Tuesday October 23, 2001

The National Football League finally got to see what those in Tucson knew from 1996-1999 -Trung Canidate is a really good football player.

The second-year tailback for the St. Louis Rams made his first career start Sunday in the Rams' 34-14 victory against the New York Jets, replacing the injured reigning MVP, Marshall Faulk.

Finally, Canidate - who was thought of as a bust - got the opportunity to prove he belongs in the Rams' potent offensive attack.

Things haven't been easy for the former Wildcat standout since he was taken 31st overall in the 2000 draft.

Prior to his game against the Jets, Canidate had just 14 carries for 47 yards this season. He missed most of last season with a wrist injury and only carried the ball three times.

Going into the game with Faulk injured, the Jets' defensive coaches were licking their chops. They probably thought they would have a chance to put more pressure on Ram quarterback Kurt Warner.

Boy, were they wrong.

Warner had a good game, but it was nothing compared to Canidate's. He rushed for 195 yards on 23 carries and added three receptions for 37 yards. He didn't even play the final 14 minutes.

"I wasn't too nervous, but I was anxious, because I have been waiting for my chance to put all the frustrations of last year behind me," he said. "This is a big boost for me. Maybe it will get me some more (playing) time, but that's hard, especially when you have a guy like Marshall ahead of you on the depth chart. But we'll see."

Rams head coach Mike Martz was publicly criticized for using his 2000 first- round pick on a running back because of the Rams' need for defensive help.

After being injured and rushing the ball only three times as a rookie, the heat was back on Martz after the season.

Then there was more bad news for the second-year pro from Phoenix - he injured his knee during a pre-season game.

More public outcry rose against Martz, and Canidate was not only considered a bust but was gaining a reputation as fragile- the worst adjective one could ever use for a football player. But all of this changed Sunday.

Canidate has now earned the right to play.

He should not have to wait until Faulk decides to retire, which might be soon if he can't find a solution for his ailing knees.

I'm not saying he should play in front of Faulk, who is still one of the best players in the game. I am saying Canidate should be more involved in the Rams offense.

He is just too quick to be kept on the bench. Like he was at Arizona - where he averaged an amazing 43.8 yards per touchdown - he is a big-play threat in the NFL.

With the game tied at 7-7, Rams wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim, took a handoff and was about to be tackled after a 12-yard gain when he pitched to Canidate near the sideline. Canidate took the ball the final 44 yards for the touchdown.

He was so valuable Saturday, he even lined up at quarterback for a play, taking a direct snap for another first-down gain.

Once Faulk is healthy again, Canidate's role will be reduced, but now Martz can finally feel his gamble paid off.

Who would have thought that linebacker Antonio Pierce would have been the most productive Wildcat rookie this season?

Pierce, who plays for the Washington Redskins, has replaced the injured Marco Coleman as a defensive end and has won praise for his quick learning by head coach Marty Schottenheimer.

Pierce, who went undrafted and was later picked up by the Redskins as a free agent, has 26 tackles this season.

His most memorable play as a Wildcat came when he intercepted what would have been a game-winning pass in the end zone by Washington State quarterback Jason Gesser in triple overtime last season.

The interception ended the game, giving the Wildcats a 53-47 victory.