Former Cougar Carolan Takes Stock In Starting Job

About two months ago, Brett Carolan was working at a stock brokerage after being released by the San Francisco 49ers.

Today, the former Washington State Cougar will start at tight end for the Miami Dolphins against the Seattle Seahawks.

No need to poke Carolan. He’s not dreaming.

“It’s been great,” he said. “The reason I say that is because I’m getting the opportunity to play, which is fun.”

Play for the 3-1 Dolphins. Play for coach Jimmy Johnson. Play in the NFL after taking a serious look at starting his post-football career at a stock brokerage. Play with Dan Marino, though the quarterback is temporarily sidelined by an ankle injury.

Play period.

Carolan didn’t get to do much of that in San Francisco.

He caught three passes in two seasons as a 49er. Brent Jones started and Carolan’s impact came on special teams. Jones, by the way, helped set up Carolan at a stock brokerage.

Cut after San Francisco’s first preseason game, Carolan tried out with Miami on Aug. 22.

“Jimmy just said, “We’ll work you out and if you do well we’ll sign you,”’ Carolan said.

Of course, Johnson’s been a tad hard on tight ends in his first season back as an NFL coach. Former all-Pro Eric Green was cut before training camp. Another talent, Johnny Mitchell, quit in preseason. Just this week, Keith Byars - who started the first four games - was released, and Miami acquired St. Louis’ Troy Drayton.

How’s the job security, Brett?

“Actually Jimmy’s really been up front with me all the way through,” Carolan said. “I have no idea about (the long term). I know the guy they just traded for is a heck of a player.”

Carolan hasn’t been too shabby, either. Three weeks ago, he caught his first NFL touchdown a 12-yarder from Marino - and his first TD since WSU’s 1992 season. He’ll start his first game today since the ‘93 Apple Cup.

“I’ve been trying to work hard and learn the offense, get the game plan down,” said Carolan, whose father, Reg, was a star at Idaho and played professionally with Kansas City and San Diego in the mid-1960s.

Carolan, who caught passes at WSU from Drew Bledsoe, now at New England, was asked to compare Bledsoe and Marino.

“They’ve both got strong arms,” Carolan said. “Dan’s a little quicker with his release. They’re both great.”

A diplomat is born - and still playing in the NFL.

Emtman the man

The resilient Steve Emtman, former Cheney High and Washington Husky star, has settled into a starting role with Miami at defensive tackle.

Indianapolis made Emtman the No. 1 pick of the 1992 draft, but two reconstructive knee surgeries and a neck operation have left him as a role player. He rotates in at his position, but is still fifth on the team in tackles.

“I’m not complaining at all,” said Emtman, whose intense rehabilitation of injuries bordered on obsessive.

“I’m happy to be out on the field again and enjoying what I love to do… . Maybe I’m not lighting the world on fire, but at least I’m out doing what I love to do.”

Should the Seahawks trade for Jeff George, a former teammate of Emtman’s at Indy?

“Wow. How do you answer that one?” Emtman said. “Jeff’s always been good to me, so I really can’t say too much about the guy. He’s extremely talented.

“I think he would do all right, but that’s not for me to judge.”

McDuffie signs extension

Wide receiver O.J. McDuffie signed a four-year contract extension with the Dolphins on Saturday, keeping him with the team through 2000.

McDuffie is in his fourth season with the Dolphins. Last year, he started all 16 regular-season games and one playoff game, finishing with 62 receptions for 819 yards and eight touchdowns. , DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: HAWKS VS. DOLPHINS The game: 10 a.m. at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. Coaches: Seattle - Dennis Erickson, 9-12, second season. Miami - Jimmy Johnson, 3-1 first season; 54-38 overall in five seasons. The records: Seattle is 1-4. Miami is 3-1. The series: Miami leads 4-1. Last week: Seattle turnovers paved visiting Green Bay’s 31-10 win. Miami had a bye week after losing 10-6 to Indianapolis on Sept. 23. The line: Dolphins by 7.5. On the air Television: NBC, with Marv Albert and Sam Wyche. Radio: KXLY (920 AM) with Steve Thomas and Steve Raible.