistently accurate passer. And (and this may be just because I did not watch all of the games and thus did not watch all of Maynard’s plays on TV), I don’t think he can roll right and throw accurately (in contrast, Kline can roll left and throw very accurately, as he did that in the Norcal championship game a few times).
Tedford considered switching to Bridgford when Maynard was having his mid-season problems, but essentially said he was sticking with Maynard because of his mobility and ability to escape the rush. I think he will have a difficult time departing from that decision again next year unless Kline and/or Boehm show an acceptable amount of mobility and also that they are much more accurate passers than Maynard.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:37 am
BTW, I favor opening up the practices and also allow to buy T-shirts with the name of this blog. Then we all could sit together at the practices, wearing our blog T-shirts and argue amongst ourselves about who should be our QB and other subjects. Then go out for a beer afterwards.
February 3rd, 2012 at 9:58 am
GoBears, I agree with your comments but I didn’t make my point very well. By referring to Pocket Passer, I only meant that we need someone who can at least do that when the situation permits. In contrast, Maynard seems to only be able to have one set play as a pocket passer, and then if that isn’t available, he can’t check down in that situation to other options, but needs to “escape” just to make a play in more of a sandlot methodology. I agree that we can’t have a quarterback who is immobile like a Dan Marino. But hopefully our young guys aren’t that. I think they can do all of the above. I just am not sure I am in favor of going with Maynard just because he is the “experienced” option. JT always does that. Let’s get the best player out on the field and let’s not babysit our quarterback but really get someone who can do all of the above. I remember watching Riley in games and he only had 3 or so passing routes that he practiced before the game, and then those were the only 3 he ever threw during the game. I feel like Maynard is somewhat like that too. We will have a top notch wide receiver group, we don’t need a quarterback who has training wheels still on. And I don’t think we need to go with gimicky offenses like Oregon and Nevada. With top notch personnel and effective playcalling and coaching, we should be able to have a passing offense that just executes better than the defense.
February 3rd, 2012 at 1:18 pm
juancho: you seem to be the one putting on all the pressure for kline to start and excel.