Tampa Bay Times from St. Petersburg, Florida • 37

ST. PETERSBURG TIMES WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 12. 1987 3C Bucs from 1-C DUCS NOTEBOOK i UCMJdy. As of Tuesday, he is one of only two healthy nose tackles in camp, i The other is Dan Benish, a former Atlanta Falcon who was signed as a free aeent last month.

Wx rS -An 3 1 Bucs release four rookies TAMPA Four rookies were cut Tuesday including nose tackle Stan Mataele. an eighth-round draft choice from Arizona. Mataele is the highest draft pick the Bucs have released so far. though fifth-round outside linebacker Henry Rolling has been placed on the injured reserve list. The other rookies waived were wide receiver David Jackson of Southeast Missouri State and a pair of inside linebackers.

Brian Mulcahy of Grand Valley State (Mich.) and Victor Simmons of Central State (Ohio). All three were free agents. The cuts leave the Bucs with an 86-man roster. Four QBs may play Saturday Head coach Ray Perkins said his priority for Saturday night's preseason game against Cincinnati is to use as much of that 86-man roster as possible including the quarterbacks. 'I'm going to try to play all four of them," Perkins said.

"Whether we get that done or not is another story." Steve DeBerg, the only veteran quarterback on the roster, will start, but Perkins said he isn't sure what the rotation will be after that. He said DeBerg and first-round draft choice Vinny Testaverde will probably split "the better part of three quarters." DeBerg is listed as the first-string quarterback, followed by Testaverde. The other two rookies. 12th-round pick Mike Shula and free-agent Geoff Toretta. are battling for a roster spot that may not exist.

Perkins has said he isn't sure he will keep more than two quarterbacks. Shula, who played for Perkins at the University of Alabama, is currently listed as the third-teamer. IL AP Atlanta offensive tackle Leonard Mitchell, recently acquired from Eagles, works out kinks after practice on Tuesday. Woodson runs into Noll's wrath CompHad (rem APt UPI rtm The Bucs drafted two nose i tackles. But seventh-round pick i Curt Jarvis sprained a knee liga-jment in practice Monday, and eighth-round pick Stan Mataele was cut Tuesday.

Perkins said that Jarvis, who as supplying Nelson's toughest competition, will be in a splint for three weeks. The regular season starts in less than five weeks. "I hope he's wrong," said Jarvis, who played for Perkins at the University of Alabama. "He's a good coach, but he ain't a doctor." Regardless, for the moment, it's Nelson and Benish. Last week the Bucs signed Mike Charles, who had been a nose tackle for the Miami Dolphins, but Perkins says he believes Charles is better suited to play end.

tie said Harry Swayne, a rookie defensive end who was drafted in the seventh round, has been spending some practice time at nose tackle. Nelson is happy to be in the city for the second year in a row. He's also happy to be back at his natural position. And he's happy to be playing in the new defensive scheme installed by Perkins and defensive coordinator Doug Graber. Nelson believes that the new system itself will improve the pass rush by putting more emphasis on it.

"We were basically sitting back playing two-gap last year," he said, meaning that each lineman was responsible for two gaps holes in the line. With the linemen thus occupied and the linebackers seldom blitzing, Nelson said that most "of the time there wasn't much chance of putting pressure on the quarterback. "This year the defense is a get-after-them defense." he said. "Last year we were just sitting back, taking abuse. This year going to be giving abuse." 1984 and 1985, also is reportedly talking with Green Bay and Pittsburgh.

Eagles: The first of their four ui signed starting defensive backs, Andre Waters, reached contract agreement. Six free agents and two draft picks remained unsigned and wide receiver Mike Quick stayed away in his holdout for a contract renegotiation. Raiders: Mickey Marvin, who has started all but one game at right guard in the last two years, suffered a knee injury and will be lost indefinitely, pending tests by team doctors. Marvin has played 10 seasons with the Raiders since becoming a fourth-round draft choice out of Tennessee in 1977. Falcons: Mike Blatt, agent for quarterback Chris Miller, the team's top pick, says contract negotiations are going nowhere and it may be time to discuss a trade.

