Some Stars May Play Two Ways

Danny Farmer, one of the best receivers in the country, playing split end and cornerback?

DeShaun Foster, the potential-filled tailback, at safety?

Freddie Mitchell, the game-breaking receiver and return man, roaming the secondary?

More than a throwback to high school days, UCLA is considering turning three of its biggest offensive weapons into two-way players for the first two games to help fill the void created by the 11 suspensions due to the parking scam. No decision has been made, but chances are realistic enough that Coach Bob Toledo has talked to his assistants about potential lineups with such a move.

“Last year, we went 10-2, and I don’t think that was good enough for me or any of the guys,” said Farmer, the senior who also played volleyball at UCLA and is one of the best athletes at the school. “So if there was a chance for us to do better, I’d be all for it. It may have come up jokingly, but I’m serious about it.”

Foster played safety at Tustin High--and cornerback for one game this summer during passing league. Mitchell was a cornerback in high school in Lakeland, Fla., but would prefer safety in this situation “so I can put up big hits.” It has not been lost on Mitchell that he would also get to display that kind of athleticism and versatility to NFL scouts, but his only genuine interest remains on offense.

Said Toledo of the potential moves: “We haven’t decided anything yet. But it’s a real possibility.”

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Foster spent almost all his freshman season listed as third-string behind Jermaine Lewis and Keith Brown but easily got more carries then both. Things have changed in 1999.

“He’ll probably end up being the starting tailback,” Toledo said of Foster on Friday, the eve of the opening of double-days.

Both Brown, who will be serving the two-game suspension at the outset, and Lewis, the incumbent, saw this coming a year ago. They can find comfort in Toledo’s statements that all three will again be utilized, but Foster will almost certainly get more than the 11.5 carries a game he averaged as a freshman.

“I just know it doesn’t matter who is first string or second string or third string,” Foster said. “I know Keith and Jermaine are feeling the same way, because our rotation worked our really well last year.”

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The Bruin lineup is in such disarray because of the suspensions and injuries that Toledo didn’t have a depth chart for the start of practice, a first for him.