CSUN NOTEBOOK: CSUN DEFENSE SHARP EARLY.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

So it is too early to praise the Cal State Northridge defense. But if Thursday's first practice in full pads is any indication, the Matadors offense can rest a little easier this season.

Linebacker-turned-safety Isaac Gardner had two interceptions in the morning practice and defensive back Martin Bacon had a monstrous hit and interception on consecutive plays.

``Defensively, we did great,'' CSUN coach Jeff Kearin said. ``Early in training camp and early in practice, the defense is usually ahead of the offense. But clearly, our defense is playing great.''

Matadors linebacker coach Terrance Johnson has what Kearin tabbed the most-improved group on the field. Cos Abercrombie - who is moving from weak-side to strong-side linebacker - returns, as does middle linebacker Lewis Blanton. Pieter Keus, a sophomore who played on special teams last season, will start at weak-side. Abercrombie and Blanton had a combined 89 tackles.

``It's exciting having Cos back,'' Johnson said. ``And it's excellent having Lewis back with Pieter Keus coming in. They're running around making plays. To me, it's excellent to have a group of guys who know just what the system is and what we expect.''

The linebacker corps also has depth. True freshman Ben Lorier - a Westlake High product - could play this season, along with Donald Curry, a redshirt freshman, and Jonathan Howard, a junior college transfer.

``I feel great about the linebacker situation,'' Abercrombie said. ``There aren't too many linebacker corps anywhere that will be able to do what we do. I'm dead serious about that. The only thing that can stop us is ourselves.''

Former All-American Brennen Swanson, who played strong-side last season, is assisting Johnson. Swanson has a school-record 31 1/2 career sacks and single-season record 15 1/2.

--Zaragoza to attend CSUN: Former Kennedy quarterback Ruben Zaragoza plans to take classes at CSUN this year. Zaragoza is a nonqualifier, so he can't practice or play for the Matadors for one year.

--Venner ineligible: Fresno State transfer Ramsey Venner - who would've started at defensive end - has been ruled ineligible by CSUN, according to Kearin. Venner, who's 6-foot-6, 260 pounds, will redshirt this season and practice with the Matadors.

--Injury report: There are numerous minor injuries but nothing serious. Johnny Acosta, Ashcon Madjid and Andrew Holt - all offensive linemen - are nursing injuries. Madjid and Holt have shoulder injuries and Acosta has a back injury. . . . Tight end Rob Porter sat out Thursday with a pulled groin. . . . Linebacker Chris Sweeney has contused ribs. . . . Receiver Jason Stone, who sat out with food poisoning Wednesday, returned to practice Thursday. . . . All-American punter Ethan Beck has a minor hamstring injury. . . . Marcus Hardrick is out with a hip flexor.