RAM NOTEBOOK / TIM KAWAKAMI : Players Sense Knox’s Presence From Start

Still missing Robert Delpino and their three unsigned players but not missing the point that things have changed dramatically under Coach Chuck Knox, the Rams began a full-scale training camp at UC Irvine Wednesday.

After the week of advance camp that culminated Tuesday, the veterans joined two-a-day practices Wednesday.

Most of them could not help but notice that at this camp, there was at least one set of Ram eyes that did not miss a moment of action--or inaction.

“He’s got an old eagle eye,” tackle Gerald Perry said of Knox.

“You know, even though it was quick and brisk, even though it was up-tempo, you can feel the attention of the coaches watching you. And you can sense that it’s definitely a change in the right direction.”

After the practices, Knox said he was pleased that most of the veterans reported at or below the weights prescribed for them by the coaching staff, pointing directly to Perry, who came in one pound under his limit of 308, and tailback Marcus Dupree, who reported significantly lighter than last year’s 240 pounds.

Knox also acknowledged that some players already have been assessed fines--perhaps the most compelling departure from last year’s never-fined squad.

“Everybody ought to be excited on the first day,” Knox said. “This is what it’s all about. The key is to be able to sustain the excitement and be able to sustain the burning desire in your gut to want to improve as an individual football player.”

For the veterans used to a more laissez-faire approach from former coach John Robinson, this is new territory.

“They come in and they’re sort of waiting to see how things are going to go ahead and move along,” said offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese, the only holdover from last year’s staff. “But, they’re eager.

“I’m sure they’ve heard a lot stories about Chuck--if you’re late he fines you. I’m sure there’s a lot of talk in the rooms about that. There’s a sense of urgency.”

Aaron Cox, who has caught only 80 passes in his four-year Ram career and only 35 the past two seasons, is a receiver on the bubble and he seems to know it.

Cox has experienced nagging hamstring troubles throughout his career since being drafted No. 1 in 1988 and will battle for a roster spot this training camp. But he made a point Wednesday, stepping right into camp and catching three deep balls in the afternoon practice.

“I’m very pleased with it,” Cox said. “I’m just happy to be out here, working hard, getting some things done. Hopefully it can be a productive year for me.”

Knox used a third-round pick on receiver Todd Kinchen, who has been impressive in the early going, and signed his former Seattle player, Jeff Chadwick, in Plan B. Coupled with starters Henry Ellard and Flipper Anderson, Cox is looking at a crowded receiving picture. He is coming off a relatively injury-free season, but he caught only 15 passes.

“I guess you could say it’s a big point (in his career) right now, yeah,” Cox said. “I’m in my fifth year. I signed a one-year contract, so hopefully I can have a good year and move on.”

Cox said Knox hadn’t told him what his role could or would be with the Rams.

“I’m just here working hard, and we’ll see what happens at the end.”