Flowery Branch —- First-round draft pick Jamaal Anderson was inserted as the starting left defensive end Sunday, a move generated by his progress and new coach Bobby Petrino's mind-set that if a change is imminent, why wait?

"We need to get him in, no question about it," Petrino said of Anderson. "He's come back from the break in very good condition. He's not been timid at all. He's been really good going against the run, and he already had the ability to rush the pass. Right now, it's just getting used to lining up with the Ones."

Said Anderson: "I knew it would only take a matter of time. I feel like it's good to be thrown in the fire. You want to see who can survive. That's the test they're giving me now. I'm up for the challenge, and I feel I'm going to do well."

His promotion comes at the expense of third-year player Chauncey Davis, who started at left end last season when injuries limited starter Patrick Kerney, who signed a free-agent contract with Seattle this offseason. Davis, a run-stopper who can play both end positions, is now working with the second unit.

Petrino has not been hesitant to put his stamp on this team, either by promoting or demoting players, opening competition, moving players or by kicking them to the curb. Saturday's release of wide receiver Fred Gibson three days into training camp sent a warning that there is no tolerance for not doing things the right way.

Before Anderson's role changed, rookies Justin Blalock and Stephen Nicholas already had been working with the first team at left offensive guard and weakside linebacker, respectively. Nicholas's status is far more uncertain than Blalock's because regular starting linebacker Demorrio Williams returned from chest surgery ahead of schedule and could assume his job once he acclimates himself with the physical rigors and the new defensive scheme.

Cornerback Chris Houston, a second-round pick, has been getting more work at right cornerback with the first unit —- Lewis Sanders is the starter for now. Rookie wide receiver Laurent Robinson is trying to work his way into the rotation, and tight end Martrez Milner has moved into the No. 3 tight end spot.

"The first time a rookie steps in the huddle with all the vets, he has to get used to that, let alone doing his job real well and making sure everyone else can count on them," Petrino said. "We've got to throw them in early and see what they can do. The good thing is they're all very confident. They don't shy away from it at all."

Anderson has been especially impressive with his willingness to learn and mix it up.

"He's getting to the point where he's going to be a great player and contribute right away," said right tackle Todd Weiner, who works with Anderson every practice. "Going against him, he doesn't play like a rookie. He plays like an experienced player. He's a tough player, quick. One of the keys is he's an all-around player. He plays the run and the pass, and that's something a lot of players can't do. Once he gets adjusted to the speed of the game, he's going to be fine."

Said Anderson: "I'm constantly talking to the offensive linemen on my side, asking them to help me get better. I ask them what they're doing to me so I can't get past them, and they tell me. I'm learning."

Anderson, a former wide receiver who grew into a defensive lineman at Arkansas, said he is finally in prime condition to excel. Shortly before the NFL combine in February, he tore his hamstring and grew to nearly 290 pounds. He's still 282, but Anderson is leaner and stronger, the combination of offseason training and a regimented diet prepared by a personal chef, who lives with him.

"I'm getting a better IQ for football," Anderson said. "This is only my fourth year playing defensive end. So just learning formations, looking at a lineman's alignment, recognizing down and distance, a lot of things that come with repetition —- those are things that are starting to come to me now, and I'm only going to get better.

KEY DATES

> Exhibition opener: at New York Jets, 7 p.m., Aug. 10

> Regular-season opener: at Vikings, 1 p.m., Sept. 9

> Home opener: vs. Panthers, 4:15 p.m., Sept. 23