AYOOB AWAITS CAL'S DECISION: Rams Coaches Hopeful About Ayoob'd Chances

BY DAN VEREL
Editor

Ayoob celebrates the Rams' 2004 Conference win with a teammate. PHOTO BY COLLEEN CUMMINGS

For a young quarterback who aspires to turn pro one day, the thought of playing at nationally ranked Cal is an enticing one to say the least. Now, for former Rams standout Joseph Ayoob, who just transferred to Cal, that possibility has become a reasonable reality. The scenario plays out like a Joe Montana/ Steve Young saga for Ayoob, who was the top ranked junior college passer in the state last season.

The rare opportunity presented itself to Ayoob when Cal’s current quarterback, Aaron Rogers, announced he would bypass his senior year to pursue a career in the NFL, which can potentially enable Ayoob to steal the spotlight. “There’s no guarantee to start, but I think coming out of JC helps,” said an excited Ayoob. The path to NCAA success and national recognition for Ayoob now seems clear.

“Joe’s probably the best quarterback we’ve ever had,” said City College Physical Education Chair Brad Duggan. Considering nine other quarterbacks from City College have gone on to play division 1A, it is quite an accomplishment for the young Ayoob.

“He’s got a hell of an opportunity to become Cal’s starting quarterback for the next year or two,” said Rams coach George Rush.

Rush also says Ayoob is more than ready for the stiff competition at the division one level. “As good as Rogers is, I think they’ve [CAL] made an upgrade,” he said.

Coach George Rush and Joe Ayoob eagerly anticipate word on the quarterback’s potential status as a starter at Cal this season. PHOTO BY NATHAN WEYLAND

While Ayoob’s chances look promising, he remains humble, but determined. “I won’t expect anything less of myself personally,” he said. The blue chip pro-spect says he has much to learn this season, but he welcomes the challenge. “Getting used to the speed of the game, that’s going to be the biggest adjustment,” he said. “There’s no way to simulate the speed of the game until you actually play a game,” he added.

Ayoob’s recent run of success can be attributed to a number of things, but Rush points to his work ethic. “He worked really hard. He spent a lot of time on the field,” Rush said. “Joe has superior talent, but he worked at it … all the good things that happen to him, he deserves it.”

Dan Hayes, athletic director and offensive coordinator, echo-ed similar thoughts on Ayoob’s potential. “He’ll handle the ex-pectations and pressure. I think he’s ready both physically and mentally,” Hayes said

City College may have just provided the next PAC-10 superstar, an exciting idea for the coach-ing staff here on campus. “It’ll be fun for us here to watch one of our own at that level,” Hayes said. “I expect Joe will be just as successful as Rogers.”

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