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One of the big questions entering camp was if returning part-time starter Kevin Riley would grab hold of the starting quarterback reins from the beginning of camp. That question will need to remain on hold for now as Riley missed the opening session attending his brother's wedding.
Greeting the press for his first camp media session, Cal Head Coach Jeff Teford smiled and said, "Let's see...what's going to be the first question of camp? Oh yeah, someone's missing. Kevin's at his brother's wedding. He'll be back tomorrow."
As for the man many consider to be Riley's primary challenger, sophomore quarterback Brock Mansion, who will compete with Riley and redshirt frosh Beau Sweeney for the starting job:
"He's definitely starting somewhat from behind but he's got the kind of talent to close the gap," said Tedford.
In Riley's absense, sophomore quarterback Mansion, Beau Sweeney and walk-on redshirt frosh Ryan Wertenberger filled in admirably, with all three appearing in mid-camp form, completing many passes for 20+ yards downfield.
The quarterback who appeared to have the most success was Mansion, as the 6-5 Texan hitting sophs Marvin Jones and Alex Lagemann for a pair of long passes down the sideline and up the middle to each along with first down completions to senior Verran Tucker and newly-appointed tight end Jarrett Sparks.
For Lagemann, it was somewhat of a coming out party for the 6-2/205 receiver. After battling a serious foot injury, Lagamann was finally able to return to fairly full-time duty towards the end of last season but never was able to challenge for playing time that late in the game. However, Lagemann's foot problems seem to be a thing of the past, though he wasn't completely healthy today.
"He has a little bit of a hamstring but he looks like he's ready to get into the mix," said Tedford.
Sweeney performed well as well, showing much of the accuracy of Mansion along with several bootleg rollouts to escape pressure, though the redshirt frosh perhaps relied a bit much on his safety valves, looking downfield before often eventually hitting a back or receiver in the flat.
"Well, they could be sharper but that's what camp's for," said Tedford. "We'll go in and evaluate film. But they've been working hard. Every day they'll continue to get better."
Also missing were starting tailback Jahvid Best, starting defensive tackle Derrick Hill and likely staring end Mike Calvin, who will miss live action while recuperating from injury as well as linebacker Charles Johnson, out of town on family business.
"There was good energy today," said Tedford, responding to a question about his first impressions. It got a little sloppy but that's to be expected this early."
Stay tuned for further comments from Bear Insider writer Ted Lee on rotations and position groupings from Day One.