Comer Gets Grasp At Northridge

Two years of staring at the bleak writing on the walls of the University of California’s venerable Memorial Stadium told Brian Comer it was time for alternative reading.

Something a bit more encouraging and satisfying.

“I wasn’t happy with my role there,” Comer said. “I truly believe I was never given the opportunity to show what I can do.”

Comer, a former Chatsworth High quarterback and a record-setting wide receiver at Valley College, is hoping for that chance at Cal State Northridge.

As the Matadors opened practice Monday under first-year Coach Jim Fenwick, Comer joined the team’s deep receiving corps, which a national publication tabbed the best in the Big Sky Conference.

The 5-foot-10 senior, who recently transferred to Northridge for graduate work in mass communication, plans to challenge highly regarded Jerome Henry, promising Aaron Arnold and several other candidates for significant playing time.

Henry, a senior, was the team’s third-leading receiver last season with 47 catches. Arnold, a sophomore from Monroe High, had nine receptions and the coaches are pleased with his adjustment to the run-and-shoot offense installed by Fenwick.

It is an offense that fits Comer perfectly, primarily because he played it for Fenwick at Valley, setting the school’s career record with 139 receptions in 1993-94.

“It looks like he hasn’t really missed a beat,” said Rob Phenicie, Northridge’s wide receivers coach, who held the same post at Valley for five seasons. “But we are not laying out the red carpet for Brian. He’s competing against fine receivers.”

At least he’s competing, which wasn’t the case at Cal.

He was recruited by former Coach Keith Gilbertson and was a redshirt in 1995. He played sparingly last season under Coach Steve Mariucci, now the San Francisco 49ers coach. This season, Comer would have played for another coach, Tom Holmoe, a former Crescenta Valley High standout.

But Comer read between the lines during spring practice and felt he wasn’t part of the story for the Golden Bears.

“When Fenwick got hired [at Northridge in January], a light bulb went on in my head,” Comer said. “Once everything started playing out and it looked like I was going to be able to come here, I was really excited.”

So are the Matadors.

With Comer’s knowledge of the system, and the recent loss of starter Cameron Perry--57 receptions for 710 yards--to grades, Northridge can use a receiver who makes up with football smarts and good hands what he lacks in size and speed.

“Brian just has a mastery of this offense,” Phenicie said. “Over at Valley, there were days when I didn’t have to say two words to him. . . . He gives us added security.”

Comer, who will wear Perry’s No. 1, said he doesn’t feel added pressure replacing his former Valley teammate or living up to expectations. He chose the number because it was the only single-digit jersey available.

There is, though, the motivation of showing Cal it made a mistake by not taking him seriously.

“I’m out for a little respect, as the team is,” Comer said. “I just want to play well and I’m here having fun.”

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NORTHRIDGE Football’ 97, Notebook, C13