Cal's Duplicate Jersey Numbers

[biz cat]

I was watching the Cal/U Dub game this past weekend, and I thought I noticed that 2 players on Cal's team had the number 11. I knew for sure that their standout receiver Robert Jordan had the number, but I also thought I saw a DB who had the same number. I kept watching, and by the end of the game I was certain of it.

I just found a link to Cal Football's roster:

http://calbears.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cal-m-footbl-mtt-num.html

and indeed there are not only 2 players with #11, but many other duplicates as well. I'm sure some of these are redshirts, but the one I saw in the game was no mistake. Does anybody know if this is allowed, if it was a goof by Cal, or otherwise?

[biz cat]

sorry I know this isn't about b-ball, but posted here anyway :slap:

[bhanson]

I wonder if they ran out of numbers? It does look like the dupe numbers are on opposite ends of the ball. Here is the numbering scheme for NCAA football:

1-49 Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Defensive Backs, Some Wide Receivers, and Linebackers
50-59 Offensive and Defensive Linemen and Linebackers
60-69 Offensive and Defensive Linemen
70-79 Offensive and Defensive Linemen
80-89 Wide Receivers, Tight Ends
90-99 Defensive

Here is the NFLs for comparison:
(s) Primary Alternate
-------------------- ------- ---------
QB, P, K 1-19
RB, DB 20-49
C 50-59 60-79
G, T 60-79
WR 80-89 10-19
TE 80-89
DL (NT,DT,DE) 60-79 90-99
LB

[AzDave]

I never noticed it on any other team, but as far as I know there's nothing wrong with it. I would assume that 2 players with the same number can't be on the field at the same time though.

Cal has had duplicate #'s for as long as I can remember. I think several years ago Na'il Benjamin and someone else (maybe Kevin Devine?) both wore #4.

[kanobi]

WE have duplicate numbers on the cats. Two #8s

[Itamicbomb]

Most teams have duplicate numbers - Michigan's punter and Kevin Grady both wear #3.

[Auercat]

Cal #11s are Harrison Smith (db) and Robert Jordan (wr).

Many schools have players with duplicate numbers, but generally the dups are for walk-ons, second string kickers and kids who rarely play. The Cal situation is unique because both kids are integral parts of the Bears team. That being said, Cal has to be very careful to not put them both on the same kick coverage or return teams as you cannot have two players wearing the same jersey on the field at one time.

Bearing Down on Liking The Flexibility of College Numbering Over The Pro System

Auercat

[biz cat]

Thanks for the info everyone. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't seeing things.