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The Cal Summer Bridge program has begun for the program's incoming players, however a few notable names were missing. Jeff Faraudo of the Bay Area News Group reports that defensive linemen Takkarist McKinley, Garrett Hughes, and JC transfer Marcus Manley were all ineligible. While this does not mean they will be ineligible for the upcoming season, this is an obstacle for them to overcome before fall camp begins.
A Cal athletic department spokesman said the players’ absence from the summer bridge program does not mean they can’t become eligible in time to be on the roster when fall camp begins Aug. 5.
If none of the three get eligible, the Bears will take a big hit on their defensive front. McKinley is potentially a special talent, equipped with sprinter’s speed. Hughes comes from one of the state’s elite prep programs, and Manley is expected to arrive as a sophomore with three years of eligibility.
Kennedy coach Carl Sumler said McKinley is awaiting his latest test score and expects to be able to join the team this summer.
The men's basketball team was also down a man today, as Roger Moute a Bidias is sorting out some visa issues.
On the men’s basketball team, freshman forward Roger Moute a Bidias did not arrive in Berkeley on Friday, but will start the summer bridge program once he resolves a visa issue with his native Cameroon.