Black On Firmer Footing Sore Ankle Aside, WSU Back Finds Himself Quite At Ease

The left ankle can be a bit touchy these days, but the rest of Michael Black is finally at ease.

Having made a successful transition from junior college to Washington State University, Black has proven to himself that he can compete - even thrive - on the Pacific-10 Conference level.

“Last year, I was a little nervous - you know, the first time ever playing (major) college football, high expectations,” Black said. “This year, I still have high expectations, but I’m more relaxed.”

That much is obvious.

As Black leaned casually against a wall in the hallway outside the WSU locker room Tuesday afternoon, his words flowed freely, unburdened by the apprehensive edge that accompanied them at times during his inaugural year.

If nothing else, he’s comfortable. With good reason.

Black is the Pac-10’s leading returning rusher, after all, having gained 984 yards in a little more than nine full games last year. What’s more, Black said, he’s on pace to become the first man in his family to earn a college degree.

“I don’t have a lot of stress,” Black said. “Everything is real relaxing and I know what I have to do. I did good with my grades last semester, all that stuff.”

Now, if he can only keep from turning that ankle again.

“I go all summer fine, come in here, doing great in practice, came in in condition, benched 385 - everything’s just cool,” Black said. “Then this thing right here.”

Black, who missed nearly two games last season after spraining his right ankle, sprained the left one last week and tweaked it again Tuesday.

He said he expects to be 100 percent when UCLA visits Martin Stadium for the Aug. 30 season opener, but he gets a little anxious when the topic arises.

“It’s not that serious, though,” Black said. “By Monday, I’ll be 100 percent.”

Jackson to work WSU-UCLA game

Keith Jackson, one of WSU’s best-known graduates and the voice of ABC college football for more than three decades, will return to his alma mater to call the Cougars’ opener.

It will be the first time Jackson, who finished his undergraduate work at WSU in 1954, has ever worked a game in Pullman. Bob Griese will provide color commentary.

Jackson will also be the featured speaker at WSU’s annual fall sports kickoff dinner, sponsored by U.S. Bank and scheduled for Aug. 28 at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

Tickets to the event cost $27.50 and can be reserved through the WSU Cougar Club office in Spokane. Tickets can be reserved by calling (509) 358-7542.

Notes

Backup linebacker Tom Wagner will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery this morning to determine the extent of his injury. The injury did not appear to have been incurred during any single incident, trainer Mark Smaha said… . Defensive tackle Delmar Morais continues to experience discomfort in his left knee, which underwent reconstructive surgery during the off-season. Morais continues to practice, however, and the injury isn’t expected to keep him out of the UCLA game.

Offensive lineman Mike Sage, considered a leading candidate to start at right guard, returned to practice Monday after missing most of two-a-days with a tender shoulder… . Backup strong safety Bryant Thomas could miss the opener after undergoing surgery Monday to re-attach a flexor tendon in his left ring finger. Thomas will wear a cast for four weeks. … The Cougars will hold their final full-contact scrimmage today at 4 p.m. Starters will get most of the work… . A light scrimmage is scheduled for Saturday morning.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo