Thompson returns, and more spring updates

* Thompson returns to practice

CB Syd’Quan Thompson returned to practice today (Wednesday), following a one-practice suspension for violating team rules. Coach Jeff Tedford gave Cal fans a scare on Monday when he suggested that the suspension might be indefinite. While the reason for the suspension has not been revealed, Thompson said:

“I’m just glad to be back out here and have a chance to make up for what I missed Monday.”

Thompson didn’t waste any time getting up to speed, as he and CB Chris Conte intercepted QB Kevin Riley on consecutive plays.

* Best takes limited reps

While Tedford indicated that RB Jahvid Best would not be participating in any team practice drills for the spring on Monday, Best already took a few reps with the first team offense today. Of course, he was still wearing a red non-contact jersey, and he is not expected to take any hits for all of spring ball. Tedford said:

“Actually, I think he did sneak in on a couple of plays . . . He’s going to do some ball-handling and he’s going to run some, but we’re not going to bang him.”

* OL Mike Tepper moves to LT

Mike Tepper has been moved back to left tackle, where he played two years ago. There was some speculation that center Alex Mack might be moved to LT following his decision to stay his senior year, but it looks like Tepper will be the guy protecting the QB’s blind side. In general, left tackles are chosen higher in the NFL draft than centers.

* WR Glover, WR/PR? Boateng emerging

In addition to the new crop of freshman receivers, upperclassmen WRs Nyan Boateng and Drew Glover are stepping into the void of departing receivers. Senior Glover has been making plays in practice, including a spectacular diving catch from QB Nate Longshore. An awkward highlight, courtesy of J. Okanes:

The only drawback was Glover and Longshore attempted some kind of chest-bump or high-five celebration afterward, and missed each other completely.

Meanwhile, Boateng has been taking a large amount of punt returner reps, but the position is still “wide open.”

Tedford on Boateng:

“He’s a guy who has some ability, but he has to fit into the system and get used to the work ethic and what it takes to be consistent . . . He has speed, he has size, he has good hands—a good athlete. He has the potential to be a contributor for us.”

Tedford on the receiver corps as a whole:

“I’m very, very impressed with their hustle and attention to detail . . . They’re making plays. I’ve seen more guys lay out for balls already in two days than, you know, I’ve seen in a long time. They’re really giving great efforts and working real hard. I’m anxious as spring goes on here to see who really rises to the top.”

* Defense continues to work in 3-4

Throughout Monday and today’s practice, the defense has been primarily in a 3-4 formation (3 DL, 4 LB). While 3-4 packages were used sparingly last season, they were utilized very successfully against Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl. However, DC Bob Gregory has suggested that this new trend is mostly experimentation and training, not an indication of a total switch from the 4-3.

As the linebacker corps is one of the team’s strengths, it may be safe to say that we will see much more of the 3-4 in the upcoming season.

Sources and links:

• Bear Bytes (Daily Cal): “Spring Practice Update”
• SF Chronicle: “Cal’s Best further allays fears, taking field for two plays”
• BearTalk: “Wednesday practice”