Senior Corby Hodgkiss is battling with Tafuna for that starting safety job.

LINE EXPERIMENT: Garrett Reden, who was switched from the offensive line to nose tackle after Tialavea's injury, is being evaluated by the coaching staff. That process should be completed by Wednesday, when the coaches will determine to keep him on defense or return him to the offense.

"He's our sixth offensive lineman right now, so his role as a defensive lineman would have to be substantial to keep him there," Mendenhall said. "He's done a great job, and the assessment will be a difficult one."

Mendenhall said he and his staff may audition other offensive linemen for the nose tackle spot during fall camp.

TODAY'S SCHEDULE: The Cougars will hold two practices today, beginning at 10 a.m. The morning session is open to the public.

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