Former San Diego State defensive end Antwan Applewhite is noticeably quicker and more certain of himself this summer, after a year of learning the NFL and a new position.

“I've got a different little spark this year,” Applewhite acknowledged.

He better understands this particular Chargers defense, his role in it as an outside linebacker and the game overall after a season around the NFL. He is also leaner and stronger.

But, more than anything, he believes he belongs now.

“There was a little doubt if I was supposed to be here,” he said. “This is such an exclusive club.”

In the back of his mind, too, was the nagging uncertainty about having left school a year early, against the advice of many.

But the results of a year of working with and watching Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips, and being tutored by position coach John Pagano, are evident. Applewhite has been among the most improved players on the roster, and he was a force in Saturday's exhibition opener.

Because of the position he plays, there is virtually no chance he will make this team. The best he can hope for in San Diego is to be on the practice squad for a second season. But Applewhite knows the league is bigger than the Chargers.

“I take it as an audition for every team out there,” he said. “If I don't make this team, there are 31 other teams that might need me. I proved to myself I deserve to be on an NFL team.”

LT to warm up

In an attempt to make exhibition games at regular-season prices more legitimate, the NFL has encouraged teams to not hold out players unless they are injured.

Thus, technically, the reason LaDainian Tomlinson did not play against Dallas last week was because of tightness in his groin.

It is unknown what might befall Tomlinson on Saturday in St. Louis, since he wants to go through pregame warm-ups. That is something he has done in past preseasons but did not do last weekend.

Said Tomlinson: “I really want to get into a routine of getting prepared for a game even if I don't play – going through the warm-ups, getting a sweat, really feeling like I'm about to go out and play and just from that point, obviously not play.”

Nuts 'n' Bolts

Tackle Marcus McNeill (neck) and defensive end Luis Castillo (back) have missed at least a week of practice. But going with the theme of camp, the Chargers maintain they are simply being extra cautious.

Said coach Norv Turner: “Neither one will be out much longer. We just want to make sure when they're back that we don't have recurring incidents.”

Receiver Vincent Jackson appeared just as sharp in practice yesterday as he did before sitting out nine practices with a hamstring strain. Turner said Jackson could play Saturday.

Today's 4 p.m. practice is the last open workout of camp.

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Kevin Acee: (619) 293-1857; kevin.acee@uniontrib.com