Jackson, Dumm in new roles for Cal U

CALIFORNIA -- California University held its annual football media day Tuesday morning at Adamson Stadium.

For Charleroi's Jared Dumm and Monessen's Brandon Jackson, the scenario has changed somewhat from a year ago.

Dumm is no longer a quarterback.

And Jackson is no longer a nobody.

Last season Dumm as a true freshman was converted from free safety to quarterback in the first week of camp when senior starter Brandon LeDonne became ill and had to miss practice.

Dumm remained on offense the rest of the season, completing nine of 24 passes for 116 yards and no touchdowns with two interceptions but sophomore Dustin Strayer ended up No. 2 when LeDonne was sidelined for three games with an injury.

Dumm's stint at quarterback may have ended on the first day of this year's camp when pre-season All-American Jon Arnold suffered a sprained ankle.

The quick switch to defense didn't catch Dumm by surprise.

"When coach (John) Luckhardt pulled me aside after Jon went down, I knew where I was going," he said.

Dumm has no complaints.

"I like it at free safety and have adapted pretty well," he smiled. "I'm like a quarterback on defense."

While Arnold is considered a question mark for the Aug. 30 opener at Eastern Illinois, Dumm or sophomore Nate Liberty could be starting the first game.

Jackson, meanwhile, will finally get on the field as a wide receiver after being redshirted as a freshman.

"It was real frustrating to sit out," said Jackson, who was the leading pass receiver for the 2002 Tri-County South Con-ference champion Greyhounds and also graduated as the school's all-time leading basketball scorer. "I wasn't used to it but it was for the better.

"I feel I have a chance to play and I want to do what I can and help any way I can. I worked out a lot and got stronger and faster. I learned a lot."

Luckhardt has liked what he's seen so far of the Monessen standout who was his first recruit at California.

"Brandon has matured and is a physical presence," said Luckhardt. "Potentially he's the best blocking wide receiver we have and he continues to improve."

CAL CLIPS: Dumm has switched uniform numbers from 19 to 1. No. 1 became available when sophomore kicker Mike Dalicandro quit the team Monday. Dumm is also battling junior Rusty Springer for the punting job. Larry Calabrese didn't return after punting 47 times for a 33.4 yard average as a freshman last season. Dumm averaged 35 yards on two punts with Springer having a 29.3 average on seven punts. Also quitting the team Monday was 6-6, 250-pound senior tight end Tom Jacobs ... Luckhardt won't name his starting quarterback until after the team's second scrimmage a week from Thursday. Strayer and redshirt freshman Greg Dapper, a transfer from Temple University, are the front-runners. Tony Morgan, a 6-3, 295 pound sophomore, will be the starting center after playing guard last season. Two redshirt freshmen -- Josh Newcomer, a 6-2, 280-pounder, and Carl Jay, a 6-5, 280-pounder -- have been switched from the defensive line to the offensive line. Nick Bosnic, a 6-7, 260 pound sophomore tight end transfer from Temple University, is questionable with a shoulder injury. Zach Beebe, a 6-4, 250 freshman from Mt. Lebanon, has been moved from offensive tackle to tight end. Junior linebacker Eric Kooser is expected to be out for the season with a broken leg suffered in an auto accident. Freshman Derek Brletich of Belle Vernon Area has a shot of being the Vulcans' long snapper and playing outside linebacker. Three area freshmen are expected to be redshirted including BVA's Matt Cyktor and California's Ryan Robinson and Ryan Howell.