Uncle Ted was in the Bay Area last week. He had the chance to talk with Tedford about the quarterback and running back competitions. There is a mix of positive and negative for both positions. Thankfully we still have four months to get things sorted out.
Tedford isn't very happy at running back behind Isi Sofele. His highest praise goes to walk-on Mike Manuel, who was impressive in the scrimmage Saturday. Injuries are a big issue at the position, but it seems as though Tedford isn't happy with the group, which includes a number of touted recruits. "As of right now, it looks like to me we are going to have to rely on younger guys who are coming in," he said. Quarterbacks? It's still wide open, but it shows how serious Zach Maynard's candidacy is that Tedford said he doesn't expect to announce a starter until well into fall camp, specifically because he wants to give Maynard, who transferred from Buffalo last year, as much time as possible to digest the offense. Said Tedford, "He does have some athleticism. He can make plays with his legs. He throws the ball accurately. He can throw all the balls on the field. He's a lefty. He can throw the deep ball. He's got zip on the ball. His main thing is just going to be the mental part of understanding our offense and understanding what we're looking for." As for Brock Mansion, who started the final four games after Kevin Riley went down, Tedford said, "You can tell that Brock is better because of the experience he had last year. He's more comfortable. And he's even learned some things physically. You can see the maturity there a little bit. Still not where we need to be." As for Allan Bridgford, the question might be athleticism. Said Tedford, "Smart guy. Can throw the ball. He can throw all the balls on the field. Escape dimension? Haven't seen that yet. That's a concern, but he's not a led-foot by any means."
After the jump Ted Miller talks to Pendergast, Cattouse, and Michalczik, rugby clinches the Pacific Division, and Sandy Barbour has no interest in taking Miami's AD position.
Sandy Barbour denies any interest in (or interview with) Miami regarding their AD job.
Football
- Wilner has the latest on Pac-12 television bid possibilities.
- Ted Miller was in Berkeley over the weekend. He had the chance to talk to Clancy Pendergast, Sean Cattouse, and Jim Michalczik.
- Mychal Kendricks is on the 2011 Lott Trophy watch list.
- Saturday's open practice has been confirmed for 1pm at Valley Christian High School in San Jose.
Basketball
Baseball
Softball
Lacrosse
Soccer
Track and Field
Gymnastics
- The third-ranked Bears were named to the NCAA Team Qualifier. A successful showing will advance them to the finals.