Cal Linebacker Tristan Jernigan on Discipline, Opportunity and Bagels in Berkeley

The Texas A&M transfer found a program that matches his mentality, and a city with a few new culinary discoveries.

Tristan Jernigan arrived at Cal drawn by a combination of coaching, academics and opportunity, and has wasted no time settling in.

“I’m glad to be here. Great area, great people, great coach. Tosh is changing the program, changing everything about us. I’m looking forward to seeing how this season is about to go.”

The way Tosh Lupoi runs things resonated with Jernigan personally.

“Very strict, straightforward and very disciplined. I’m very disciplined myself, so I take pride in that. Tosh is one of those, and that’s one of the reasons why I came here.”

Cal’s academics have made an impression too, with Jernigan recently earning recognition for it.

“Cal has given me a great opportunity. I was fortunate to get scholar-athlete transfer of the week. It’s a great area, great academic people, they help you with everything. That’s the way I want it.”

For fans who haven’t seen him play, Jernigan offered a quick self-assessment.

“I’m very energetic, very physical, talented with speed. I can do about anything. I got a lot of stuff to work on because I’m young, but that just comes with the game. I’m looking forward to putting my talents on showcase this year.”

He came to Cal from College Station alongside fellow linebacker Solomon Williams, and the two have leaned on their shared experience.

“We were fortunate to come from a very good school. We came here and used what we learned from there, and on top of the stuff that Tosh is teaching coming from Oregon, where they had a great team last year, we’re just building on that and becoming better.”

On where he is in his development, Jernigan was direct about his mindset.

“My time is now. I’m looking forward to having success because I’ve been working so hard these past few years to be on the come up, and I feel like now is that time.”

The linebacker room’s camaraderie has been genuine, built across different backgrounds and zip codes.

“We’re all from different places. AJ is from Vegas, I’m from Mississippi, a lot of people from Cali. Coach BG, he always brings bagels in on a Saturday morning. I never had a bagel till I came to California, so that was crazy.”

Jernigan described his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi with affection.

“Besides Elvis, kind of like me. Very energetic, great people, great hospitality, great food. Very soulful. Everybody treats you well. It’s a great place to be.”

Being across the country hasn’t brought any homesickness though.

“Not at all. I come from a family where traveling was very big. Going from place to place never really phased me. Plus my family always comes to travel with me.”

As for the bagel education, Jernigan has gotten some guidance from a teammate.

“No Williams told me about a spot on Telegraph. Boichik Bagels. I just started eating them so I just get the plain toasted with cream cheese. It’s pretty good.”

He’s also found a taste of home in Oakland on the weekends.

“I like soul food, coming from the south. There’s this place called Y’s Choice and Rob Ben’s. That’s Marshawn Lynch’s restaurant. Pretty good around here. I eat there on the weekends because I’m on a diet throughout the week with Kendall in the nutrition room. Throughout the week it’s steak, rice, chicken, greens, any protein and carbs, fruit, vegetables. Healthy stuff. But I eat good on the weekends.”