Quarterback Has 2 Initial Trials in Simi: M.J., USC

Todd Studer has been at Simi Valley High less than three weeks, but he already knows the the most prominent letters in Pioneer football history: M.J.

That’s as in M.J. Nelson, last year’s all-purpose running back whose aggressive play sparked the winningest season in the school’s history.

“Yeah, I’ve already heard of M.J.,” Studer said after a recent practice. “I hear about how good he is all the time.”

Studer has made his own noise since his arrival in Simi Valley earlier this month. The 6-2, 180-pound quarterback transferred from Redmond, Wash., where he led his high school to a 6-3 record in 1985. Studer completed 53% of 154 passes for 1,055 yards and 8 touchdowns as a junior.

Studer, who lives with his mother in Simi Valley, said he moved south, in part, to be closer to a certain college football team. “I want to play college ball at SC,” he said.

The Trojans are interested, according to USC assistant coach Foster Andersen, who recruits in the Washington area. “We know who he is and we’ll be taking a look at him. He’s got some real talent. He should be a real asset to that team.”

Perhaps, but before he replaces M.J. in the minds of Simi Valley fans, he has to win a starting job. The Pioneers return quarterback Mark Bustamante, who started all 12 Simi Valley games last season, completing 38% of 110 passes for 640 yards.

Simi Valley Coach Dave Murphy, who hates controversy of any kind, won’t listen to talk of a quarterback controversy. He even balked at allowing a photographer to take Studer’s picture.

“There’s no controversy and I don’t anticipate having any,” Murphy said. “Both are working at quarterback and will continue to do so during the season just to keep everybody sharp. The way it is with us is that everybody is a non-starter and has to win a starting job. Even M.J. had to win a starting job.”

Studer, who also plays basketball, gave up a sure thing in Washington for the uncertainty of the Simi Valley job but seems unconcerned.

“I still think of not being the quarterback but I don’t worry about it,” he said. “Competition is good and it improves an athlete. It’s going to be the same thing in college.”

Studer, who picked up a self-effacing sense of humor when he lived previously in Alabama, made another point before heading off the Pioneer practice field.

“Besides, you guys don’t know how I am in game situations. I could be crummy.”