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With Cal quarterback Kyle Boller ruled out of this Saturday’s game against Oregon State with a back injury, backup Eric Holtfreter will once again get the starting nod. But he might have some competition. 

Redshirt freshman Reggie Robertson got his first college action late in the loss to UCLA last weekend and looked impressive, albeit against UCLA’s benchwarmers. Robertson completed 8 of 16 passes for 99 yards, leading the Bears to a final touchdown in the last minute of the game. Robertson also ran the ball six times for 21 yards. 

“Reggie came in in the fourth quarter and did a very good job,” Cal head coach Tom Holmoe said on Tuesday. “He surprised us in the fact that he had never had a snap in a game and very few reps as far as practice is concerned, yet he showed an unusual amount of poise.” 

Holtfreter led the Bears to a quick 3-0 lead and threw an early touchdown pass to Charon Arnold, but looked overmatched at times against the fierce UCLA defense. The senior finished the day 11-for-29 for 102 yards. 

“As the game progressed there was a little bit of duress, a couple of breakdowns,” Holmoe said. “(Holtfreter) missed a couple of ball, but overall I’d say he played okay.” 

Holmoe made it clear that Holtfreter is his starter with Boller on the shelf, but Robertson could see more playing time against the Beavers. 

“(Robertson’s) strength right now is that he is extremely smart,” he said. “He ran the ball well, made the right reads, threw the ball well and overall just made a very fine impression.” 

Holmoe said he has been happy with the progress shown by both Robertson and true freshman Richard Schwartz, but stopped short of saying either could compete for playing time with Boller next season.