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Heir Apparent? : Matt Stevens Has Inside Track as UCLA’s Next Starting Quarterback

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Times Staff Writer

Matt Stevens does not seem to be rattled by the daily ups and downs of scrambling through spring football practice in competition for a job as starting quarterback, even though, he says, there is more pressure on the UCLA practice field than on any game field.

In fact, he has an easy attitude and a smile for everyone. He’s walking as tall as a guy just a smidgen under 6 feet can walk and he’s enjoying the hunt.

There doesn’t seem to be much doubt in his mind that when the smoke clears, he’ll be calling the signals. In the meantime, the fourth-year junior is not losing sleep over how each day’s performance stacked up against fifth-year senior David Norrie or redshirt freshman Brendan McCracken.

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“I came into spring with a different strategy,” Stevens said. “I’m looking at the whole thing as a learning process. I came in knowing that I need to improve and that I can’t concentrate on that if I’m letting the competition effect me.

“I can’t go out and compare myself to the other quarterbacks. I have to go out and apply my talents to the offense. It’s my job to make the whole offense look good, not just me.”

With that approach, Stevens can walk tall without swaggering. He is able to state his confidence matter-of-factly, without a hint of cockiness.

“This team does not need a quarterback that is a great star,” Stevens said. “This team needs a quarterback who can be like an orchestra leader. We have so much talent in our pass receivers and our running backs, that the quarterback is just going to have to make sure that it all clicks.

“I feel like I have a pretty good grasp of the offense, and it really helps having those games behind me.”

Stevens started three games last season when Steve Bono was out with an injured ankle. With Stevens at quarterback, the Bruins lost the Nebraska game--no UCLA quarterback could have prevented that loss--won the Colorado game big, then came back from a 20-0 deficit but lost to Stanford, 23-21.

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Stevens, who has a strong arm, completed 43 of 84 passes (.512) for 583 yards and three touchdowns. He gave up four interceptions.

A passing percentage of .512 isn’t bad, but it’s not up to the standard set by the UCLA quarterbacks Stevens has studied under. Tom Ramsey had a percentage of .622 in 1982, Rick Neuheisel had a percentage of .693 in 1983, and Bono had a percentage of .555 in 1984.

“I’ve learned a lot working behind those guys,” Stevens said. “The way we work, it’s not like there’s one guy on the field and the others watching. We’re all working together. We’re into the game. There hasn’t been one game when I was on the sideline that I didn’t feel like I was prepared to play.”

The games that he did play have done a lot to increase his confidence. “Before those games, I knew I could play, but I had to wonder, ‘Can I play in the Pac-10? Can I play for UCLA?’ Now, I know I can.”

Stevens was a highly recruited quarterback at Fountain Valley High School. He had a sensational junior season but struggled with interceptions in 1982, his senior season, although he finished that final season with 2,085 yards passing.

He knew when he chose UCLA that he wouldn’t be walking into a starting position. He knew he’d have to serve his apprenticeship and wait his turn.

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It may be his turn now. The three games last season give him the edge, although Coach Terry Donahue likes young McCracken’s talents, and says he would not hesitate to go with Norrie, given his good fortune the last few years with fifth-year quarterbacks.

“My confidence level is real high,” Stevens said. “Actually, what I am is excited. I think it’s a privilege just to play for UCLA. It’s really thrilling to think about having such a glamour position on the team.

“I have a good feeling about this season. I feel real good about the team. I know we have a tough schedule, playing at Provo, at Knoxville and at Seattle early in the season. But I still feel good. I think the confidence level is high with everyone on the team.”

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