Scott Keeps All Options Open At UI Vandals’ Versatile Qb Can Catch It, Too

Some are already calling Idaho’s Robert Scott “Slash” - the moniker given to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver SLASH quarterback Kordell Stewart.

One series, Ryan Fien will be slinging darts to receivers, including Scott. On the next possession, Scott will be at quarterback, faking a hand-off, scrambling outside and running for a dozen yards.

Fien, the UCLA transfer with the quick release and arm strength to spare, and Scott, an extraordinary athlete with the arm to match, will be on display when Idaho holds a spring football scrimmage Saturday at 11 a.m. at Lake City High School.

Locals will recognize UI’s No. 3 quarterback, Post Falls’ Darick Pope, a redshirt freshman.

The quarterback trio will be busy. At UI’s last scrimmage, 77 of the 90 plays were passes. Idaho will pass more this fall because of a young offensive line and the presence of Fien and Scott and some exciting new receivers.

Fien’s situation is similar to former Vandal Tommy Knecht, who transferred from Stanford and tried to win the quarterback job. Knecht’s arm didn’t stand up to the numerous repetitions and he became a key contributor at linebacker.

Two main differences between Fien and Knecht - Fien’s arm is holding up and he isn’t going to play linebacker. Most expect he’ll be the starting quarterback this fall with Scott as the backup.

Fien left UCLA after a dispute with Bruin coaches. UI coaches, naturally, worried about Fien fitting in, but those concerns have been allayed.

“I was a little nervous,” admits quarterbacks coach Greg Olson. “But he didn’t try to come in and take over the team. He’s kind of slowly been accepted. The more he’s out there, the more of a leader he becomes.”

Fien’s learning the offense at a reasonable pace. His quick release is perfect for Idaho’s quick pass, 49ers’style plays.

“It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be,” said the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder. “I get more comfortable every day.”

Fien plans on staying in Moscow this summer, which should aid his development.

“You watch some of the (UCLA game) tapes and you wonder how he got beat out (by freshman Cade McNown),” Olson said. “He doesn’t throw over the top like you’d want, but shoot, he’s very accurate.”

Fien has pro ability, Olson said, but needs to have a big ‘96 season and dedicate himself to the weight room.

Scott excels in the weight room, at receiver and under center. He did, however, miss the first week of spring practice to refocus academically.

“I’m eligible,” Scott said. “But I don’t want to be on the edge, so I’m working to make sure I’m OK. I had a couple of grades I needed to work on.”

On the field, Scott, who had 29 catches for 477 yards last year as a freshman, has been impressive. He goes from drill to drill, sometimes quarterbacking, sometimes receiving.

“I love quarterback, I like being in control of things, but wide receiver is fun also,” Scott said. “I have experience at that.

“If I’m at wide receiver and move to quarterback every now and then, that’d be fine.”

That’s the plan, Olson said. Of course, Brian Brennan, who has started off-and-on the past two years, could jumble the picture. However, he had a second shoulder surgery last week and it’s anybody’s guess whether he will be ready this fall. He is attending spring meetings and rehabilitating diligently, Olson said.

Olson doesn’t anticipate Fien and Scott alternating by the play.

“I could see Robert going in as a series changeup,” Olson said. “With Robert, you’ll see more half rolls or play action, probably some speed option. Robert does some things quarterbacks can’t do. He’s a lot leaner (than last year). He’s quicker, faster, benching over 300 pounds. He’s just a lot better.”

Scott says playing both positions has led to a unique understanding of the offense.

“To tell the truth, I put more focus into quarterback,” said Scott, whose 4.7 time over 40 yards doesn’t reflect his elusiveness. “Wide receiver isn’t as hard. At quarterback, you have to know every position on the field.”

The bottom line on playing two positions, Scott said, is, “As long as it’s constructive and we’re winning, and I’m a threat. … I just like being part of plays and making plays.”

Pope has the prototype frame (6-foot-6), but needs to add weight and arm strength.

“He’s gotten better,” Olson said. “He’s probably a year or two away, but he’s shown improvement.”

Pope concedes nothing, yet. “I plan on giving all I’ve got and competing,” he said. “They both throw the ball harder and farther. I’m learning my reads. Where I’m lacking is arm strength.”

Idaho, clearly, isn’t lacking at quarterback. “We’re in good hands,” Olson said.

And good arms.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo