Cody Sees Switch as Challenge

Switching positions is tough enough. Shaun Cody faces the added challenge of being a 265-pound defensive end shifted inside as a tackle. “Now I’m mixing it up with the big guys, the double-teams,” he said.

The USC freshman made the change last week and recorded three tackles as a backup against Stanford.

Now, because of a shoulder injury to Ryan Nielsen, he will get his first start at Washington against a Husky offensive line that averages 311 pounds. “It doesn’t bother me one bit,” he said. “Makes me tougher. It’s good for me.”

Cody said he can use his quickness to compensate for all those pounds he gives up.

“When I slant inside,” he said, “guys aren’t used to seeing a tackle move that fast.”

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A fight broke out at practice Tuesday--during a field-goal drill. It indicated how seriously the Trojans take Washington’s special teams, which have blocked two kicks and returned them for touchdowns this season.

Scott Huber, who mans the left wing on the field-goal unit, said no one is taking their job for granted.

“We take a lot of pride in this,” he said.

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The coaching staff hopes doctors will give linebacker Matt Grootegoed, sidelined by a shoulder injury, clearance to resume practicing today .... Offensive tackle Jacob Rogers worked lightly Tuesday to rest a stiff back.