COWAN IS A QUIET STORM UCLA QUARTERBACK EXUDES CONFIDENCE - EVEN IF IT DOESN'T SHOW.

Byline: BRIAN DOHN Staff Writer

Television cameras, microphones and tape recorders were jammed in Patrick Cowan's face. He stood with his head held high and his helmet in his hands behind his back. His mannerisms suggested he was uncomfortable, and his answers brought as much excitement as paint drying.

This is largely the public image of UCLA's new quarterback, a 6-foot-4 redshirt sophomore who lost a quarterback derby six weeks ago, but is now the starter for at least a month while Ben Olson's left knee heals.

And while confidence doesn't ooze from Cowan like it does from Olson, teammates say Cowan's persona is the polar opposite of what he portrays publicly.

Those within the program say his personality will not allow him to be overwhelmed when the Bruins visit No. 18 Oregon on Saturday, the beginning of a brutal four-week stretch that includes trips to No. 9 Notre Dame and No. 10 Cal.

``He's very confident and when he steps into the huddle, he takes command,'' Bruins coach Karl Dorrell said. ``That's what I liked about him from even a year ago. He steps in and he takes command, and he exudes confidence. Those are great qualities.''

Cornerback Trey Brown, who dresses near Cowan in UCLA's locker room, said the quarterback is anything but quiet and unassuming.

``Really, he's crazy. He's a wild guy,'' Brown said. ``I can't really see him being the quiet and shy guy. He jokes around. I can't really see where you get the shyness from. He's real outgoing.''

Cowan, outgoing? A jokester?

After he overthrew receiver Brandon Breazell in last week's win against Arizona, he displayed his dry humor.

``When he overthrew Breazell, he said it was because he was drinking too much Muscle Milk, which is our sponsor,'' Bruins tight end Logan Paulsen said. ``He's very good at understanding the mood of the situation. He knows when to crack jokes and when to be serious.''

The only semi-public glimpse Cowan gave into the personality his teammates talk about came at the end of one practice last season.

It rained most of that day, and as the players left the field, Cowan ran and then dove and slid through the mud. By the end of it, even an assistant coach joined in the fun.

``He's got a great sense of humor, and it's the way he plays -- real loose,'' UCLA fifth-year receiver Junior Taylor said. ``He's a great kid.''

During his first meaningful playing time at UCLA, Cowan showed some of his personality, as he performed well against the Wildcats.

He completed 20 of 29 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns, and, most importantly, didn't turn the ball over, and appeared uninhibited. He used his quick release and strong arm to throw from within the pocket and rolling out to his left (unlike Olson, Cowan is right-handed), and throwing across his body when needed.

In fact, if Cowan played in training camp like he did against Arizona, he might have wrestled the job away from Olson in late August.

``He's really a great competitor, has a powerful arm and moves well in the pocket, studies the game,'' Brown said. ``He has all the tools to be a great one out there, and he definitely puts forth the work ethic to accomplish those things.''

But the performance against the Wildcats came in a surprise situation, when there was little time for nerves to register and the opposition had no scouting report.

Cowan is spending this week as UCLA's most important player, and with Oregon's defensive coaches game-planning to stop him.

Whereas Arizona appeared clueless in how to defend Cowan rolling out and finding oodles of open receivers, the Ducks should be prepared for it.

``(Cowan) ran the ball well, moved the offense well and threw some passes under duress for touchdowns to win the game,'' Ducks coach Mike Bellotti said. ``I think he's done a great job so far, and we don't have a lot of (tape) to go by.''

There are off-the-field issues associated with being UCLA's starting quarterback, and Cowan is experiencing them for the first time, although the program is isolating him from some perceived distractions.

He was not made available to the media Monday, meaning after Tuesday's practice was the only time he was available. During most weeks, UCLA quarterbacks are available Monday and Tuesday.

But if UCLA wants to keep him away from the media pressure, how will he react to 58,000 Oregon green and gold-clad fans Saturday at Autzen Stadium, one of the noisiest venues in the West?

``It's going to be a fun game,'' Cowan said. ``I'm excited.''

What more did you expect Cowan to say about his first start?

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