*Rick Neuheisel said Thursday’s practice was one of the best Thursday’s of the year.

* Still no word on whether Jordan Zumwalt or Steve Sloan will be starting at middle linebacker. Zumwalt took most of the snaps with the first team this week, but Neuheisel said he would talk with defensive coaches before they made a decision.

*Defensive back Aaron Hester practiced Thursday, a day after he collided with Dalton Hilliard (who suffered a concussion).

*Defensive back Anthony Jefferson had successful surgery on his broken foot Tuesday, according to Neuheisel.