If Colorado football coaches can eventually get all their linebackers on the practice field on a regular basis, they might adjust the defense to a 3-4 scheme at least some of the time.

Coaches toyed with the idea prior to spring practices beginning last month. They expected to have 13 linebackers on the roster with three more slated to join the program this summer. With little depth on the defensive line behind George Hypolite, Brandon Nicolas and Maurice Lucas, they figured the best way to play might be to rely on the speed and depth at linebacker

They have shown the look occasionally in practices and scrimmages where one of the linebackers is down in a pass rushing stance, but they haven't committed to any radical changes because linebacker has been a trouble spot this spring.

True freshman Lynn Katoa was suspended before spring drills began after being arrested and charged with felony assault. Redshirt freshman Josh Hartigan missed most of spring after suffering a neck injury. He practiced in pads for the first time on Monday.

Junior Jake Duren, who was working with the first team, was arrested last weekend, charged with criminal trespass and kicked off the team. Several linebackers have missed significant practice time because of academic problems.

Coach Dan Hawkins and linebackers coach Brian Cabral said the four-linebacker look is something they would like to use -- at least at times -- but the limited numbers have hindered their ability to fully implement the idea.

"It's just going to depend a lot on depth at the linebacker and depth at the d-line," Cabral said.

Cabral said he had moved Duren from the middle linebacker spot to the weak-side position shortly before he was kicked off the team and it looked like Duren had a good chance to be the starter in 2008. Now Marcus Burton and walk-on Bryan Stengel are his only options there, at least until recruits such as Doug Rippy and Shaun Mohler arrive this summer.

"I do not like the scenario that I'm in right now at that position," Cabral said. "They will all have a chance to play that position. I've got to get the best guy out there on the field."

Saying little

Coaches released the first depth chart of spring Monday in advance of the spring game. Until this point players have been listed in alphabetical order at each position.

The only surprise was tailback Brian Lockridge being listed as injured. Lockridge participated in practice Monday but only in some situations. His injury has not been announced.

Three different linemen are listed as co-starters at each guard position and Nate Solder is listed as the starter at left tackle, but that has been evident throughout practices. Walk-on Jason Espinoza is listed as the No. 1 punt returner and wide receivers Josh Smith and Patrick Williams are first at kickoff return.

Notable

Wide receiver Kendrick Celestine missed practice Monday for academic reasons but is expected back today.