Publication Date: Friday Sep 29, 2000

STANFORD FOOTBALL: Youthful QBs is nothing new

The last time Stanford was so inexperienced at the quarterback spot was in 1996, when redshirt freshman Chad Hutchinson won the job from senior Tim Carey, who then decided to transfer to Hawaii. That left the backup job to true freshman Todd Husak. While the scenario is a little different this year, the starting quarterback is now redshirt freshman Chris Lewis. His backup is true freshman Teyo Johnson.

Lewis didn't win the job from anybody, having been regulated to the backup role (after finishing spring drills as the No. 3 QB) behind Randy Fasani the day Joe Borchard signed his contract with the Chicago White Sox. Lewis was promoted because of injury. Nonetheless, he's the man.

Lewis now has the opportunity to lead the Cardinal to a bowl game like Hutchinson did in 1996, when Stanford trounced Michigan State in the Sun Bowl following a 1-4 start.

Saturday's game against visiting Arizona at 2 p.m. will help determine whether Lewis is up to the task.

Starting Pac-10 play 2-0 would be a huge boost, keeping Stanford (1-0, 2-1) on track no matter what happens in Notre Dame the following week. A loss would pack the Cardinal somewhere in the middle of the conference and force them into a must-win situation in South Bend.

If Lewis is nervous about his first career start, he's not letting on.

"It won't be that much different," he said. "I always prepared like I was the starter. The bye week has been really good. It gave me a chance to think about things and get my thoughts together for Arizona."

Stanford coach Tyrone Willingham, if he's nervous for Lewis, also isn't letting on.

"He brings career experience to the position," said Willingham. "He has an understanding of the position. He's also had athletic success and has been in the system going into his second year."

Then there's Johnson, younger brother of senior linebacker Riall Johnson. Seems his nervous system lacks fear altogether.

"He's so confident, even cocky at times," said Riall Johnson. "He's not going to get nervous. He loves big situations."

Which makes this week's game so darn interesting. There's enough story lines going on to fill a soap opera. Not only is Teyo Johnson one of the biggest quarterbacks in the country at 6-7, 256, his backup (Ryan Ecklund, another true freshman) is also 6-7.

The younger Johnson must also put away his hopes to play for the Stanford basketball team--he played for the Canadian junior national team this past summer--until next year at the earliest. This won't be a redshirt year for Johnson, who is almost assured of seeing some action in the near future.

Lewis will be facing what has been one of the best defenses in the conference.

"You start with their defense," said Willingham. "That's been a highlight in itself over the years."

It's up to Lewis, with his limited playing experience, to dissect that defense.

"At least now I know I can do this," said Lewis. "I realized that after Texas. I can hang at this level. Before I wasn't sure."

Lewis, at least, understood the value of sitting out a season to learn the complicated playbook at Stanford and that could be prove to be his strength: understanding his weaknesses and working toward erasing them.

"There were a lot of points I felt lost in the system last year," Lewis said. "It's hard for a quarterback to come into this program and learn fast."

Of course, that's what they're asking of Johnson.

"Teyo is a little different," said Lewis. "He has more confidence than I did. When he gets into a huddle he acts like he knows what he's doing."

Which differed from Lewis' experience last year.

"There were times I didn't know what I was doing," said Lewis. "I'd just hike the ball and pretend I knew what I was doing.

"I knew I wasn't going to come in here and be an All-American," Lewis added. "I wanted to learn the system because I knew it would be tough. I'm glad I redshirted. It was an honor to sit behind Todd Husak. He's such a smart quarterback. I tried to pick his mind. He said some amazing things. He could be an offensive coordinator."

So what makes Teyo Johnson so good, besides his natural ability?

"When we had Teyo in camp, he had a marvelous leadership persona," said Willingham. "It seemed like the other kids followed him and focused on him. His quarterback skills continue to be developed. He could be a special player."

Older brother Riall Johnson has a lot of faith in his sibling.

"He'll be ready to go," said Riall. "If the ball is in his hands, he can make something happen. He's ready to prove how good he can be."

While Arizona's defense will present problems for Lewis, Riall Johnson hopes the Stanford defense can stop a lethal Wildcats' offensive attack.

"(Ortege) Jenkins can scramble," said Johnson. "When he does scramble, he still looks to throw. He can throw better on the run than most quarterbacks. We need to keep him contained and I think we'll be fine."

NOTES: Only Cal and Washington State have losing records in the Pac-10 and four teams--Washington, USC, Oregon State and Arizona State-- remain unbeaten. Arizona is also coming off a bye week. The Stanford defense has made a huge improvement through the first three games, allowing 92 fewer yards a game than last year. Randy Fasani is rated fifth (155.7) in the nation in passing efficiency, first in the Pac-10. DeRonnie Pitts needs 27 receiving yards to move into fifth place on the all-time Cardinal list. 

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