Jan. 7, 2009

BERKELEY - University of California offensive tackle Mike Tepper has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA to be able to compete for the Golden Bears next fall.

Tepper arrived at Cal in the fall of 2004 from Pacific High School in Cypress, Calif. After redshirting his first year in Berkeley, he did not play in 2005 after having his right fibula broken when he was hit by a car over the summer. Tepper returned to action in 2006, appearing in 13 games and gaining two starts. He then started all 13 games in 2007 before missing the entire 2008 season with a pectoral injury.

As part of the Bears' starting unit in '07, Tepper helped pave the way for the Cal offense to gain more than 2,000 yards on the ground and allow a Pac-10-low 11 quarterback sacks.

"Personally, this is a chance to end my Cal career the right way, both academically and athletically," Tepper said. "This opportunity means a lot to me and I'm happy to play with these guys one last time. I'd also like to thank Chris Stivers in our compliance office. He compiled all of the documentation and put together my case. I owe this entire opportunity to him."