Aug. 21, 1997
Defense Sparkles in Cal's First Fall Football Scrimmage
TURLOCK, Calif.-- A much improved Cal defense had an impressive performance in the
first fall scrimmage Wednesday in Turlock.
The Bear defenders held Cal quarterbacks to just 7-of-20 passing and only
two plays over 12 yards. Cal's defense also held the Cal rushing attack to
an average of just 2.9 yards per carry.
However, wide receiver Bobby Shaw showed he still has the knack for getting
in the endzone as he hauled in a 60-yard TD pass from Justin Vedder for the
scrimmage's only score. Vedder finished only 4-of-10 but threw for 147
yards.
One of the most encouraging developments came on the scrimmages first play
when Vedder hit tailback Tarik Smith in the flat and the speedy senior
raced 44 yards down the field. Smith ended the day with that lone reception
and 13 yards on just three carries, including a 10-yard run.
Wide receiver Kofi Nartey had the second-longest reception of the day on a
32-yard pass. Highly touted freshman tailback Marcus Fields had a 10-yard
run while finishing with six carries for 23 yards.
"Our defense played with a lot of intensity and emotion and clearly they
had an edge today," said head coach Tom Holmoe. "Our offense had a couple
of big plays, but they never could get any continuity and the credit goes
to our defense. The most encouraging sign offensively was to see Tarik get
in a few good runs and to see (offensive tackle) John Welbourn play well
during his brief time."
There were several standout defensive performances. Linebacker Matt Beck
had five tackles, including one for loss, while newcomer Albert Dorsey was
active all over the field from his linebacker position and finished with
five tackles as well.
Prep All-American Andre Carter, from Oak Grove HS in San Jose, was also
very impressive as he recorded two sacks for minus 15 yards and had three
tackles behind the line of scrimmage overall. Safety Don Lonon also had a
big day with three tackles, two pass deflections and one interception.
Cal escaped the scrimmage without any injuries of significance, although
preseason All-America defensive tackle Brandon Whiting suffered a bruised
knee that saw him hobble off the field. He did not return, but the Cal
medical staff believed the injury was not serious.
Several Cal players were nursing minor injuries and did not play. Included
in that group were potential starters safeties Marquis Smith and David
Burnside, offensive linemen Kursten Sheridan and Drake Parker, tailback
Brandon Willis and noseguard James Gibson. Gibson underwent an MRI for a
knee injury late Tuesday, but the results were negative and it appears he
may be able to return in the next week.
Cal will resume two-a-day workouts on Thursday with a final scrimmage
scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday before the Bears break camp and return to
Berkeley that afternoon.
Cal will host the annual KGO Family Funfest Sunday from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
on Kleeberger Field next to Memorial Stadium. Fans will be able to meet the
Bears and get autographs from their favorite players and coaches. Admission
is free.
