On if the success that ‘backs like Marshawn Lynch and others have had in the past has enabled Tedford to continue to recruit bigtime ball carriers like Jahvid Best:

“Yeah, I think the history of what our backs have done and the production they’ve had, I think they can all see themselves as a guy who wants to carry the ball, who wants to have some production and things like that.  So yeah, I think the success that we’ve had at the tailback position has enabled us to recruit some pretty good players.”

On just how big this three game stretch for Cal is – @Oregon, USC, @UCLA:

“Well it starts this week…We can kind of take these last three games and throw them out the window because a whole new emphasis gets put on conference play.  And going up to Oregon to play one of the better teams in our conference, very difficult to be successful in Autzen Stadium.  So, huge test this week and it’s going to take a lot of concentration, focus and preparation.”

On why Tedford has remained at Cal rather than jumping to what many might consider greener pastures for head coaches:

“Well, we enjoy it here.  We love the place, we’ve created some great friendships, relationships in the community, alumni.  Love our players.  You know, I think this has the potential to be a special place and a lot of times, quality of life is a little bit more important than chasing some big paycheck somewhere.  And we have found that the quality of life here is great.  We love the Bay Area and enjoy the kids that we coach every day.  And our staff – I really appreciate our staff – and so it’s exciting times here.  New facilities being built and so we’re really happy.  And the bottom line is my wife’s happy and you know, that’s the real reason – my wife’s happy.”

On just how special running back Jahvid Best is:

“Well he is.  He’s really special, and you’re right, we’ve had a lot of great backs.  And the difference with Jahvid is he has that break away speed, he’s such a versatile player.  He’s a guy who can run inside, he has great lateral movement, he has the speed in the open field, you can put him out at receiver, he can catch the ball as well as a receiver, and he’s a good pass protector.  So, you know besides that, he’s just an average guy.  So he’s got it all and on top of that, he’s a great young man. He’s very focused, he’s very team oriented, and he has a great deal of respect for his teammates, his teammates respect him, and you know, he’s just an awesome kid and I’m happy he’s on our team.”

Listen here to Tedford with Fitz and Brooks on KNBR in San Francisco