August 15, 1997
Vedder, Smith Look Good in Second Day of Fall Workouts
BERKELEY, Calif. - The Cal team went through a second day of workouts in Turlock with a pair of 2 1/2 hour practices. Cal's two key offensive players, quarterback Justin Vedder and tailback Tarik Smith, both looked sharp during workouts. Vedder threw the ball crisply, while Smith looked very quick and showed no effects from last year's knee surgery.
Vedder has energized the offense with his enthusiasm during practice sessions.
"His positive attitude rubs off on his teammates," said Cal head coach Tom Holmoe. "He's a winner and leader. I'd compare him a little to Jim McMahon because he can be brash, but he really believes in himself and in his teammates. Our fans are going to love the way he plays."
Holmoe also appeared pleased with the way Smith handled the morning practice in which he participated fully, before sitting out the afternoon practice.
"Tarik is a special, special athlete, and he looked great in the morning," said Holmoe. "We're holding him out of afternoon practices early in the camp as a precaution, but physically he looks like he's ready to carry the ball 25 times. We just want to be smart and bring him along slowly."
Another player who is on a limited practice schedule is offensive lineman John Welbourn. Welbourn is also recovering from knee surgery. He sat out the morning practice before participating fully in the afternoon session. He is seeing some time at an offensive tackle position, meaning the coaches will have the option of playing him at either guard or tackle this fall.
Cal's last group of players arrived from their summer school obligations Friday, and most of them were able to participate in the afternoon sessions.
