Notes on a Scorecard - Aug. 4, 1992

The subject was football Monday at the annual Pacific 10 Conference media day:

Noting that the Pac-10 again had more players drafted by the NFL than any other conference, Commissioner Tom Hansen said, “It’s easy to prove that we have the best coaches because every year the (scouting) services say our schools have done a mediocre job recruiting.” . . .

Washington State is getting to be known as Quarterback U. First, Jack Thompson. Then, Mark Rypien and Timm Rosenbach. Now, Drew Bledsoe, a 6-5, 224-pound junior who led the conference in total offense last season and may be the best pro prospect in the nation at his position. . . .

Russell White, the California running back who is a Heisman Trophy candidate, on why he decided to return to school for his senior season instead of entering the draft: “I wanted to obtain my degree. Getting that piece of paper meant more to me than any amount of money.” . . .

USC will play fewer home games this year than Oregon State, Oregon and Washington State. . . .

Asked if anyone had a good shot to unseat two-time defending champion Washington, Arizona Coach Dick Tomey said: “UCLA doesn’t play ‘em. That probably represents a good shot.” . . .

Washington Coach Don James, who says he hasn’t decided upon a starter, will have the unique task of having to pick his quarterback between two Rose Bowl players of the game, Billy Joe Hobert and Mark Brunell. . . .

USC Coach Larry Smith has sophomore quarterback Rob Johnson listed No. 1 on his depth chart and junior Reggie Perry No. 2. . . .

UCLA Coach Terry Donahue, who has chosen sophomore Wayne Cook to replace Tommy Maddox, said: “Was I shocked by Maddox’s decision to turn pro after his sophomore year? In today’s environment, I can’t be totally shocked by anything that happens. Surprised would be a more accurate word.” . . .

Arizona has the most returning starters, 20. . . .

Stanford Coach Bill Walsh on all-purpose back Glyn Milburn: “He can do everything and he will be asked to do everything, unfortunately.” . . .

Walsh had a similar back at Stanford, Darrin Nelson, in 1977-78. But Walsh says most of the Stanford players now are far superior to those he coached the first time around. They are bigger, faster, stronger, more dedicated and “even smarter.” . . .

Arizona outside linebacker Richard Maddox is married, helping raise four children aged seven months to four years, working toward his degree, and trying to come back from a foot injury that ended his season during the first game of 1991. . . .

“One of the greatest inequities in the NCAA,” said Maddox’s coach, Tomey, “is that the rules prohibit people like Richard from getting more benefits than 18-year-old freshmen who have no responsibilities.”. . . .

Pro Football Weekly rates California’s running backs--White, Lindsey Chapman, Greg Zomalt, Marty Holly and Reynard Rutherford--the best group in the nation. . . .

Arizona State wide receiver Eric Guliford on the difference in spring practices conducted by Bruce Snyder and former Sun Devil Coach Larry Marmie: “The intensity level picked way up.” . . .

Oregon State defensive coordinator Rocky Long, who was substituting for Coach Jerry Pettibone, pointed to offensive guard Fletcher Keister and said: “We expect him to lead us to more victories this year. That shouldn’t be hard.” The Beavers are coming off two consecutive 1-10 seasons. . . .

According to the Oregon State media guide, Corvallis was second in a ranking of the most livable small cities in the United States. . . .

Keith Gilbertson, who succeeded Snyder at Berkeley, said: “It’s been a long time since a Cal coach sat in front of you and said he was excited about his defense.” . . .

UCLA will be heavily favored to extend its NCAA record streak of 239 consecutive games without being shut out when the Bruins open against Cal State Fullerton Sept. 12 at the Rose Bowl. . . .

Poor Arizona. The Wildcats played national co-champions Washington and Miami last season and have to do it again this year. . . .

Before spring practice, USC players met with psychologist Dr. Vivian Credido. Smith said he felt they needed a fresh perspective. “We learned how to be more cohesive,” said David Webb, Trojan defensive tackle. “We didn’t communicate very well last year. We weren’t real friendly.” . . .

From Oregon Coach Rich Brooks: “I’ll make a brief opening statement. It will be real brief, just like our offense at the end of last season.” . . .

Washington was picked to repeat as conference champion by 30 of the 31 writers and sportscasters. One person chose USC. Must have been the same one who liked Spain over the Dream Team.