CSUN NOTEBOOK: PUNTER BECK EXPECTED TO CATCH THE EYE OF NFL.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

Ethan Beck doesn't score touchdowns, although he'd like to. He's not known for making game-saving tackles either.

Still, Beck is about as important as any skill player on Cal State Northridge's football team.

Beck - a punter - is a preseason All-American who's expected to have a senior season worthy of attention from NFL scouts. Beck's already filling out NFL questionnaires.

If Beck makes it to the NFL, he'll be the second CSUN punter to do so. Bryan Wagner - who punted for CSUN from 1982-84 - played for several teams, making a Super Bowl appearance with San Diego in 1995.

Beck is rated the third-best kicker in college football by CBSSportsLine.com, which ranks the top five prospects at each position. Only Nebraska's Dan Hadenfeldt and Ohio State's Dan Stoltz are rated better.

But the only way Beck can continue to help the Matadors pin opponents deep in their own territory is if he's on the field and not on the bench - which is where he was Wednesday.

Beck is nursing minor hamstring and groin injuries. He's worked through several injuries as CSUN's punter the past two years.

``It's always my left leg,'' said Beck, who kicks with his right leg. ``It's a nagging groin injury. It's either the groin or the hamstring. The last couple of camps it's been nagging me.''

But Beck has always shrugged off injuries and, in doing so, joined an elite group of punters.

He was named a second-team All-American by Don Hansen's Football Gazette last season. The Sports Network made him a preseason All-American.

``I had no idea until someone told me about it,'' Beck said. ``It's crazy.''

Not really, considering Beck averaged 43.4 yards per punt. His longest punt was an 82-yard bomb, which rolled about 20 yards.

``We've always considered the punt one of our biggest plays,'' said CSUN coach Jeff Kearin, who also coaches punters. ``In a way, within our offensive framework, it's an offensive play. You play the field-position game.''

Beck also lines up at receiver for the Matadors. He had eight catches for 74 yards and one touchdown last year.

``I like it,'' Beck said. ``But I've found my place in punting. People call me a kicker. But it's cool. I don't care.''

Beck wouldn't mind a few more passes thrown his way but he knows his opportunity to move to the next level will come through punting.

``I've got to stay healthy,'' Beck said. ``I don't want to screw up my punting because of catching a couple of balls and getting hurt in a game. At the same time, I like to play receiver.''

The Matadors have a solid receiving corps with returners Drew Amerson and Gil Rodriguez, along with newcomer Jason Stone and others. But Kearin said Beck will play more receiver if necessary.

``Ethan is probably one of the most-gifted punters we've ever had and on top of that, he's a gifted athlete,'' Kearin said. ``He's a threat to run or throw. What I think is attractive (to scouts) is that he can kick off, too. He has a big-time kickoff leg. What he needs to do is get the ball off a little quicker and more efficiently. Then I think he's a prototypical punter.''

--Guinyard sidelined: Quarterback Jermaine Guinyard - a true freshman - didn't practice Wednesday because he was sick. Guinyard is expected to redshirt this season.