Kansas University has nearly two more weeks of spring football, but coach Mark Mangino already has made up his mind about his defense.

“We’ll be better on defense,” Mangino said after Monday’s practice. “I’m confident of that. The overall speed of the defense is improved quite a bit. We just have to continue to work to develop our defensive line. We’re going to have some young people that we’re going to go through some growing pains with, but they’ll be fine.”

KU allowed an average of 30.5 points a game last season when the Jayhawks finished 6-7, and senior end David McMillan is the only full-time starter returning on the line.

Red-shirt freshman walk-on Chris Brandt was taking most of the snaps at right tackle Monday before getting banged up late in the 21/2-hour open practice. Senior Travis Watkins, who missed most of last season because of a foot injury, was at the other tackle, while senior John McCoy was on the left end.

Aside from Brandt, other newcomers working with the first-team defense were Tyler Junior College cornerback Theodore Baines and safety Rodney Harris. Tyler transfer Jermail Ashley was working at end for the second team.

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Green and Randle: Junior running back Clark Green was held out of Monday’s practice.

“Clark had some academic work that had to be addressed today,” Mangino said. “You have to get that done before you get out on the field.”

Sophomores John Randle and Jon Cornish had most of the carries with the first-team offense.

Mangino, who previously said he would handle’s Randle’s legal problems internally, had no additional comment Monday. Randle will serve two days in the Douglas County Jail later this month after being sentenced Friday in municipal court on charges of attempted theft, disorderly conduct and having a fake driver’s license.

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Etc.: Sophomore Charles Gordon continues to work at corner and receiver. Mangino said a decision on Gordon’s role could come as late as fall camp. … Junior linebacker Gabriel Toomey has been held out of contact drills because of an undisclosed injury. Junior Kevin Kane filled his spot on the first-team defense. … Senior Greg Tyree has moved from linebacker to end.