With San Diego State place-kicker Bryan Shields dealing with a hip flexor injury, Nick Linder, a graduate defensive assistant, stepped in to lend a hand with the field goal duties yesterday.

While Linder, a former defensive back at Iowa State, was predictably lousy, at least he brought some levity to what so far has proved to be a disconcerting situation.

With 17 days remaining before their opener against Cal Poly, the Aztecs are still looking for someone to fill the shoes of Garrett Palmer, who handled the team's kicking duties the past four years. Both Shields, a sophomore, and freshman David Brown have struggled in fall camp.

“They need a lot of work,” said coach Chuck Long. “It's really an open competition and no one is taking it right now. I'm anxious to see how they do at the stadium on Saturday.”

SDSU will hold its annual Family Day scrimmage at 2 p.m. Saturday at Qualcomm Stadium. Admission is free.

Missing in action

Offensive tackle Taylor Wallace, a JC transfer who was expected to compete for a starting job, again was absent from practice.

“It's a personal issue, a family issue, and that's all I'm going to say at this point,” Long said.
– MICK McGRANE