McNown Says He’ll Return

The question involved comparing Pacific 10 Conference quarterbacks, and the answer brought forth yet another question.

“I wouldn’t trade Cade McNown for any other quarterback,” Coach Bob Toledo said. “I just hope that he’s around for another season.”

No fear.

“I’m not even thinking about that,” McNown, a junior, said of leaving UCLA to make himself eligible for the NFL draft. “I’m planning on playing here next year.

“That’s a life and career decision, and I think you make them after your senior year.”

McNown, ranked fifth in the nation in passing efficiency, will hold most of UCLA’s passing records by the end of the year.

Three of the top five quarterbacks are from the Pac-10. Ryan Leaf, a junior who is ranked third, is said to be considering leaving Washington State after this season, and reports are that he would be a first-round pick in the NFL draft.

Brock Huard, a Washington sophomore who leads the nation in passing efficiency, probably will stay at least one more season in Seattle.

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After a 44-yard return against Stanford, Eric Scott will be UCLA’s punt returner Saturday against Washington. Jim McElroy, the first-line returner most of the season, will back up Scott. . . . Jermaine Lewis will replace Skip Hicks and line up alongside Keith Brown on kickoff returns. Lewis returned several this season, and Brown turned in the season’s longest--35 yards--against Stanford. The reason for the Hicks-Lewis switch is blocking, because Washington’s Nick Lentz does not usually kick the ball deep.

NEXT FOR UCLA

Who: Washington

Where: Rose Bowl

Time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

Radio: AM 1150