Blatt said the Falcons, who have three quarterbacks, resKinded to his latest four-year contract demand of by offering Colts: Four-time Pro Bowl safety Dwight Hicks was waived. Hicks, released by San Francisco after the 1985 season, started six games for the Colts last season. pro fc3thnll Around the camps Bears: Injured quarterback Steve Fuller will undergo surgery within a work to repair a shoulder injury, an operation that likely will sideline him for the season, coach Mike Ditka said Tuesday. Fuller, one of five quarterbacks competing for three slots on the roster, learned last week he has loose scar tissue or a bone spur in his right shoulder that is hindering his throwing motion. He aggravated the shoulder while lifting weights before the start of camp.

The loss of Fuller leaves Jim Mc Ma-hon, Mike Tonuzak, Doug Flutie and Jim Harbaugh as the team's quarterbacks. Lions: Coach Darryl Rogers indicated the team's three unsigned free agents former Tampa Bay Buccaneer tight end Jinmiie Giles, offensive lineman Harvey Salem and nose tackle Eric Williams have jeopardized their starting status by holding out. Detroit is negotiating with nose tackle Dave Logan, released by Tampa Bay. Logan, a Pro Bowl alternate selection in LATROBE, Pa. Pittsburgh coach Chuck Noll suggested Tuesday if Rod Woodson, the Steelers' top draft choice, continues to run in European track meets, he can forget about being the team's starting right cornerback.

"I haven't even seen this kid," Noll said. "I saw him run in what amounted to his underwear. He looks good in his underwear, but so do a lot of Hollywood stars, and they can't play football." Woodson, the 10th overall pick in the draft, has yet to sign. His agent, Eugene Parker, said the former Purdue corner-back will return to the United States as soon as he has a contract with the Steelers but, until then, plans to keep running the 110-meter hurdles in European meets. When Woodson was drafted, Noll said he expected Woodson to be an immediate starter.

But he now says that Lupe Sanchez, who finished last season at right corner, is likely to start. "I don't want to know anything about guys that aren't here," Noll said, "lie's in his life's work. His schedule is his Tickets available for Saturday About 40.000 tickets for Saturday's 7 p.m. game have been sold, Bucs spokesman Rick Odioso said. That includes more than 35.000 season tickets.

Tickets are available for $15 and $11 at One Buccaneer Place and Select-A-Seat outlets. Bucs ticket numbers are 879-2827 in Tampa. 461-2700 in Pinellas and 1-800-282-0683 toll free. The Bucs are home for preseason games the next three Saturday nights, against Cincinnati, the New York Jets and the Washington Redskins. JOHN LUTTERMOSER (IhdDdDUDpYfEm a Betters better be better Dolphin veteran is battling just to make the team at b.

ki km wnuJL After a forgettable 1986, Miami's Doug Betters is trying to prove he's ready to play. By PETE PRISCO MIAMI Doug Betters quickly walked to his dorm room after the Miami Dolphins' Tuesday morning practice at St. Thomas University, looking to escape the 95-degree sauna that permeated the air. Once inside the room that had a temperature closer to an igloo Betters lowered his 6-7, 265-pound body directly on top of the air conditioner. "There, that's much better," said Betters.

"This heat is ridiculous. It can really slow you down." And Betters can't afford to slow down. For the lOth-year defensive end, 1987 is a make-or-break season. There is a possibility that Betters could even be cut. The Mountain Man from Montana is listed second on the depth chart at right end, behind George Little.

The Dolphins also drafted end John Bosa from Boston College in the first round, but Bosa is still unsigned. "I have no control over the depth chart or who they draft or any of that stuff," Betters said. "All I can do is go out on the field and do it, and hope the coaches take note." form of old last year. It was real frustrating." The Dolphins registered only 19 sacks all year, so Betters was even more hungry. He quickly points out that Little and left end TJ.

Turner had only six sacks between them. "It wasn't like they were killing guys," said Betters. Still, Betters remains a question mark in the eyes of the Dolphin staff. "Doug reported late last year and never got to the level we wanted him to reach," said Dolphin coach Don Shula. This season, Betters reported on time and in shape.

To keep fit, Betters worked out every day in Montana, and went skiing 40 to 50 times on the slopes of Montana, Colorado and New Mexico. He says he's in the best shape of his career. And he has a job to do. Notea: Free agent defensive end Van Hughes (6-3. 280), who was with St.

Louis part of last season, signed Tuesday. Five veterans nose tackle Bob Baumhower, offensive tackle Greg Koch, quarterback Don Strock, wide receiver Nat Moore, and fullback Woody Bennett. remain unsigned. At one time, the whole NFL took note. In 1983, Betters was the NFL's defensive player of the year.

