Woolridge finds his place

MOSCOW, Idaho – The thickly built running back with a gap-toothed smile and well-traveled past understands what he’s missed. At Washington State, DeMaundray Woolridge let one opportunity after another slip through his hands.

More than two years later, things are starting to come into focus for the former Cougar. He knows who to blame, and what to be grateful for – like a last-ditch chance at the University of Idaho.

“I made my mistakes,” Woolridge said Friday after the Vandals’ first fall scrimmage. “That’s my fault there. I was young. I didn’t do what I was supposed to do. But here, I feel like this is better suited (for me).”

It’s been a long-winding path back to college football’s highest division for the Texas native. Woolridge left WSU following the 2006 season because of poor grades, then sat out the past two years trying to fix his grade-point average.

He worked odd jobs, moved to Langston, Okla., to attend a small NAIA school and came back to the Palouse after calling UI coach Robb Akey, a former Cougars assistant.

“I’m proud of him,” Akey said. “He’s got (his grades) situated. Not only did he get that taken care of so he can play his senior year, he’s also going to get his degree.”

Woolridge is taking on another weighty challenge: trying to earn playing time in the Vandals’ congested backfield. After playing on UI’s scout team a year ago, the 5-foot-8, 220-pound redshirt senior is one of six tailbacks.

The third-year coach sees a spot for Woolridge.

“I expect DeMaundray to be a factor this year, yes I do,” Akey said. “I’ve seen DeMaundray do good things in a Division I football game. And he’s worked his tail off to get to this scenario.”

Woolridge scrimmaged with UI’s third unit Friday, garnering 24 yards on four carries. But his time with backups and freshmen came largely because he’s recovering from a strained hamstring, he says.

Asked if he felt the Vandals’ running back depth chart felt crowded, Woolridge replied: “No, it feels more like a family. We all love each other. We’re all good. It’s a great corps.’

Notes

Tracy Carter, a 5-11 true freshman cornerback from Mesquite, Texas, snared two nifty interceptions working with the third unit, and both impressed Akey. … Akey praised the play of freshman linebacker and Lake City High product Jared Heston, who registered four tackles. … Starting safety Virdell Larkins did not participate at the scrimmage and wasn’t at the practice field, apparently at Akey’s behest: “He’s been having a pretty good camp. He wasn’t here this afternoon. … That’s between he and I.”