Daily Cal: Two Bears, One Back: Jahvid Best

As former Cal stud Marshawn Lynch would have put it, tailback Jahvid Best is stupid fast. His credentials include a 10.31 in the 100-meter, a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash and a 7.6 yards-per-carry average during his freshman season. Running backs coach Ron Gould wondered whether the film had sped up when he first saw tapes of Best in high school. Nearing fall camp, however, Best is in a new place. For the first time in his Bears career -- and possibly his entire life -- the gifted runner finds himself fielding doubts regarding his speed. Best suffered a bruise to the femoral head in his hip against USC on Nov. 10, 2007, giving birth to widespread anxiety and speculation about his future amongst Cal backers, whose concerns may have outlived the injury itself. For all the rumors, Best remains assured that he'll return his usual self despite the fact that hip injures could often end careers.

"I feel like I haven't lost a step since last year," says Best. "I feel a little bit quicker, a little bit more explosive. Maybe even a little faster." The sophomore hasn't officially clocked any of his recent runs, but Bears fans probably don't mind waiting a bit longer for that day to come, as it might only arrive after he decides to bolt for the NFL, whether he does so prematurely. For now, his words are his only proof. "I'm 100 percent today," he says. A return to the status quo might be underestimating Best's potential, however, so look for the speedster to shed the exact label in his second coming. Coach Jeff Tedford, for one, seems convinced.

"I think he's a little more powerful than people give him credit for because he looks kind of slight," says Tedford. "But he weighs 193 pounds, so he can run with power. That's something he's going to acquire more and more of as he plays, like Marshawn did. Marshawn used to be a sideline guy, and then he acquired (power)... Jahvid, I'm sure will grow into the same type of role." Best played at 185 pounds in 2007 but enters camp nearly ten pounds heavier. Best says he could possibly join the two-bills club by the season's start. He was once again adamant that the added bulk hasn't slowed him down. "(There's) not really that much difference," he says. "I mean, I'm a lot stronger. I feel like I'm even faster. Maybe I'll have more weight to throw around, but it feels the same to me." Muscle gain is all part of the big picture for Best in becoming a more complete back. Expect to also see him in pass-only situations, whether he's trailing off to the flat or shielding the pocket. Expect him to slouch between the tackles as often as he picks up a reverse.

"We're gonna use him wherever he's the best player," says Tedford. "It may be as a returner, it may be in the backfield, it may be in the slot catching balls. He's a very versatile guy in that way." It's a long list of responsibilities bestowed upon the elusive second-year. Even during camp, Best will have his hands full primarily facing a nationally-acclaimed crop of linebackers, headlined by two potential first-day draft picks in Worrell Williams and Zack Follett. The challenges seem as steep as they come even in early August, but they seem desirable enough for Best. Still, he did wish to do one thing before accepting the rigors of football as life in general once again. "I do want to go to Great America," says Best. "I'm gonna see if I can squeeze that in this weekend."

See more at http://calgoldenbearfootball.blogspot.com

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