The MSU football team's defensive linemen have been shuffled around throughout the spring practice schedule as the coaching staff searches to find a combination that works best.
Senior Clifton Ryan, who tallied a team-high three sacks as a defensive end during the 2005 campaign, has switched over to defensive tackle.
MSU head coach John L. Smith said moving Ryan to the interior isn't necessarily permanent. He could move back to defensive end, but the goal is to make sure the best group of lineman is in the game, especially with the constant risk of injuries.
"We move Cliff around a little bit, and I think that's good for us," Smith said. "It's just like the offensive line. If something were to happen, you want your best four on the field. So if something were ever to happen we may have to move Cliff back outside."
"We have a luxury that he can do anything — go inside or outside."
Ryan said he's slimmed down from last year's playing weight and is feeling more explosive.
"I'm down from 306 to the 295-296 area," Ryan said. "I've got more speed and some quickness off the ball.
I just did it for myself because I examined this past season. In the best year I played here — my sophomore year — I was a whole lot lighter, and I made more plays. I thought it was in my best interest."
Ryan said he's getting comfortable with playing at defensive tackle.
"I like it," Ryan said. "The coaches are pleased with me. That haven't given me any complaints. I'm eating up space and helping (senior linebacker) David Herron make more plays. It's a win-win situation, from an individual standpoint and a team standpoint."
Joining Ryan at defensive tackle is senior David Stanton, who registered 13 tackles and two sacks in 2005 — his first year with the team after transferring from College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif. Stanton said he's feeling more relaxed now that he has a season under his belt.
"It's been a blessing, with winter conditioning and spring ball, I feel a lot more comfortable here," Stanton said.
Flanking the first-team defensive line are sophomore defensive ends Brandon Long and Justin Kershaw, who combined for just seven total tackles and one sack as freshmen.
"We're still going to be really young at the defensive end spots, on both corners, so those guys are going to have to develop," Smith said.
Despite the youth on the ends, Smith said he's optimistic as to how well the line will be able to produce in the upcoming season.
"We want some people who can push the pocket inside and make things bubble," Smith said. "That comes down to those two defensive tackles, and if we can make it bubble to the outside, protect inside and force things, then we'll have a chance at being pretty darn good."
