In 2007, Jahvid Best's introduced himself to Bears fans with his explosive running and video-game moves against Tennessee.

A year later, his back-up Shane Vereen arrived with an 81-yard touchdown run to seal the openner against Michigan State. 

Here are some offensive players whose names may be much more familiar around Berkeley by the time this season is finished.

(Props to the Daily Californian for providing outstanding camp coverage)

Marvin Jones, WR

The sophomore out of Etiwanda, CA, who was a highly-touted recruit, has worked hard during the summer and is finally healthy after missing most of last season with a knee injury.

In fall camp he has impressed, working with the first team offense for the majority of the time along with last year's leading receiver, senior Nyan Boateng. 

Cal's receivers underachieved last year, and look for Jones to be a big part in their revival.

 

Anthony Miller (Soph)/Tad Smith (Senior), TE

Tight end has been an important position in the Cal offense, and the Bears have had a great recent track record of producing them.

Garrett Cross and Craig Stevens each had very productive careers, while the departed Cameron Morrah led the team in receiving touchdowns last season. 

All three emerged after being back-ups, and the story could be the same with Miller and Smith, as both of them served primarily as blocking tight ends in 2008. 

However, each caught a touchdown last year, with Miller's score being the game-winner in the Emerald Bowl against Miami.

Both Miller (6'3", 258) and Smith (6'5", 254) have great size, and whoever emerges as the full-time starter could provide a big target for junior quarterback Kevin Riley to work with.

 

Chris Guarnero (Jr.), C

The men up front generally don't get too much chatter surrounding them, but Guarnero will get a lot of attention, considering the shoes he has to fill.

He steps in to replace all-everything center Alex Mack, who was a first round pick of the Cleveland Browns. 

At 6'2" and 275 pounds, he does not have Mack's size, but Guarnero is certainly not short on experience.

He was listed second on the depth chart at center two years ago, and started the first three contests of 2008 at left guard before injuring his toe - recording 2.5 pancake blocks and three knockdowns in that span (yea, I didn't know they kept stats for O-lineman, either).

With his veteran presence (and a pretty good former mentor), he should be a solid anchor on Cal's line - even if he doesn't make a highlight film. 

 

Isi Sofele (Fr.), WR

It's very early, but at all of 5'7" and 170 pounds, this mighty mite may follow running back Joe Igber and wideout Vince Strang as fan favorites whose production out-measured their stature.

He is fighting to make for a chance to make an immediate impact on the team this season, and word from camp is that his speed (at slot receiver and on reverses) has drawn praise.

He likely won't be a starter, but he has the potential to provide some big plays (if in small doses).

If his work ethic (as shown in this anecdote) is any indication, it will be hard not to root for him.

 

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