A couple loose ends that I wanted to quickly discuss. 

Firstly, everybody is talking about Jeff "God" Tedford’s (PBUH) recent quotes about his unwavering commitment to Cal.  If you haven’t seen them, the link is here.  He says he is 100% committed to our California Golden Bears.  Many have seen this as a sign that he ain’t going anywhere.  I wish I was as optimistic.  Right now, with recruiting in full swing and crucial days upon us, it would be suicide for him to say anything else.  Tedford (PBUH) is too smart to say anything else.  I really really really really really wish it meant that He isn’t going anywhere.  I doubt He is going anywhere this year or perhaps even the next (before His son, who may or may not be Jesus, graduates from high school). 

But after that, who knows?  I wish I were as optimistic, but Tedford (PBUH) doesn’t want to ruin the recruiting class for this year or the next by saying something publicly that would give massive aid to other schools.  You know already they say things like "Why go to Cal?  Tedford (no PBUH) is just gonna jump ship at the best offer."  But I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY hope that the optimists among us are right and I am wrong. 

Also, over at http://www.thebandisoutonthefield.com/, SportsNation’s Cal SportsBlog, they just posted a video of the goalpost being taken down after Big Game 2002.   What a true joy to watch.  If anybody else has any other YouTube videos from Big Game 2002 or any other games from that era, it’d be great.  Nonetheless, I was shocked at how quickly one’s memory alters perception.  I distinctly remember watching the goalpost topple to the side.  And I remember seeing that gentleman all of a sudden be super high in the air.  But it seemed like it took him FOREVER to slide down.  And there was this period of time where people gasped and thought he was to be injured.  Watching that video, it took about 2 seconds. 

I know, I know, it’s nothing of any real import.  But I just thought it was interesting to watch the video from perhaps the greatest moment of the Tedford era so far.  Perhaps only beating USC to go to the Rose Bowl (which hopefully we’d win) can compare with FINALLY ending Stanford’s drought.  Perhaps.

GO BEARS! 

Hi, I’m back.  I haven’t written in a while, but have I got a doozy for you.  I managed to procure a signed copy of the 2006 Cal cheerleader calendar (which can be YOURS for the low, low price of $18), unfortunately I don’t have any pictures or anything that I can use as reference material.  So that will come tomorrow.  Of course, you should always support your favorite university’s dance team, because they could really use the money.  Get yours today!

Also, Marshawn will not be charged with sexual assault.  Not to make this a point of social commentary, but do these things ever work?  I mean, unless your name is Pac-Man Jones or you’re a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, these things don’t stick.  I don’t really want to call her a liar, but given what’s said in the article, it’s pretty clear she made most of it up.  And telling the truth helps.  I know it’s a novel idea, but it generally works.  Just like in the Duke case.

Checking in once again on our two Cal Bears at the Senior Bowl, here we have Todd McShay’s breakdowns by position (insider account required), where Daymeion Hughes checks in at no. 2 among defensive backs and Brandon Mebane gets nary a mention.  On Hughes, McShay says:

"(Leon) Hall is still the most complete cornerback prospect in this class, but his lack of elite speed has been exposed at times this week. He is the only surefire first-round pick of the group. Hughes was turning heads prior to suffering a midweek hamstring pull that sidelined him the rest of the way."

I’m not sure why Hughes is behind Hall - I mean, he only outintercepted him by 5 (8 to 3) over the course of the season, played in a much more pass-happy league and obviously he made a much smarter decision in attending Cal over Michigan.  And Hall has the same questions about his speed that Hughes does.  Who knows.  At least Hughes will still probably go in the first.

As for Kiper’s complete roster evaluations (also requires insider access), he says,

Hughes: "Great anticipation, hands, instincts. Speed question. (late-Round 1)"

Mebane: "Hard worker. Strong. Good leverage. Pushes pocket. (Round 2 or 3)"

I guess we’ll see how Hughes runs, but the general consensus places Hughes as the second cornerback selected, with Mebane going later in the first day.  And Scouts Inc.’s evaluation of Desmond Bishop isn’t as glowing as one might assume given his production in college, with him being ranked the 9th best prospect at his position.  He also carries flags for lack of ideal speed (an estimated 5.0 in the 40 isn’t very good) and bulk (although 6′2", 240 hardly seems small).  Overall,

"Desmond had a breakout season as a first-year transfer in 2005 and continued to improve as a senior in 2006. He has proven to be an instinctive playmaker with good size and toughness versus the run. Unfortunately, he will not be able to overcome his marginal speed in the NFL like he did the past two seasons playing at Cal. He projects as nothing more than a reserve tackle-to-tackle run-stopping inside linebacker with no value on passing downs, which is why Bishop will slip to the final few rounds of the 2007 draft."

Yikes.  Sounds like a poor man’s Jeremiah Trotter to me.  Anyway, none of our other seniors are projected to be drafted at all, as evidenced by Scouts Inc’s total lack of write-ups for any of them.  So long Steve Levy, we hardly knew ye; so long Joe Ayoob, and good riddance.

Back again tomorrow with the calendar write-up.