CSUN NOTEBOOK: GARDNER DYING TO STIR THINGS UP.

Byline: Chris Branam Staff Writer

In pass-rushing drills, Cal State Northridge defensive lineman Erik Gardner can be intimidating.

At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Gardner grunts, snarls and snorts as he tries to make his way to the passer.

``I guess I scare the newer guys,'' he said.

Now he's a blond.

Gardner, a junior who should be counted upon heavily in today's Big Sky Conference game against Idaho State, died his hair, goatee and eyebrows Thursday morning.

``It's something different,'' said Gardner, whose new 'do resembles Dennis Rodman, circa 1994. ``I don't have anything else to do. (My roommate) started laughing at me.''

Gardner was asked why his younger brother Isaac, a redshirt freshman linebacker at CSUN, didn't get a dye job.

``He's too pretty,'' Erik said.

Hopefully Gardner can instill something new on a CSUN defense that is last in the Big Sky in yards allowed per game (510.3), rushing yards allowed per game (307.7) and sacks (only five in three games).

Sore shoulders limited Gardner's playing time at Eastern Washington last week, and the Matadors gave up 558 yards in a 48-41 loss. The CSUN coaching staff made a few adjustments this week, and Gardner is expected to have a more prominent role.

``I had a better week of practice,'' Gardner said. ``I was told I didn't play as much at Eastern Washington because I only practiced four times in two weeks.''

Gardner is healthy now, even though he still has to get treatment for his shoulders after most practices. He had reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder in January and the left shoulder two years ago.

Bradley update: CSUN interim head coach Jeff Kearin visited ailing tailback Jaumal Bradley at Lynwood's St. Francis Hospital on Thursday night.

``He seemed to be better,'' Kearin said. ``He's pretty emotional about this game. To not be able to play is a little frustrating. Everybody has been coming in to ask me how he's doing.''

Bradley's diagnosis is still tonsillitis. He was scheduled to be discharged Friday.

``If he's out,'' Kearin said, ``he'll be here.''

They're back: Corey Mayes, a senior strong safety, and Jacob Mageo, a senior defensive lineman, were back at practice this week after being declared academically ineligible for the first three games.

Mayes' return means the defensive backfield is only missing one player - Hassan Abdul-Malik, the starting free safety who pulled his hamstring in the season opener. Abdul-Malik was cleared to practice this week and should be in the lineup against Montana on Oct. 9.

Double-duty: Tight end Nate Davenport hurt his shoulder at Kansas but was able to play last week. If Davenport goes down, the Matadors' backup tight end is Brennen Swanson, an All-Big Sky candidate at linebacker.