For Columbia University Football, the Future Is Now

Think happy thoughts for Corey Cameron (CREDIT: Columbia Athletics)


With 10 days to go until the beginning of spring practice, it's great to see Corey Cameron's name still on the Lion roster. Cameron applied for a 5th year of eligibility and I am going to just be optimistic and believe he's going to get it, (or got it already).

His continued presence in the linebacking corps should ease the loss of Drew Quinn a bit as Mr. Quinn graduates in May. Cameron was a revelation this past season with 63 total tackles including five-and-a-half for a loss. He only had eight total tackles in four games in an injury-marred 2007.

He'll join fellow linebacker, 1st team All Ivy and the Ivy League's leading tackler for 2008, Alex Gross.

As for the other linebackers, it will be very encouraging if the promising Matt Moretto, who was lost in '08 to injury, participates in this spring practice and the spring game.

I thought rising sophomore Nick Mistretta had a good freshman year and I do expect him to make a strong run to get higher on the depth chart.

Of course, I don't make the depth charts, so everyone listed as a linebacker on the roster is still in the mix.

But any way you look at it, getting Cameron back after what was a breakout year would be a huge help.


Kelly's Climb

When I first wrote about Chip Kelly's eventual promotion to head coach at Oregon, I think everyone assumed it would be another year before that actually happened.

Well, the future is now as the former Columbia assistant coach is now officially at the helm in the duck pond.


Bracket Laughter

And just to toot my own horn a bit, today's Seattle Times quoted a recent joke of mine about the NCAA tournament. I didn't think it was my best joke, but I'll take it.