Freshman linebacker Dave Wilkerson, who was considered a contender to land a starting spot at outside linebacker about a week ago, has been sitting out practice the past several days, virtually eliminating his chance to be a starter in the Sept. 4 opener against UC Davis.
Wilkerson is a highly rated recruit out of Danville and Monte Vista High School, and his problem is not injury; it's logisitics. As of Thursday, Cal is still awaiting word from the NCAA clearinghouse that Wilkerson's academic peperwork has been approved, allowing him to be eligibile to play. But until approval arrives, Wilkerson must stay on the sidelines. Whether that clearance will come in time for Wilkerson to play in the opener is uncertain, because there is no time frame for such rulings.
(Other Cal football news: Cal starting lineup comes into focus, click here. Sofele named No. 2 tailback, click here.)
It's clearly been a frustrating experience for Cal coach Jeff Tedford. He said Wilkerson's academic records seemed to be in order when they were first submitted to the NCAA early in the summer. But it was returned with more information required. In fact, that has happened several times.
"We've sent it three or four times," Tedford said Thursday, "and (the NCAA) changes what they need every time. Then we have to scramble to get it done. People in our compliance department have been calling (the NCAA) three or four times a day."
Wilkerson has missed four or five days of practice while awaiting clearance, and in the process his chance for landing a starting spot has all but vanished. He still might become a starter later in the season, but his progress has been hampered considerably.
Cal freshman defensive end Gabe King, another high touted recruit, is in the same situation, as he waits for NCAA clearance. However, King was expected to redshirt anyway. Now it's a certainty King will redshirt.
Cal is still planning for Wilkerson to play quite a bit this season, although that is all dependent on how quickly Wilkerson is cleared by the NCAA.
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Comments
Jake (the Snake) covering Cal. Call the FBI. How the hell do they allow you to walk on campus?
Tedford talks to you?
Boy have we got a dumb operation going if that is the case.
I thought you left town. What a major disappointment!
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