PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : RAMS : Bettis Agrees to 5-Year Deal

The Rams have reached an agreement on a five-year, $4.625-million contract with running back Jerome Bettis, the team’s No. 1 draft pick, and he is expected to report to Cal State Fullerton today to sign the deal.

“I’ll be there for the afternoon practice,” said Bettis, the 10th player selected. “I’m happy, but I also know it’s time to go to work.”

Bettis, a bruising fullback for Notre Dame, gained 825 yards in 154 carries last season and scored 10 touchdowns. The Rams are expected to play him at tailback, along with Russell White, the team’s third-round pick, and use David Lang at fullback.

Cleveland Gary, last year’s leading rusher and receiver, remains unsigned. John Shaw, the Rams’ executive vice president, said he doesn’t expect anything to happen with Gary in the next week.

The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers have contacted the Rams to talk about a trade for Gary, but the team believes Dallas is no longer interested.

Bettis, who said he weighs 240 pounds, has spent the last week in Denver to prepare himself for training camp.

“It was a way to get away from home and keep to a regular workout regimen,” Bettis said. “You know you can never say no to your mom, and it’s just tough to get things done around the family.

“I know there is a lot of talent at running back, and the starting position is going to definitely have to be earned.”

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Punter Don Bracken, linebacker Leon White and running back Anthony Thompson also signed.

Only Gary and tight end Jim Price remain unsigned among the veterans.

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Quarterback T.J. Rubley threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Travis McNeal in a controlled scrimmage with the Chargers at UC San Diego.

Rubley completed seven of 10 passes for 99 yards and hit McNeal over the middle after having thrown for 42 yards to wide receiver Lynn James.

The Chargers scored their touchdown when tight end Deems May beat rookie cornerback Eric Geter on a 22-yard play. Trent Green, an eighth-round pick of the Chargers, completed five of 10 passes for 94 yards, including the touchdown.

White led the Ram running backs with 21 yards in seven carries and three receptions for 22 yards. Tight end Troy Drayton, the Rams’ No. 2 pick, caught two passes for 39 yards.