He sacked opposing quarterback 16 times and was selected for the Pro Bowl. The following season he registered 14 sacks. But the totals have since declined. Betters registered only four sacks last season among just 14 tackles. Betters would like to forget 1986.

He held out for 40 days and did not report until the Monday before the season opener with San Diego. Rusty and out of shape, Betters lost his starting spot, and never won it back. "It was tough to just come in without getting the work," Betters said. "It's a decision I made that I kind of regret, but it's done. I never did get back to my playing No Matter What You No Matter How You You9ll Save On The Qualify Goodyear Tires You Need.

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We'll issue a rain check, but for the best possible service, shop early or call for availability of your size. Don't Miss It! Sale Ends Sat. Aug. 15! 160 Gators report for practice, first workout set for Thursday tGlIege football Compttod from tuff, wtr reports GAINESVILLE The Florida L-Gators football team reports today "for physicals at Florida Field. i A total of 160 players in-j eluding 40 returning letter win-! ners and 13 starters reported officially on Tuesday, and will take part in their first practice Thurs-I day.

The first workout in full pads will be Monday. The Gators return seven start LET.GOODYEAR VALUE TAKE YOU HOME YOUR CREDITS GOOD AS GOLD! I MfcltfL BaaaVaattfBaVSlhtBWawr aj aaajMMM VVVVSJ 1 a I i i 1 1 1 a attend the school, officials said. The absentees and academic problems reduced the Rattlers' freshman class from 28 to 16. Ineligible for academic reasons are: Offensive tackle Eric Clark of Winter Haven; quarterback Keith Benton of Homestead; defensive end Eric Drake of Orlando; running back Keith Strong of Lakeland and tight end Gregory Wynn of Bartow. TV: WTMV-Ch.

32 of Lakeland will carry 1 1 games involving Atlantic Coast Conference schools. The Sept. 5 Illinois vs. University of North Carolina telecast will begin the series of Saturday afternoon telecasts, the starting times of which will be announced on a weekly basis. Ch.

32 is available on many area cable TV systems, including Vision Cable of Pinellas County and Jones Intercable of Tampa. However, it is not seen on Paragon Cable systems in either Pinellas or Hillsborough County. Its UHF signal can, however, be picked up in both Pinellas and Hillsborough. tW IKt Tl Mart AMD MHO Qoodyaar'l naw credit card honored at Qoodyaar Auio Sarvita Cantar. and Ihouaanda of participating Qoodyaar lianthiMAt and indapandant daalar nationwida Coma in, pick up an application gat quick credit approval today Alto honored Amarican Eiprma Carta Blancha Choica Dinar Club Oiacovar Card MaaiarCard VISA RAIN CHECK-H tad out of your nr.

wa itaua you a rain Chack, aatunng future datrvary at I ha advartnad prita a ax i At (ttxxnn auto WftWJ CttfTSMt fl AM mum in no for physicals while freshmen continue with two-a-day workouts. Varsity members officially reported Tuesday night for meetings. They will take part in a 1 Va-mile run today and will join freshmen for the first full workout Thursday morning. The Seminoles return nine starters on offense, led by senior quarterback Danny McManus and sophomore tailback Sammie Smith. Nine starters return on defense, including junior defensive back Deion Sanders and senior linebacker Paul McGowan.

The Seminoles finished 7-4-1 last year and open at home against Texas Tech on Sept. 5. Florida Five of Florida football recruits will be ineligible for the Rattlers this season because of academic reasons and another seven decided not to amn rtrryi MAM 'Ml AMD CAIUI II MM Goodyof Auto Sfvttt CrUr Art Owrfd A Oprof By th Coodytor Tir A Rubber Company ers on offense, led by senior quarterback Kerwin Bell and junior offensive tackle David Williams. A three-year starter, Bell is being touted as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Six starters return on defense, including senior linebacker Clifford Charlton (6-3, 232) and senior defensive back Jarvis Williams (6-0, 198).

The Gators, who finished 6-5 last season, open at Miami Sept. 5. Notes Florida State: The Florida "State football team reports today mlST. PETERSBURG I CLEAR WATER LARGO I KJ NEW PORT RICHEY 822-3921 446-83 ir 584-1174 849-7516 7 BROOKSVILIE CLEARWATER ITARPON SPRINGS Aa 740Mwy. 411.

1700 Oull Immmn 796-4961 I 799-4800 937-4179.