March 12, 2007

BERKELEY - California opened its 2007 Spring Football training on a sunny Monday afternoon at Memorial Stadium, practicing for 26 periods in helmets only. The team focused primarily on individual drills to get back into the swing of practice, though there were 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 sessions during the day.

"Today went well," head coach Jeff Tedford said. "I was pleased with the tempo with the way the guys flew around. There was a lot of learning going on. I was real impressed with the tempo and with the attitude.

""It is pretty difficult to expect much without pads on," he continued. "What you're looking for is tempo and hustle, and communication and things like that. I felt like it was a good day."

Three newcomers were in action on Monday as wide receiver Nyan Boateng, a transfer from Florida, tight end Skylar Curran, a junior college transfer, and linebacker Tyler Morrow, another juco transfer, saw their first action for the Golden Bears.

"We have a lot of young guys who it is very important to evaluate through spring ball," Tedford said. "You do it when you play real football. This stuff without pads is all fine, but you really find out things when you put the pads on."

The next practice is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, another helmet-only session.

As a reminder, all California football practices are CLOSED to the public.

The Bears open the 2007 season on Sept. 1, hosting Tennessee at Memorial Stadium. Season tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday and are available by visiting www.CalBears.com or by calling 1-800-GO-BEARS.