Quarterback Battle Brings Four to Fore

There is someone at the forefront, but no foregone conclusion. Drew Bennett is the No. 1 quarterback at UCLA . . . today.

There are several options in the four-way race to replace Cade McNown . . . and there’s always the tailback option since Jermaine Lewis threw only two fewer passes, and one fewer completion, than Bennett last season. And there’s the flanker option, since Freddie Mitchell threw the second-most touchdown passes for the Bruins in 1998.

There is a battle beginning with the opening of double-days this morning . . . and very possibly a platoon on the way. Coach Bob Toledo conceded Friday that, although he wishes it were otherwise, he may need not only the three weeks of practice but also the first few games to determine a once-and-for-all starter.

He may use two quarterbacks in the first two games, the opener Sept. 4 against Boise State and the showdown Sept. 11 at Ohio State, even as the Bruins will be searching for stability at almost every other position because 11 key players are serving suspensions for their part in the handicapped-parking scam. He may have to, because there is no quick answer coming.

“There’s no way Coach Toledo’s going to be able to find a guy in these two weeks,” said Ryan McCann, one of the challengers.

In an ideal world, two from the group of Bennett, McCann, Cory Paus and Scott McEwan would have established themselves as the front-runners to succeed McNown with their play in spring practice.

Complicating matters was J.P. Losman, a touted freshman from Venice High who completed in spring drills but then asked for and was granted a release from his scholarship three weeks ago. He is bound for Tulane.

Had the picture been clear earlier, Toledo would have been able to focus the work these next two weeks on two quarterbacks, and then pick a starter in the final days leading to the Boise State game.

Except that--a common phrase around Spaulding Field these days--no one among the four took control of the job. It was good news in that the main reason was that each had improved since the end of last season, but that still didn’t get Toledo around the bad news.

Fall practice would have to be spent finding a starter, not on developing the starter and his backup.

Under the new timeline, the four contenders will get the same number of snaps, run the same plays and work the same amount of time with the first team, all of which will be scripted in advance and the results charted. The plan will be to have a starter and backup determined by Aug. 22--the day after the first scrimmage. Then, those two will get the focus.

The candidates are all inexperienced--McNown threw 97% of the passes the last two seasons--only some more than others. Such is the race that Bennett has completed six of 11 passes in his two years at UCLA and is considered the veteran.

What each has in his favor is that the Bruins plan to replace McNown, not duplicate him. Not expecting someone from this group to carry them this season, coaches will be pleased with dependability. It will be enough for the starter to offer solid play while surrounded by an excellent group of receivers and a commendable set of runners. The candidates:

* Bennett--The junior is No. 1 now, is the best athlete, knows the system the best because of his apprenticeship under McNown, and has the confidence of the receivers. “There’s a comfort level,” Mitchell said. Added Danny Farmer, the star split end: “He’s been here the longest, we’ve worked out with him the longest, we know more about him through his workouts.”

* McCann--His work ethic, staying after practice to throw to a receiver or spending countless hours in the film room, has drawn raves for the redshirt freshman. But he has trouble throwing on a rollout, even after making nice strides during the summer, and his decision making remains a concern, although that can be attributed to the lack of experience.

* McEwan--The sophomore has probably improved the most of the four since the end of last season, in everything from his self-confidence to accuracy.

* Paus--Lack of experience is his biggest drawback. Otherwise, the redshirt freshman has a good arm, is accurate and mobile. Such intangibles as leadership and toughness have earned him comparisons to McNown.

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TWO-WAY PLAYERS?

Offensive stars may also play defense for UCLA in first two games. Page 13

ALL EYES ON SOWARD

R. Jay Soward will be watched closely as USC opens practice. Page 13