CSUN NOTEBOOK: SETTING THE THEME KEARIN PUSHES UNITY TO NORTHRIDGE FOOTBALL PLAYERS.

Byline: Chris Branam Staff Writer

As far as campaigns go, Cal State Northridge football coach Jeff Kearin is laying this one on pretty thick.

Spring practice for the Matadors begins Tuesday, and Kearin is already establishing a tone he hopes carries through to the 2000 season.

``The one real underlying theme (of spring) is creating unity,'' Kearin said, ``and a team environment that was noticeably absent at times last year.''

A year ago, Kearin wasn't around for spring practice. He was at Nevada Las Vegas coaching tight ends, and the scandal of an in-house investigation that cost coach Ron Ponciano his job was still months away.

But the healing process continues. After guiding CSUN to a 5-6 season as an interim coach, Kearin was hired full-time in December. He had ``Northridge football: All for One and One for All'' printed on the team's spring practice schedule and brochure.

``There were a lot of times last year we could have played together better,'' Kearin said. ``We're establishing a tone and a theme and carrying it through.''

--Getting looks: With several key mid-semester transfers, the defensive and offensive lines should be areas to watch in CSUN's spring football session.

Defensive linemen Ramsey Venner (6-5, 250) and Jason Nicastro (6-2, 260) both come to CSUN with high expectations.

Venner started Fresno State's first three games last season before quitting the team, and Nicastro was an all-conference selection at Chaffey College in 1999.

``We're looking for those defensive linemen to make a difference for us defensively,'' Kearin said, remembering the Matadors' poor performance against the run last year.

``(Venner) sure shows some athleticism we haven't seen on the defensive line in the time I've been here.''

Attrition has brought the numbers down on the offensive line - three linemen quit last month.

However, Idaho transfer Andrew Holt (6-3, 295) is a projected starter and the team is getting a boost with the potential return of starting left tackle Nick Longshore, who is considering not starting his two-year Mormon mission.

Longshore has gained 20 pounds in the offseason, putting him close to 280.

``That could be a huge windfall for us,'' Kearin said.

--Comings, goings: CSUN's receivers were considered a strength for the upcoming season. Now there's uncertainty after the departure of senior-to-be Ryan Beckwith, who quit, and academic issues with Joe Gilliam and Drew Amerson.

Amerson, CSUN's leading receiver last year, had a grade-point average last semester that puts him in the red zone for eligibility next season. So does Gilliam. Kearin said both players are participating in spring practice.

An intriguing new face for spring ball could be Hewitt Rolle, who just finished his basketball career.

Rolle, a 6-7, 230-pound forward, has expressed an interest in playing football next season (he has one year of eligibility left to play any sport other than basketball).

--New hire: Mindy DeGroot was hired last week by the athletic department as the new director of development. DeGroot, a 1991 Oklahoma graduate, also gets an assistant athletic director title.

``She possesses considerable experience in Division I athletics and brings us a comprehensive understanding of and record of success in development, corporate sponsorship and marketing,'' athletic director Dick Dull said in a statement

DeGroot, who starts March 27, is responsible for fund-raising and she'll also head the marketing and promotions department.