Kyle McKenzie, who has been a drop linebacker, will move to inside
linebacker. Mason felt he was better suited there, but the move may not be
permanent. McKenzie started 12 games last season and finished fifth in
tackles and had a team-high two forced fumbles.
Defensive end Mark Losli will move
inside to defensive tackle and DT Darrell Reid will move to DE. This move is
also experimental as they tried this before the Sun Bowl game and found that this
worked well, but didn't feel comfortable enough to use it against Oregon,
according to Mason. He feels that this move will provide more athleticism
outside, which will mean more quarterback pressures and sacks and will provide
more flexibility and depth with two experienced players who can fill in at
either position. Losli has started 22 straight games and is tied
for 10th all-time in sacks. Reid was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection
last season.
Jamal Harris, a redshirt freshman, will move from
safety to cornerback. Harris, a 6-0, 180-pounder, is currently listed second on
the spring depth chart.
Chris Holden, a 5-11, 225-pound sophomore will
move from linebacker to defensive end. He is a former walk-on from Eden Prairie.
Pat McCarthy, another freshman, will from linebacker to defensive end. He is a 6-0,
235-pounder.
John Scroggins, who started at wide receiver and
then moved to linebacker during the bowl practice, will move to defensive end.
He is a 6-5, 225 pound redshirt freshman.
Junior Eugene, who played mostly special teams, moves
from defensive end to fullback. He is a 6-1, 230-pound junior.
Mike Sherels moved from fullback, where Mason said they were impressed
with him at linebacker. He is a 6-0, 235-pound redshirted freshman.