Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Jake Houseworth and his family at last year’s letter signing ceremony.

By Ray Hamill — It hasn’t taken Jake Houseworth long to make an impression with the Cal Bears.

The former Fortuna Husky and last year’s Big 4 co-Defensive MVP looks set to debut with his new team when the Bears travel to play Oregon State on Saturday night.

Houseworth, who was a two-sport star at Fortuna, was recruited by the Bears before his senior season in the H-DNL and signed his letter of commitment in early December.

But the tight end faced a tough battle in camp with three senior tight ends ahead of him in the depth chart.

However, he has clearly done enough to impress the coaches, who have included the true freshman in the travel squad for Saturday’s season opener.

And that doesn’t surprise Fortuna head coach Mike Benbow, who will be making the trip to Corvallis for the weekend game.

“That’s a big deal for a true freshman to be traveling with an ACC team,” Benbow said.

According to the Cal football website, Houseworth is not listed among the top three tight ends on the depth chart, but he is listed as the No. 3 fullback.

He may also see some time on special teams.

The 6-3, 225-pound Houseworth was a consensus 3-star recruit.

“All of his successes didn’t just happen by chance,” Benbow said last year when Houseworth verbally committed. “He is that player who puts in the extra time in the weight room, studies the playbook, asks questions and strives to improve after every game.

“His work ethic and positive outlook will serve him well as he ventures into the next level of football.”

Saturday’s game is set for 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN.

Houseworth wears No. 80.