Aug. 16, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -

JOE SUNNEN THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

The Western Washington University football team did some roster shuffling on Monday following its first scrimmage of the season last weekend. Several players moved up and down the depth chart and two key players changed positions as the Vikings continued preparing for the regular season.

"We're just trying to put the best 11 guys on the field," coach Rob Smith said.

The biggest moves occurred on the offensive line and in the secondary with senior Will Freitag sliding over from guard to right tackle and transfer Ekene Agwuenu moving from second-string safety to starting cornerback.

Freitag, who started at guard for the Vikings last season, will take over for Justin Simpson, who quit the team. Junior Tyler Sleeman moves into the starting right guard spot.

"It's not that big of a deal," Freitag said. "It's just a little change." Freitag will have to adjust to playing in space on the outside of the offensive line and being less aggressive while pass blocking, he said.

"There is going to be bit of a learning curve for me," Freitag said. "I came in knowing guard really well; now I have to transfer that."

Moving Agwuenu to cornerback adds speed and size to the Vikings' secondary. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Agwuenu should be one of the biggest corners in the Great Northwest Conference.

"Ekene is an outstanding athlete with Division I experience," Smith said. "You watch him move around the football field and you can just tell that he is a player."

Agwuenu said his ability to be physical with receivers at the line and use his arms to alter routes played a part in the move.

"The mental approach doesn't change that much for me," Agwuenu said. "As a defensive back you can't get beat deep, that doesn't change. And when you have a chance to make a big play, you need to make it."

Shane Simmons, a transfer from the University of Idaho, also moved into the starting role at outside linebacker after spending time with the second unit.

"It was obvious to everyone that Shane needed to be on the field," Smith said. "He just runs around the field and makes plays."

Notes: Senior Andy Olson was released from the hospital after spending two days at St. Joseph with a collapsed lung.

There is still no projected date for Olson's return, but Smith is optimistic that the pre-season All-American will be back in time for the Aug. 27 opener at Mesa (Colo.) State.

"We need him, but we also want him back when he's healthy and ready to be back," Smith said. "Right now, we're not ruling him out of the season opener."

Receiver Matt Hoss' surgery to repair his broken jaw went well and he is resting at his home in Vancouver, Wash., Smith said. Hoss was injured in the team's scrimmage on Saturday.

The Vikings are expecting receiver Brett Upchurch and cornerback Kevin Jones back at practice sometime this week. Jones has been out with a hand injury and Upchurch has been dealing with a quadriceps pull.