Trains at Northridge in Two Weeks : Denver, Being Realistic, Drafts Singable Players

Taking a cue from the rest of the league, the Denver Gold targeted players deemed signable in Thursday’s United States Football League open draft.

In the first round, the Gold, which open five weeks of training camp Jan. 15 at Cal State Northridge, went for Cal State Fullerton linebacker John Nevens, and Coach Mouse Davis said he was confident of signing Nevens soon.

The Gold’s second-round choice was Brad Calip, a quarterback who led East Central Oklahoma to a 10-2 record last season, but who is projected as a wide receiver by the Gold.

Barely an hour after the selection, Calip was signed to a multi-year contract by the Gold, Davis said the pact was for three years, plus an option year, totaling “something less than $1 million.”

The Gold also signed one of its 25 territorial choices--Colorado receiver Kelley Johnson. Davis said Johnson, who ran 4.39 on grass, is ideally suited for his run-and-shoot offense.

Entering the draft, Davis said his team was “extremely weak” at linebacker, so Nevens’ choice fills a critical need.

“He’s what you look for in a middle linebacker,” said Davis of the 6-foot, 234-pounder who runs the 40 in an impressive 4.62 seconds. “He’s a very productive guy who runs very well.”

Denver has failed to sign either of its first-round draft picks the last two years. As a result, the team approached this draft with caution.

“There’s no point in us drafting a Bruce Smith (a highly regarded Virginia Tech defensive lineman) to watch him go to the NFL.

“We haven’t signed Nevens yet, but I hope we will soon. We know a lot about him. I’ve talked with him, I’ve talked to his coach, I’ve talked to his daddy.”

The Gold’s next choice, in the fourth round, was cornerback Calvin Loveall of Idaho.

The Gold also announced its 25 territorial selection, headed by seven Nebraska players and six each from national Champion Brigham Young and Oklahoma State.