DeSean Jackson is leaving. After taking nearly the full allotment of time to announce his decision, Jackson announced on Tuesday that he would be leaving the University of California for a shot at fame and fortune in the NFL. Jackson had a disappointing junior season due to intense amounts of hype leading into his junior year. He couldn’t handle some passes at wideout and he seemed to lack focus at times on the field but nevertheless, he is on his way to the Big Time, and make no mistake about it, he will be drafted very high.
With the image of Devin Hester dancing through special teams coordinator’s minds Jackson is the next in line, many feel to carry the torch and light teams up. He does have highlight reel ability but I’m a little skeptical and doubt that his impact will be the size of a Hester, although he is far more polished as a receiver, due to his having played the position before.
Look for Jackson to be a force on special teams in the return game (if teams kick to him) early on but take some serious time to develop into a full-time wide receiver that can bring in 1000 yards.
The only way returning to school may have helped Jackson would be in regards to his development as a receiver but his draft stock wouldn’t have gone up enough to make it worthwhile. He would have been a nice security blanket for sophomore quarterback Kevin Riley who is likely going to be the starter for Cal next year.
Riley will now be without the top five pass catchers on the team as wideouts Lavelle Hawkins and Robert Jordan as well as tight end Craig Stevens and running back Justin Forsett have graduated.
The main threats still on the Golden Bears roster are junior tight end Cameron Morrah, senior wide receiver LaReylle Cunningham and unproven sophomore Jeremy Ross. Looks like a rebuilding year for Coach Jeff Tedford.Labels: California Golden Bears, DeSean Jackson, Kevin Riley |
