Kessler narrowly earned the No. 2 job over true freshman Max Wittek. (Shotgun Spratling/Neon Tommy)

“I’d love to know weeks ago,” he said. “But I don’t.”

What he does know is that a number of freshman may be in the mix for those starting jobs.

Kiffin cited receivers Marquise Lee and George Farmer, and guard Marcus Martin as some of the athletes who are making a case becoming starters.

“Martin has had a really great week. I think in the last two weeks he’s down 18 lbs., and he’s playing really well,” Kiffin said. “So it’s something we’ll have to force in there and see.”

ANTWAUN WOODS CLEARED: True freshman Antwaun Woods has finally been cleared academically, and suited up for Thursday’s practice. Now Greg Townsend is the lone player still waiting to be cleared. 

KESSLER FEELS READY: Freshman QB Cody Kessler, who Wednesday was named backup to starter Matt Barkley, explained that playing with older teammates in high school helped prepare him for the challenge. “In college you can’t go in and show them that you’re a freshman and that you’re quiet,” he said. “You have to go in there just as good as the Number One guy does.”

MORGAN WANTS TO START: Freshman tailback D.J. Morgan had several strong runs Thursday, and said he’s trying to compete for a starting job.

“I think it’s getting there,” he said. “These last two days I’ve been feeling more explosive. 

Kiffin said that Morgan is becoming more consistent, but still needs to work on protection.

Morgan agreed, and said he’s working on becoming a “complete back.”

Which means?

“Knowing how to block, knowing how to read defenses,” he said. “And just becoming a leader on the field.”

INJURY REPORT: CB Brian Baucham, CB Taylor Ashton, WR De’Von Flournoy and LB Chris Galippo did not practice. Center Abe Markowitz was on the field, but very limited. WR Kyle Prater, DT Christian Tupou and WR George Farmer left during practice; none of their injuries are expected to be serious.

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Reach Kate by email, or follow her on Twitter.

Videos courtesy of staff reporter Scott Enyeart. Reach Scott by email, or follow him on Twitter.