Cal decides who to redshirt

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 28, 2004 | by Dave Newhouse, STAFF WRITER

BERKELEY -- Not too long ago, deciding which Cal players would redshirt wasn't that big a deal. It is now under Jeff Tedford, who has upgraded recruiting dramatically.

Tedford has had two straight recruiting classes ranked in the nation's top 25. On Friday, he announced which incoming true freshmen will travel to the Air Force Academy game a week from today, and which first-year players will redshirt.

Running backs Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett will suit up right away. So will defensive end Phillip Mbakogu, linebacker Worrell Williams, and quarterback Nate Longshore.

Tedford said Longshore has replaced Cary Dove as the No. 3 quarterback behind Aaron Rodgers and Reggie Robertson.

Those redshirting are fullback Frank Summers, wide receiver Robert Jordan, offensive linemen John Gibson, Norris Malele, Alex Mack and Mike Tepper, linebacker Marlin Simmons and defensive back Bernard Hicks.

Tedford said some freshmen could travel next week but redshirt later.

Defensive back Virdell Larkins, Lynch's teammate at Oakland Tech, is the second recruit from this year's class who did not qualify academically. Linebacker Sekeli Faaeteete of San Leandro High will attend a junior college this year and enroll at Cal next fall. Larkins hopes to enter Cal in the spring after passing the SAT.

Starting linebacker Wendell Hunter had his arm in a sling Friday because of a shoulder injury. Tedford expects him to play at Air Force.

The head coach said David Lonie is the team's new punter, but the placekicking choices will not be made until next week.

Tedford added that the exciting Lynch will be one of his kickoff returners, and Brandon Hampton, Tim Mixon and Sam DeSa are the punt- return candidates.