Defense Is Seeing Double

Identical twins always seem to be in two places at once. But that really was Mat Ball at strongside linebacker Monday, and that’s where he’ll stay.

Ball moved from defensive end, where he was playing in the sizable shadow of senior Kenyon Coleman. At the other end is Mat’s twin, Dave.

Now both Ball brothers could start.

Minor injuries to strongside linebackers Marcus Reese and Brandon Chillar prompted the move. Reese will move to middle linebacker and become the top reserve at all three linebacker spots.

Mat Ball, a 6-foot-6, 266-pound sophomore, no doubt is rugged enough to play over the opposing tight end and stop the run.

But can he defend the pass?

“They are throwing me out there to see what happens,” Ball said. “There is more pass responsibility at linebacker and that will be the test.”

Tight end Dennis Fox, receiver Devon Reese and linebacker Kevin Stromsborg, all fifth-year seniors, will play on scholarship for the first time.

In his six years as coach, Bob Toledo has given 18 scholarships to walk-ons.

“It’s a great feeling to know that five years of hard work got recognized,” said Stromsborg, a linebacker from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High who will graduate with a degree in business economics.

Stromsborg is a cousin of Danny Farmer, the most prominent Bruin walk-on to earn a scholarship. Toledo awarded Farmer a scholarship after his freshman year and the receiver went on to make 159 receptions for a school-record 3,020 yards.

Cornerback Joe Hunter sprained his left shoulder and is day to day. Walk-on cornerback Russell Thomas dislocated his left shoulder and is out for at least two weeks.

Freshman cornerback Matt Ware, out with a concussion since Saturday, participated in agility drills but was held out of contact.