Daily News from New York, New York • 97

Sf 29 si to-fc By FILIP BONDY vL. i -fc. fir irf- l-r tH: v' it i k.v tk? 0 lssrwft tt- -5-c; I tl AP Davlin Mullen doesn't have a television set in his dormitory room, and he says it's just as well. The Jets' rookie cornerback watched that particular appliance too often growing up, and saw too many pro football players transformed into video gods. "TV can make an ant look like a giant," Mullen said yesterday, at the Hofstra training camp compound "That's why I was a little bit worried playing against these guys at first "But I just keep looking in the mirror and telling myself, 'You're one of the chosen few.

You're Just like everyone else. You can respect them, but don't look at them with awe." Self-hypnosis aside, Mullen, an eighth-round pick from Western Kentucky, is very much in the hunt for one of the club's defensive back spots. After an impressive showing in last Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Giants, he was singled out for special praise by coach Joe Walton. The way Mullen has it figured, he's about No. 9 on the backfield depth chart right now, and the Jets figure to keep seven or eight players in the backfield.

"The only way I can make this team is by being consistent both on defense and on the special teams," said Mullen, who returned a punt for 13 yards against the Giants. "It also wouldn't hurt if I made a big play. I've got to do something special to be noticed." WALTON IS CERTAIN to keep backfield starters Bobby Jackson, Jerry Holmes, Ken Schroy, and Darrol Ray on his team. Cornerback Johnny Lynn and strong safety George Floyd appear to have reserve spots wrapped up. That leaves Mullen in a battle with veteran cornerbacks Jesse Johnson and Kirk Springs for the final two backfield spots on the roster provided Walton decides to keep eight defensive backfielders.

Mullen, who majored in occupational safety in college, knows all about the current perils to his career. If the league votes next Tuesday to expand its rosters from 45 to 49, he will be in good shape. Otherwise, there are other NFL teams and other training camps to explore. "When I'm out there making the big play and putting up my hands. It's not just for the Jets," Mullen admitted.

"The show is for anyone out there who might want to watch." The 6-foot-l Clairton, native will try to look like a giant, in other words, without the aid of a television screen. "Pretty good won't do it for a rookie," Mullen said. "I've got to be great" Jets' coach Joe Walton shows wide receiver Fred Brocklngton that he's being noticed. -a rri-iiTMwl Walton will be going more to a two-tight end offense, and utilize the I-formation more than he did against the Giants The Jets signed free-agent DT John Sturdlvant of Maryland yesterday after he was released by Miami. Sturdivant was on the Jets' 45-man roster last season but was released Sept 7 when the club aquired Barry Bennett Filip Bondy Lyle Alzado going into the game.

Alzado ripped off Ward's helmet and threw it at the Jet lineman during last year's playoff game won by the Jets, 17-14. Alzado was fined $1,500 over the incident "I'd like to see everybody who throws a helmet ejected," Ward said yesterday, "But I know Alzado is a good defensive end. He's still a notable football player." Veterans Richard Todd, Greg Buttle, Bob Crable, Freeman McNeil, Joe Klecko, Jesse Johnson, and Derrick Gaf fney will all dress but sit out tomorrow's game against the Raiders at Giants Stadium because of assorted" injuries. Lam Jones may see limited action despite a sprained arch Tackle Chris Ward says he harbors no grudge against raider defensive end ZZ7L CAMPS 49ers get Cavanaugh from Pats for pick Ain.w.auiMwtw-"ytt'3 nine-Year Charger veteran, was renorted in From wire tcnricM t4 1 angry with team owner Eugene V. Klein for reportedly saying he was letting his teammates down by holding out, said Scott Simpson, Johnson's agent Klein told reporters earlier this week he did not renegotiate player contracts and considered Johnson retired despite Simpson's claims that negotiations had taken place.

Simpson countered Klein's statement by saying he renegotiated Chargers linebacker Woodrow Lowe's contract earlier this summer. pilip 2 David Woodley Matt Cavanaugh Foxboro, Mass. Quarterback Matt Cavanaugh has been sent by the New England Patriots to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in the 1984 draft If Cavanaugh sticks with the 49ers through the end of the 1985 season, the Patriots will get two additional draft choices. The Pats also agreed to assume a portion of Cavanaugh's guaranteed $290,000 salary this year. "He's an excellent athlete and a good competitor who needs refining," said 49ers coach Bill Walsh.

Cavanaugh came to the Patriots as a second-round draft choice in 1978 and had been back-up quarterback to Steve Grogan until last year. Miami Dolphins' coach Don Shula says he plans to start veteran David Woodley against the New Orleans Saints in tomorrow night's second preseason game, but he'll give a chance to his two other quarterbacks, too. Shula said No. 1 draft choice Dan Marino of Pitt would get "plenty of playing time," and Jim Jensen will a get a shot, too. Meanwhile, Shula confirmed that several NFL clubs, including the 49ers, had been in contact with him about holdout quarterback Don Strock.

Strock, who has not reported to training camp, reportedly has been talking with several USFL teams, including the Jacksonville Bulls. 1 4 vance with the NFL against the Denver Broncos for breach of faith in the John Elway trade, saying the Broncos announced the deal too quickly. A Denver newspaper reported that the Colts are asking for Denver's second pick in the 1984 draft as compensation Dallas Cowboys' coach Tom Landry says he will try fullback Ron Springs as the No. 3 tight end, from where Springs would play the roverback in short-yardage and goal line situations. Tailback James Jones' damaged knee will probably keep bim out for the season.

New England Patriots say they're glad to have John Hannah back at guard, but the all-pro lineman kept out of sight yesterday, his first day back in camp. The team issued a brief statement on his behalf. In the statement, Hannah said he was not immediately making himself available to the media because he wanted to "unite with my teammates and the coaching staff." Coach Eon Meyer said Hannah passed his physical, but would probably not play in tomorrow night's exhibition game against San Francisco unless it were a "token" appearance Philadelphia Eagles cut five players, trimming their roster to 76. Among those cut was cornerback Von Mansfield, a two-year veteran from the University of Wisconsin. Also cut were three first-year free agents, Rick Porter, a running back from Slippery Rock; Frank Nativldad, a punter from Hawaii and Henry Pollard, a tight end from Arizona State; and Larry Sontag, a rookie defensive end from East Stroudsburg State.

Defensive tackle Gary (Big Hands) Johnson is ready to ask the San Diego Chargers to trade him if they continue to refuse to renegotiate his contract. The Baltimore Colts ayftfitedjqiciaj griov his sayiahoaiiPjo. tackle and.