Last year, his mission was to take down opposing quarterbacks. This season, he is trying to protect one.

After playing all 13 games on the defensive line in 2007, sophomore Jon Hargis moved to left tackle this spring.

While the transition was initially difficult, Hargis said he is settling into his new home on offense.

“It was a slow transition at first especially during the spring,” Hargis said. “It’s starting to be easier to pick up things like reading defenses and understanding alignments.

“Each game I keep feeling more comfortable.”

Hargis said his experience playing defense aids in game situations.

“I kind of understand what the defensive linemen are trying to do with their hands,” he said. “It’s somewhat of an advantage understanding what kind of pass rush they are going to do.”

Linebackers shuffle

ASU’s linebacker unit has regained some semblance of order this week.

Junior Gerald Munns will return after missing the UNLV game and will play on Saturday with a cast over his broken pinky finger. With Munns returning at middle linebacker, Mike Nixon will move back to his normal position on the weak side.

Senior Morris Wooten, who has not played since last season’s game against UA due to an unspecified team rule violation, will back up Munns in the middle.

Sophomore defensive end Jamarr Robinson, who also returns from suspension, will add depth along the defensive front.

Injury front

Senior running back Keegan Herring (hamstring) did not participate in team drills on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Erickson said a decision on Herring’s status likely won’t come until later in the week.

Senior tight end Andrew Pettes (groin) was a full participant in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and should be ready to play against Georgia.

Sophomore defensive tackle Saia Falahola left at the beginning of practice Tuesday with an injury to his right hand. Falahola returned shortly after with a bandage on the hand and participated fully.

Erickson said the injury was a small break on the top of the hand.

Junior running back Dimitri Nance injured a ligament in his thumb during last week’s game and will be wearing a small cast on his hand Saturday.

Freshman linebacker Brandon Magee (pectoral muscle) will not play Saturday.

This week’s injuries have not been limited to players.Wide receivers coach Eric Yarber broke a bone in his left hand on Tuesday while performing a drill with freshman wide receiver Gerell Robinson.

Special visit

Former ASU and 12-time NFL Pro-Bowl offensive lineman Randall McDaniel addressed the team after practice on Wednesday.

McDaniel, along with former ASU coach John Cooper, will be honored at halftime on Saturday as members of the 2008 College Football Hall of Fame class.

“He’s one of the best to ever play the game,” Erickson said. “It’s an honor to have him back and have him talk to the team. Things coming from him are very important to our players.”

Reach the reporter at nkosmide@asu.edu.