Redshirt freshman Alex Hurst is pushing starting guards Lyle Hitt and Josh Dworaczyk. Redshirt freshman T-Bob Hebert and sophomore P.J. Lonergan continue to battle for the center spot. True freshman Chris Faulk has looked very good at tackle.

There is a heated race for the fourth defensive tackle slot behind Drake Nevis, Al Woods and Charles Alexander. Junior college transfer signee Akiem Hicks was in that position, but an injured ankle has kept him out for the last week. In the interim, true freshman Josh Downs from Bastrop has impressed the coaches with a never-stalling motor, and sophomore walk-on Dennis Johnson of Amory, Miss., has gained the respect of his teammates.