UCLA NOTEBOOK: VANIS' RETURNS PAY FOR BRUINS.

Byline: Billy Witz Staff Writer

With all the big-play athletes UCLA can let return kicks - Freddie Mitchell, DeShaun Foster, Ricky Manning, Tab Perry, Brian Poli-Dixon, et al. - the most successful kick return is, of course, Mike Vanis?

Vanis, a fifth-year senior who was put on scholarship in August, is 5- foot-9, 180 pounds and hardly distinguishable from his younger brother, Tim, one of the football team's managers.

But given the opportunity to return kicks this season when Jermaine Lewis was injured, Vanis returned three kicks for 80 yards against Washington and his 24.8 average on five returns leads the Bruins. Included was a 35-yard return that led to the Bruins first touchdown against the Huskies.

``It's a great feeling to be able to contribute,'' said Vanis, who's also the fourth-string tailback. ``That's what I've been playing for - to get a shot like that.''

UCLA coach Bob Toledo said he uses Vanis because of his effort.

``He doesn't get to play, so when he does he gives great effort,'' Toledo said. ``Sometimes when guys play another position, subconsciously they ease up on special teams. He knows that's his role and he plays with great effort.''

--Mini-me for USC: Brian Poli-Dixon's eyes might be as big as footballs when he walks up to the line of scrimmage Saturday.

The Bruins' 6-foot-5 receiver will probably spend most of the day lined up against USC's diminutive cornerbacks: Chris Cash, Kevin Arbet and Darrell Rideaux - all of whom are under 6-foot, including the generously listed 5-9 Rideaux.

Washington State took advantage of the matchup in last week's 33-26 win over USC, when 6-5 receiver Marcus Williams took a long pass away from Cash and turned it into an 88-yard touchdown.

``You definitely notice the size of their cornerbacks,'' said Poli-Dixon, who caught eight passes for a career-high 165 yards in last week's 35-28 loss to Washington. ``With my height, I'm always going to have the advantage. It's something you've got to take advantage of.''

--Omens: If Paul Hackett is indeed gone as USC's coach, it's good news for UCLA. USC's last six head coaches (Don Clark, John McKay, John Robinson twice, Ted Tollner and Larry Smith) lost their final game against UCLA.

The last USC coach to leave a winner in the crosstown rivalry was Jess Hill, who scored a 10-7 win in 1956.

--TV note: The decision by Fox Sports Net 2 to televise Saturday's game means the game will be televised locally for the 15th consecutive season. The 1985 game wasn't televised because USC was on probation.

--Hoop note: The UCLA basketball team will play its final exhibition game tonight at 7:30 at Pauley Pavilion against the California Southwest All-Stars, led by former Bruins standout Kris Johnson.

The Bruins (1-1) are ranked 14th after losing to Kansas and beating Kentucky in New York last week.

Among those on the CSAS roster are former Cal State Northridge brothers, Derrick and Keith Higgins, former Campbell Hall High star Alex Lopez and ex-Pepperdine point guard Tezale Archie. The team is coached by former Cal State Northridge coach Pete Cassidy.

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Photo: MIKE VANIS

``It's a great feeling to be able to contribute,'' the fifth-year senior said.