Aztec Notebook : Hardy’s Inactivity Doesn’t Bother Stolz

Chris Hardy, San Diego State’s most active running back last season, has been among the least active running backs in practice thus far.

Hardy, who rushed for a team-leading 1,150 yards in 1985, missed four morning practices during last week’s two-a-day sessions because he was taking a summer school sociology class. He has attended all practices this week, but his participation has been limited because he is behind in his conditioning.

However, Hardy’s inactivity doesn’t bother Coach Denny Stolz.

“He’s at a very vulnerable position,” Stolz said. “It’s an area where you are most likely to get injuries. If he can’t play after four years. . . . Ask Nebraska if it would’ve liked to keep its tailback out last Saturday.”

Doug DuBose, Nebraska’s starting tailback, suffered a season-ending knee injury during a scrimmage last Saturday.

Since spring practice, Stolz has limited the scrimmage play of several veteran players, including Hardy. He feels they have little to gain in scrimmages, but plenty to lose in the form of injuries.

Hardy agrees with Stolz, but admits he is a little worried about getting into playing shape.

“On knowing the offensive part, I’m pretty much where everyone else is,” Hardy said. “Conditioning-wise, I’m not in the shape I want to be in. I’ve been working a lot after practices. I hope to be in shape by next Wednesday. Then, I can have three days to get ready before the game.”

The Aztecs open the season Sept. 6 at home against Cal State Long Beach.

Aztec Notes Starting center Kevin Wells and reserve fullback Troy Reed, who are being challenged to keep their jobs, haven’t practiced since last week. Wells has a shoulder sprain and Reed has a sprained ankle. . . . Reserve center Art Aronson has played well at practice in Wells’ absence, as have Nick Subis and Terry Mims, Coach Denny Stolz said. All will play in Saturday’s scrimmage, but Wells will not. “The way we look at it, we’re not playing for 10 days,” Stolz said. “If (Wells) is injured Saturday, it could be chronic for the rest of the year. Right now, he’s our first center. If he does well next week and is healed, he has a chance to start.” . . . Freshman John Carlson has practiced extensively at fullback with the second team while Reed has been sidelined. “We thought (Carlson) would be a travel squad player,” Stolz said. “He’ll compete for the No. 2 spot.” . . . Offensive lineman Kevin Smith and defensive lineman Jason Swaney got into a brief fight during Wednesday’s scrimmage. After the fight was broken up, Stolz had each run a mile.