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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eastern Washington secondary is growing, maturing

EWU safety safety Zach Bruce, left, jokes with teammates during a recent practice. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)

He’s not the vocal type, but Eastern Washington safety Zach Bruce is making himself heard this fall.

“I’ve kind of stepped up into that role since the offseason,” said the senior from University High School, who understands the growing pains of his younger teammates.

Three years ago, injuries forced Bruce into a prominent role as a redshirt freshman; now it’s his turn to help teammates grow up in a hurry.

“I’m just trying to get everybody on the same page,” Bruce said.

That’s still the challenge for the Eagle secondary, which is a year older and wiser than last year’s version. However, more growing pains loom, as 13 players are underclassmen. In last week’s scrimmage, missed assignments and communication errors contributed to a 494-yard performance by the Eagle offense.

“We’re still finding out who we are,” said Jeff Schmedding, safeties coach and defensive coordinator. “The talent is there, and with the effort they’ve put forth, it gives us a chance to have a great fall camp.”

The Eagles are 18 months into acclimating to Schmedding’s 4-2-5 scheme. “We have a lot of faces who’ve played (college) football before,” he said.

Safety looks like the deepest position for the Eagles, who return starters Bruce (5-foot-10, 195 pounds) and redshirt sophomore Mitch Fettig (6-foot, 190 pounds).

Fettig, a redshirt sophomore from Olympia, was a pleasant surprise last year, starting eight games while showing solid coverage and tackling.

Also in the mix is redshirt junior and North Central product Jake Hoffman (6-0, 180 pounds) and redshirt freshmen Dehonta Hayes, Sam Inos and Tysen Prunty.

At corner, the Eagles can count on a solid group of experienced underclassmen. Redshirt sophomores Josh Lewis (6-0, 190) and Nzuzi Webster (5-10, 170) sit atop the depth chart,

Webster was a 10-game starter last year. He also has the ability to play at the nickel position. “He’s a kid that plays aggressively and has the ability to cover,” Schmedding said.

but backups Victor Gamboa and D’londo Tucker got plenty of minutes last year.

At roverback, former Ferris High star Cole Karstetter got valuable experience last year as a redshirt freshman when starter Todd Raynes was injured. He also gained 20 pounds and now weighs in at 200.

Senior J.J. Njoku, a 5-9, 200-pound transfer from Washington State, and redshirt junior John Kreifels (5-9, 205) are the top backups.