SAN DIEGO -- This training camp is different in a big way for starting right tackle Jeromey Clary, in that he doesn't have to worry about the possibility of being cut by the Chargers.

Last summer, Clary kept checking the roster and couldn't let out a sigh of relief until the final cutdown, when he was retained and Cory Lekkerkerker was released.

"Last year, I was playing the numbers game," Clary said Monday. " 'Are they going to keep me or are they going to keep Lek? Am I going to make the team or I'm not going to make the team?' … This year, I get to use these preseason games to tune me up and get me ready for the season instead of using those preseason games to make the squad.

"It's a great feeling coming into camp knowing you're working to get ready for the season instead of working to make the team."

The 6-foot-6, 306-pound Clary started the final five regular-season games last season after struggling Shane Olivea was demoted. Clary, a sixth-round draft pick in 2006 out of Kansas State, more than held his own as the Chargers won all five games.

"He really stepped up big and came in there and played great," quarterback Philip Rivers said. "He's earned that spot, and I know he's a guy that's not going to relax. He keeps working and grinding to get better every day."

Best cornerback duo?

Chargers receivers get a tough test every day in practice with cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer lined up across from them.

Veteran Chris Chambers is among the players who believes that the receivers face better cornerbacks in practice than they ever do in games.

"No doubt in my mind," Chambers said. "They make us get better every day. They both have a tremendous amount of ability. When you go against guys like that every day, it really makes your job easier when you go out and play other teams and the guys at corner aren't so good."

Cromartie broke out in 2007 with an NFL-leading 10 interceptions in just his second NFL season. Jammer had just one interception, but Chargers coach Norv Turner regularly raved about his performance.

"I find it hard to find a better set of corners in the league than what we're playing with," Turner said.

Et cetera

RB LaDainian Tomlinson is enjoying working again with running backs coach Ollie Wilson, who was his position coach when he broke into the NFL in 2001. "Obviously, with a new running backs coach, there are things that he wants to get accomplished and little things that he likes to do during practice and things he likes to focus on," Tomlinson said. "Really, he's not new to me, because obviously he was here my rookie year. But some of the other guys, he's new to them, so learning what he wants done and how he wants it done are things that actually add some excitement to what we're doing." … The Chargers will practice just once Tuesday. The workout (4-6 p.m.) is open to the public.