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Vulcans picked to finish first, barely
jtuscano@observer-reporter.com
SLIPPERY ROCK - The California University football team advanced to the NCAA Division III semifinals the past two seasons.
So it should not be a surprise that the Vulcans were picked to win the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference again this season at the conference's annual media day Monday.
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That could be a bit bewildering or even a source for locker room motivation for California when football camp opens Thursday. Consider that the Vulcans are coming off a 12-2 season that saw them come within one game of the national championship.
Cal has 18 returning starters and the one major loss - quarterback Kevin McCabe - will be replaced by Josh Portis, a Division I transfer who might be a better all-round player.
"I try to stay away from all the rankings and the newspaper polls," said Cha'Mar Jones, a 6-2, 275-pound senior tackle. "Whatever the votes are doesn't make a difference at practice."
What will make the difference is Portis, whose cousin, Clinton, is a running back for the Washington Redskins. Portis is a unique specimen, 6-4, 220 pounds and able to run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds.
"I didn't get a chance to watch Sam Mannery play (quarterback) but I understand Josh is comparable," said head coach John Luckhardt, referring to Cal's all-time leader in passing yards (8,680), pass attempts (1,283) and completions (649).
"Most of the quarterbacks I've been around have been pure drop-back passers. I haven't been around a guy, who when things break down, can make a huge play."
Luckhardt is willing to adapt.
This will be the second time in as many seasons that California will have brought in a starting quarterback. McCabe transferred from Virginia and Portis arrives from Maryland, where he played eight games last season.
"There were people who took shots at Kevin about his knowledge and feel for the game," Luckhardt said. "I know there were people saying the same thing about Josh. But he knows the game."
That's not good news for Cal's opponents in the PSAC. The Vulcans captured the West Conference outright and won the state game, which was resurrected after a 21-year hiatus.
The Vulcans also won playoff games over Seton Hill and Bloomsburg before losing to Minnesota-Duluth in the semifinals.
"I think about that game all the time," said Terrence Johnson, a cornerback and one of eight returning defensive starters. "We had a good season, but to end it that way brings a fire out in me."
Notes
Chase DeCarlo, who split time at tight end with Cory Garver, will miss the season with a knee injury sustained in spring practice. ... Ben Jennings, a Trinity High School graduate, has been named the starting running back at Mercyhurst. Jennings, a 5-7, 180-pound senior, gained 571 yards and scored four touchdowns in 10 games for the Lakers last season.
Division III : 8/4/2009
Um Cal is in Division II
Division III : 8/6/2009
do some research before writing an article. Cal is Division II.
