UCLA NOTEBOOK: FROSH STARS POISED.

Byline: Jon Wiler Daily News Staff Writer

One prepared for the season by running desert hills under the watchful eye of his older brother. The other followed UCLA's training program and consulting his teammates.

Different paths, same destination.

Just five practices into their freshman season, tailback DeShaun Foster and linebacker Robert Thomas have emerged as impact players - perhaps the most impressive members of UCLA's top-rated recruiting class. Both are expected to contribute immediately.

``(Foster) is more nifty than we thought,'' offensive coordinator Al Borges said. ``We knew he was powerful, but he has better stop-and-go ability than we thought. He's got a chance to play.''

Foster, from Tustin, will push Jermaine Lewis and Keith Brown for the starting job, in part because he spent the summer running sprints and lifting weights (at UCLA's behest) and is physically prepared for college competition.

His challenge is learning the offense, especially recognizing audibles and pass-protection schemes. For advice, Foster turned to former Tustin teammates and current UCLA linemen David Wilford and Steve Sua.

``They told me to make sure I picked up the plays and then go from there,'' Foster said.

Thomas spent several weeks with his older brother, Stan, a former NFL lineman, running hills near the desert town of Banning. But for all Thomas' athletic gifts - he's remarkably fast for a 225-pound inside linebacker - position coach Marc Dove is most impressed with his intellect and maturity.

``You're never sure how freshmen will adjust, especially coming from a small school like (San Diego) Imperial,'' said Dove, who recruited Thomas. ``But he seems to have the right maturity to give himself a chance to be an impact player.

``You can see the talent on the field, but until you get them in a college environment, you don't know how they'll react. Robert's a quick learner. Stan helped a lot in terms of his preparation.''

For the record: Foster set the record straight on the impact of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame tailback Justin Fargas on his recruitment.

``If (Fargas) had decided to go to UCLA, then we both would have been here,'' Foster said. ``I was coming no matter what. I liked it that much.''

Fargas chose Michigan over USC and UCLA.

Roster update: Defensive end Jayson Brown, who missed two seasons with knee injuries, was granted a rare sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA.

The Bruins have several walk-ons. At least one, long snapper Jeff Grau, from Loyola High, is expected to contribute.

Injury update: Right guard Andy Meyers (knee), left guard Oscar Cabrera (back), tight end Gabe Crecion (back) and defensive lineman Pete Holland (back) will participate in the afternoon sessions only during double-days.

They are expected to play Sept. 12 against Texas.

Happy Holiday: UCLA athletic director Peter Dalis supports the league's tentative agreement to send its second-place team to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, probably against the No. 3 team from the Big 12.

The move eliminates the Cotton Bowl from the Pacific-10's postseason picture.

``It's a great move,'' Dalis said. ``San Diego is a great destination point for the fans. It has ideal weather, and it's more cost efficient.''

The Cotton pays slightly more than the Holiday - this year the difference is approximately $200,000 - but Pac-10 officials believe the change makes financial sense.

``If you consider the difference in travel (expenses), then it will be at least equal to the Cotton Bowl,'' Pac-10 assistant commissioner Jim Muldoon said. ``And theoretically, teams will sell more tickets, which will help their bottom line.''

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PHOTO DeSHAUN FOSTER

The freshman tailback was busy this summer running sprints and lifting weights with hopes of earning a starting job.