CSUN NOTEBOOK: IS BRADY BIGGER, BETTER IN 2001?

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

Quarterback Marcus Brady is back to guide the Cal State Northridge offense for a fourth consecutive season. But he's not the same Brady coaches and fans know and love.

He has added 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-1 frame, weighing in at 196 pounds. And, apparently, he hasn't lost a step.

Two weeks ago, NFL scouts clocked him at 4.51 seconds in the 40-yard dash on grass. He's the type of quarterback - one who can run and throw - for which scouts are looking these days.

If spring is any indication, Brady should give NFL scouts every reason to remain interested.

``Marcus has had a great spring,'' CSUN coach Jeff Kearin said. ``He came back in the best shape of his life last year and now he's a little heavier and a little stronger.''

An even better Brady?

He already owns all of the Matadors' career passing marks. As a freshman, he threw for 2,983 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His touchdown-to-interception ratio wasn't as good his sophomore season (24 to 15) but he improved last year, when he went 180 consecutive passes without an interception and threw for 2,815 yards.

However, NFL scouts appear to be interested because of his ability to run. Brady, who ripped off runs of 50 and 51 yards in one game, was one of only two CSUN players to rush for over 100 yards in a game.

``I feel stronger and faster,'' Brady said. ``I put myself in a better situation (by coming back) where I could go higher in the draft and I'll finish more units and be closer to graduating.''

--The other QBs?: Moorpark College transfer Tim Bird has had a solid spring workout and freshman Jermaine Guinyard already knows the system.

Those two, along with Hartnell College's Brian Kirkpatrick, who will transfer in the fall, will challenge for the backup spot. Guinyard returned to practice this week after a one-week suspension for violating team policy.

``It's a dogfight right now,'' Kearin said. ``No one has really stepped in front of anybody. It's been a fun training camp in that regard.''

--Familiar faces: The Matadors didn't lose any running backs from last season. Alan Taylor, back from an ankle injury that sidelined him all season, and Terrelus Wright are the leading candidates for the starting tailback position.

Bruce Molock, the leading rusher last year with 686 yards on 143 carries, has been hobbled by a knee injury. Molock and Wright shared time in the backfield last season.

--Changing places: Receiver Rueben Gomez has switched from receiver to fullback. He appears to be the front-runner for the starting fullback spot - although the fullback doesn't figure to get many carries - with junior Clayton Milton. Milton entered spring workouts somewhat heavier than expected and also has a nagging back injury.

--Schedule addition: CSUN has added Northern Arizona to its schedule. The Matadors will open the season in Flagstaff, Ariz., on Aug. 29.

CSUN plays only three home games - against Southwest Texas State, Division II Western Oregon and Sacramento State - in the school's last season at North Campus Stadium.