Don't read too much into how Fresno State's defensive secondary is lining up in spring football practice.

Junior college transfer Rodney Mathews has been working with the first team during the first three days, and returnee Charles Washington is with the second team.

But that doesn't mean Mathews has the inside track to replace All-American Phillip Thomas at starting strong safety.

"We threw Rodney out there with the first group just so he could be paired up" with starting free safety Derron Smith, secondary coach David Brown said Friday after the Bulldogs held their first full-pads practice this spring. "So you have one guy who really knows what he's doing and one guy that's new. Washington already understands the defense. We're just testing things out. It's early. Competition will last throughout the spring, maybe even into the fall camp."

Washington, who played sparingly on defense last season as a freshman but participated on special teams, said he believes he is ready to contribute defensively after spending more time learning the Bulldogs' defensive playbook. He is switching from free safety, where he got his defensive work last year, to strong safety.

"Last year, it was kind of a struggle for me," Washington said Friday. "I wasn't really there mentally. Didn't know the playbook as well as I should have. I feel like I've developed a lot in the offseason. I'm getting better at watching film, studying the playbook more so my game is a lot smoother.

"We installed some blitz packages today and we have three different coverages so far. I haven't been confused. I think things are starting to click."

Getting practice experience is critical, Brown said. Mathews helped himself in that regard by transferring midyear from Citrus College and being around to participate in spring practice.

Team rules prohibit Mathews from giving an interview until he plays in a game or an entire season passes.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Mathews brings a smart mind and a rugged presence to the strong safety position, Brown said, while adding that the 5-foot-11, 195-pound Washington has the athletic ability to play either safety position.

Both players, however, lack the all-around skills of Thomas, who thrived as a hard hitter with the ability to cover receivers in the open field.

"We got big shoes to fill, we know that," Washington said. "I'm working my way to get there, hopefully start by getting some reps with the first team before the spring game. Rodney Mathews and I will be pushing each other for that spot the whole time in camp."

Kicker Breshears gone

Kicker Quentin Breshears is no longer on the team, deciding to be a full-time student.

That's left the field goal and extra-point responsibility to Blake Dunn and Garrett Swanson, for now.

Dunn has an early class and doesn't get much time to warm up after he gets to practice, but hit his first two kicks Friday very well. There was a third, however. Both Dunn and Swanson had their third kicks blocked in that special teams period.

The Bulldogs also have a scholarship kicker coming in the summer -- Colin McGuire from Austin, Texas.

Also ...

--Receiver A.J. Johnson is suspended indefinitely. There is a chance he could return at some point.

--Tight end Marcel Jensen was back in practice Friday, but wideout Dillon Root is still out, following the traffic accident he was involved in. There is a chance he could do some individual work today.

--Middle linebacker Jamaal Rose, who is coming back from knee surgery, was on the field Friday for some individual work.

Spring game

Noon March 23 at Bulldog Stadium (free to the public)