STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) Mississippi State is looking for leaner, meaner defensive linemen.<br>
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Bulldogs defensive line coach Brick Haley is telling his players he wants them to drop some extra pounds and report for preseason practice in August in prime physical condition.<br>
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``The big thing we are trying to concentrate on is weight,'' Haley said. ``We want them to be playing at their optimum weight. The guys were a little heavy last fall and in the spring. And that was our biggest concern.<br>
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``And the next thing is being in shape. We don't want them to report to get in shape. They need to report in shape. With all the things we want to put in, we don't have the time it takes to get them into shape.''<br>
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Because of NCAA regulations, only strength coach Jim Nowell and his assistants are permitted to monitor voluntary summer workouts. Head coach Sylvester Croom and the rest of the football staff aren't allowed to be around.<br>
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Haley said most of the linemen are taking summer classes and participating in those workouts.<br>
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The defensive line is considered a strength with Willie Evans poised for another big season, Michael Heard, Deljuan Robinson and Andrew Powell among returning starters and converted linebacker Titus Brown showing promise.<br>
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They'll be counted upon to bolster a run defense that last season was 10th in the Southeastern Conference, allowing 190 yards per game.<br>
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And, a replacement for Ronald Fields, who was drafted in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49ers, must be found.<br>
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``We've got to build some depth, and guys have to get a little more mentally tough,'' Haley said. ``They've got to learn to play with pain and play through some pain to become the team we have to be.<br>
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``All of that takes hard work. But these guys have an idea what coach Croom wants and how he wants it done. It helps we've all been together for a full year.''<br>
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(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
