AAMU Notebook

By: Reggie Benson, Huntsville Times

Defensive lineman Garrett bounces back

A day after being manhandled by offensive lineman Anquez Jackson in a blocking drill, Alabama A&M defensive tackle Whitney Garrett bounced back Wednesday.

Garrett, who has been a bit player during his first two seasons, could be on the verge of breaking into the Bulldogs' starting lineup at right defensive tackle.

A 6-foot-3, 287-pound junior, Garrett made a number of plays against the first offense during team work.

"They gave me those plays," said Garrett, trying to be modest. "I'm just trying to get better. I got beat (Tuesday), so I couldn't let it happen (Wednesday)."

Garrett and Justin Harper, who started last season, are in a battle for the starting job.

"We're both fighting for it," Garrett said. "It's a very tough battle. It's going to be a battle all training camp."

Defensive line coach Ben Blacknall likes what he has seen after the first week of practice.

"We're trying to create a competitive situation," he said. "We haven't settled on the starting lineup, but they've got to win the job. We're just trying to keep everybody on their P's and Q's."

Linebackers almost even: After the first week of practice, Jimmy Richardson and Carlton Rice are almost in a dead heat for the starting inside linebacker spot opposite Avery Moland.

Richardson currently has the edge because he has more experience, but Rice has made up ground since transferring from Mississippi State in January.

"Jimmy and Carlton are pretty even," inside linebackers coach Jay Martin said. "They're almost neck-and-neck. Jimmy has a little more knowledge of the defense, but Carlton is right there and will probably get just as many snaps."

Jones likes running backs: A&M's running game took a hit last season after Nic Luke and Ta'mar Scott, the Bulldogs' top two rushers, completed their eligibility. However, after watching Tuesday night's first practice in pads, coach Anthony Jones said the Bulldogs will be just fine with Max Martin, Anthony Green and Ulysses Banks.

"I saw Max Martin running the football strong," Jones said. "I saw him get skinny on one play and I don't know how he got through, but he got through. I saw Anthony Green make two or three guys miss and he took it to the house or to the 1 or 2.

"I saw Ulysses Banks make a couple of guys miss and disappear. People who are worried about our running game ... nothing has changed. We're still going to be able to run the ball pretty good with those three."

Turner to undergo test: Left tackle Darius Turner, a second-team All-SWAC preseason selection, will undergo a strength test today on his left knee, athletic trainer John Gaines said. Turner underwent offseason surgery and has been rehabilitating the injury since reporting for training camp last week.

"We want to make sure he's at full strength before we bring him back," Gaines said.