CSUN SEEKS HIGH-QUALITY TRANSFER HELP.

Byline: Brian Dohn Daily News Staff Writer

Until Cal State Northridge coach Ron Ponciano can build depth in the football program with a few recruiting classes, the Matadors will continue to dive into the transfer market for talent.

To address the need for offensive and defensive linemen, the Matadors are ready to bring in two Division I-A transfers who would have immediate impact.

University of Nevada offensive lineman Ernie Fiero, a 6-foot-3, 290-pounder from Commerce, Calif., and San Jose State offensive tackle Brent Morris, a 6-foot-6, 300-pounder, were granted their releases and are expected to enroll at CSUN.

Neither played this past season and both have two years of eligibility remaining. Each would add depth and could find themselves in starting positions after spring ball.

``The young men got their releases so we're in the process of seeing if they can get in here academically,'' Ponciano said. ``Then you have to look at degree progress. We will get our share of (Division I) transfers. To have a great year next year we have to do it this way because we're so young. We have to get some experience in there.''

Sources said CSUN is also expecting commitments from two Mount San Jacinto College players - linebacker Charles Dwinell and tight end Jay Marcus. Both took official visits to CSUN last weekend and expressed delight over their visits. However, both said they would wait until after the holidays to commit.

San Jacinto coach Bob Stangel said the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Marcus is a skilled blocker with good hands, though he was used sparingly in the passing game. Dwinell, who roomed with current Matador Quinton Reed last year at San Jacinto, is a strong tackler with good anticipation, Stangel said.

CSUN also received releases on Washington State running back DeJuan Gilmore and cornerback Jermaine Hunsaker. Both played for the Cougars this season but want more playing time. They contacted the Matadors staff and are expected to enroll next semester.

Gilmore will be a senior and challenge Jaumal Bradley for the starting running back spot. Hunsaker, who will be a junior, placed third in the Pacific-10 championships in the 400 hurdles and is expected to join CSUN's track team.

``Gilmore's a guy who could make a substantial impact,'' Ponciano said. ``I've already talked to (Washington State coach) Mike Price about him, and he likes him and Jermaine a bunch. Any time you get a kid that's played in the Pac-10 and has experience in the Pac-10, he'll obviously go to any Big Sky school and start competing for the starting job.''

Coaching raises: Ponciano said he took the advise of San Jose State associate athletic director Ed Swartz, albeit a year after the fact, and will use five full-time assistants next year instead of the six he used this past season.

It allows Ponciano to take the money from assistant head coach Jeff Kearin's departure, and the expected exit of linebackers coach Kevin Singleton, and give his full-time assistants raises.

``He said you don't need all the assistants, but you need, like the Marines say, `A Few Good Men,' '' Ponciano said. ``I really think I've got them. I want to keep (offensive coordinator) Rob Phenicie here. I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure I don't lose him to a I-AA school or a lower echelon I-A. Beyond that, I understand.''