Fallback OK With Stanley

It has at least been a soft landing for Matt Stanley, fortunate to be as realistic as he is opportunistic.

After starting the first two games at fullback, Stanley has faded to the background again with little disappointment, getting two carries in the four games since Durell Price returned from suspension.

“I knew, especially after Ohio State, that things would start calming down,” Stanley said. “It was a crazy week, it was a crazy game. I was ready for things to calm down. I’m back to playing a lot of special teams, and I enjoy playing there.”

He plays mostly on kickoff and punt coverage, the punt return team and extra points and field goals, but still has been getting about a dozen plays a game at fullback. And he still gets phone calls and e-mail, at least one most every day, from people in the Columbus area, his home for six years and the scene of the memorable Sept. 11 game against the Buckeyes that included a touchdown reception and being given a scholarship.

“We have Durell and Durell’s a really good fullback,” said Stanley, a sophomore. “Ohio State, I think that sort of gave [teammates and coaches] confidence in me for the future. I don’t mind stepping back. I know it’s Durell’s senior year and that this is his time. Hopefully I gave them an idea of what I can do when my time comes.”

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Cornerback Ryan Roques and guard Oscar Cabrera are game captains today. They join the season-long choices, Pete Holland and Danny Farmer. . . . It hasn’t helped the struggling Cal passing game that the Bear receiving corps has included a backup quarterback, Sam Clemons; a converted tailback, Joseph Echema; a former starting tailback, Marcus Fields; a starting cornerback, Deltha O’Neal; and a backup cornerback, LaShaun Ward.