Cougars Looking Good At Tailback Burnett, Minnich May Find A Fellow Named Linscomb Sprinting Past Them

Washington State running back Deon Burnett has got all the credentials.

Junior college All-American David Minnich has got all the hype.

But Eddie Linscomb has something neither of the aforementioned backs have - the element of surprise.

“There are going to be times this year when he scores a touchdown and people are going to be saying `Who was that?”’ said running backs coach Kasey Dunn. “There are going to be times when I’m going to be saying `Who was that?”’

The mercurial Mt. San Antonio Junior College (Calif.) transfer has been one of the pleasant surprises early on this year.

“He is everything we thought he was going to be and more,” said WSU coach Mike Price.

More as in he has a little more speed than WSU thought. The 5-foot-9, 185-pound back ripped off a 4.4 40 during newcomer time trials last week.

“And that wasn’t even that good,” Linscomb said.

“He’s so fast,” said Dunn. “He put a move out here the other day and I had to get out of the way before I got hurt.

“And when he made that move Deon was watching and it was just like `Whoa, that’s pretty impressive,”’ the coach added.

That is the exact reaction the coaches are looking for out of Burnett. Yes, Burnett set the WSU freshman rushing record with 974 yards last season. But the coaching staff knows Burnett can be better. And with Linscomb and Minnich, a 26-year-old former Marine, pushing him, there is little doubt the sophomore will get better.

“I know Deon has come out with a different attitude than he did in the spring because of the junior college kids,” said Dunn. Burnett shed a few pounds, looks quicker and is making better decisions and cuts than he did last year. Still, he probably will have to share some of the spotlight with Linscomb and Minnich.

“We have a great mix there,” said Dunn. “Minnich can be that every-down back. Exceptional hands. He may have the best hands that I have had so far with the backs. I haven’t seen him drop a pass yet.

“Deon, he’s better than he was last year,” he continued. “Eddie, right now is a guy whose niche is the draw, quick hitters and screens. Those give him the opportunity to get in the open field.”

Lincsomb, who has already burned his redshirt year, could also be utilized on special teams returning kicks.

But the backfield is where he wants to make his mark.

“I want to compete,” he said. “Those guys, they have their style and I have mine. Whoever does the best, they’ll get the ball.” “We’re excited to have all of them,” said Dunn. “It’s going to be a different year for the Cougs at tailback.”

Players return

Wide receiver Marcus Williams, who was late arriving for fall camp, participated in his first practice Sunday. The 6-foot-5, 231-pound receiver was relegated to the third string during the offensive sets.

Virgil Williams was another no show Saturday, but appeared 30 minutes before Sunday’s practice ended. The sophomore safety is still nursing a sore shoulder that kept him out all of last season.

Injuries

Ryan Raymond, the Cougars projected starter at right guard, was on crutches Sunday. Raymond sprained his knee during a light contact drill on Saturday. The knee was wrapped and Raymond is able to put some weight on it.

Junior Joey Hollenbeck and sophomore Brian Hollenberg are getting some work at the guard spot while Raymond is out. Erik Larson, the long snapper, also has been working out at guard.

The Cougars lost safety Ira Davis to a groin injury Sunday. Adam Hawkins was also out with a groin injury. Defensive back Dante Minners was out with an ankle injury.

Safety Lamont Thompson (neck) also did not practice.