THE TOPIC OF TRANSFER : Danny O’Neil, Whose School Switch Caused a Controversy, Focuses Attention on New Role as Mater Dei Quarterback

In the first half of Mater Dei High School’s season opener against Fountain Valley two weeks ago, you could see it in the way Danny O’Neil fidgeted in the pocket, the way he underthrew receivers and the tentative way he scrambled.

“No doubt about it, he was showing some first-time nerves,” Mater Dei Coach Chuck Gallo said.

It was a case of first-game jitters. But first after what? First as a starting varsity quarterback playing before 8,000 fans, or first since being the object of a recruiting controversy that earned Mater Dei a one-year Southern Section probation? A bit of both, no doubt.

It has been seven months since O’Neil’s transfer from Corona del Mar to Mater Dei resulted in the school being placed on probation without sanctions. The school was penalized for violating the meaning of the vague Southern Section rules regarding illegal inducements, which the governing body said included showing O’Neil some Mater Dei highlight films and giving him preferential treatment in gaining admittance to the private school.

“For me, it’s over,” O’Neil said. “At the time, (the controversy) really got to me. Because it was happening during basketball season, I wasn’t able to play (the Southern Section ruled him ineligible during the investigation) and that really ate at me. But I think I’ve gotten over it all now. It’s not something I think about.”

O’Neil has plenty to think about in trying to lift Mater Dei (0-2) over Santa Ana (2-0) tonight in Santa Ana Stadium.

But he knows his transfer remains a topic of discussion.

“It wasn’t a case of them recruiting me,” O’Neil said. “I wanted to go to Mater Dei, for academics and for sports. We made the first move, approached them about transfering. They told us about the school, and my parents and I made the decision to do it.”

O’Neil said he is not bitter, but he feels Mater Dei got a bad rap.

“They didn’t break any rules,” he said. “But the rules are so vague, (the Southern Section) was able to stretch them and get us in trouble.”

“We don’t regret the move,” said his father, Dan O’Neil. “We just regret the stress it caused Danny. It really set him back.”

But O’Neil’s focus now is clearly on making the best of the move.

O’Neil’s talent is unquestioned. Gallo predicts he will emerge as one of Orange County’s best quarterbacks--and a top college prospect--within the next two years.

“It’s only a matter of when that will happen,” Gallo said. “Danny has everything you’d want in a high school quarterback. He is a quarterback in the Roger Staubach mold--very intelligent, strong-armed, elusive. Pressure doesn’t bother him.”

No kidding. Last Friday, Oceanside led Mater Dei, 36-7, in the third quarter, but did O’Neil worry? Hurry, yes. Worry, no. O’Neil threw 3 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter--giving him 5 for the game and 6 for the season--to lead Mater Dei on a furious rally that fell short, 36-34.

“I got off to a slow start, just like the first game (a 22-17 loss to top-ranked Fountain Valley), but I got in the groove in the second half,” O’Neil said.

In two games, O’Neil has completed 28 of 50 passes (56%) for 321 yards, 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions.

“Statistically, I guess it looks pretty good,” O’Neil said. “But I’ve got to put two good halves together. Until I do that, we’re going to have to rally like we did last week, and as well as we played in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough.

“This week is going to be a turning point,” he said. “I think the way things were clicking toward the end of the game last week really did something for us. This is going to be the week we get into a groove.”

But Santa Ana is a tough team to learn to boogie against. The Saints’ big offensive front and quick secondary should give Mater Dei plenty of problems. But it will be O’Neil’s game to win or lose.

“We don’t change our game plan for anyone,” Gallo said. “We’ll do the same things we’ve done so far. Hopefully, though, we’ll do it more efficiently.”

The key to improving O’Neil’s efficiency might be for him to keep a handle on his nerves.

“I think I’m over the nervousness now,” O’Neil said. “It’s been an adjustment, but I’m feeling more confident.”

“What you have to remember,” his father said, “is that he is just now learning to play before crowds of 8,000 or 9,000. Before two weeks ago, he was used to playing before a bunch of parents (in freshmen and sophomore games).”

But Gallo’s confidence is unwavering.

“He’s going to be a very good player,” he said. “It’s just a matter of time.”