Cal running back Joe Igber comes into his junior year cast in a starring role, 10 pounds heavier and wearing yet another new number.

The Bears' starting tailback, 11th on Cal's career rushing list (1,595 yards), has bulked his 5-8 frame up to 200 pounds. And for the third time, he's changed his uniform number.

He was given No. 29 his first year. In his sophomore year, he asked for No. 6, his old high school number. This season, he'll wear No. 30 in honor of Roy Jackson, a rarely used special teams player who graduated last year.

"He always had knowledge,'' Igber said. "He always had something to say.''

That Igber saw beyond Jackson's marginal spot on the depth chart reveals much about his perspective. He is a student first, his primary concern earning a degree in civil engineering.

"Football is really a good stress reliever from class and homework,'' he said. "Football is just the icing on the cake.''

Still, this isn't someone who just dabbles in the game.

"He's probably as good a stop-and-go runner as I've coached, although he may not have the speed you want,'' said new offensive coordinator Al Borges. "Joe is going to run the ball for 30 yards where other guys couldn't have gotten five. Now, he may not run it for 80.''

Igber does it with quickness and a knack for improvising on the run.

"I work within the parameters of the play,'' he said.

Try telling that to tackle Langston Walker.

"There's a general area he's supposed to be in,'' he said. "But you never know. You have to stay on your toes, you have to continue to block. The play might be going to the right, but he might see a hole to the left and be able to break on it.''

Igber will be featured this year, as Borges installs an offense that sets up the pass with a strong running game.

"If he's healthy, he's going to do it,'' said coach Tom Holmoe. "He has the ability to give us everything we're looking for.''

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