Focus again turns to defensive backfield
PULLMAN — Searching for a cornerback is nothing new at Washington State. Two years ago, Karl Paymah had to prove himself in replacing Marcus Trufant in the starting lineup. Last season, Alex Teems had to do the same in replacing Jason David.
And this year, with Paymah’s college career in the rear-view mirror, the challenge of filling in the second starting spot across from Teems has fallen to a trio of cornerbacks, though only one will end up getting the call when the 2005 season starts a day shy of five months from now.
Seniors Omowale Dada and Tyron Brackenridge, along with junior Don Turner, are locked into a positional fight that began with the first snap of spring ball last week and might not conclude until well after the team takes its summer recess.
“The three guys are all close, and nobody’s separated himself,” said secondary coach Ken Greene, addressing what was considered a primary concern of WSU’s spring practices this year. “We realize that we may not be the most talented group in America. So we’re going to have to come out here and outwork everybody.
“I don’t think it’ll all solidify itself until a couple of weeks before training camp.”
But despite the fact that none appears to be a star in the making, Greene said all three have performed admirably this spring.
Dada could be considered a slight front-runner if only because he received some playing time last season in passing situations and because of injury. Greene said he’s been impressed by the senior’s improvement.
“When (Omowale) came in, I wasn’t sure that he’d be able to compete at this level. He is not everything you’re looking for in a corner from size, speed, all that kind of stuff,” Greene said. “But he gets in there and he has gotten so much better since he came. He’s diligent. … He gets everything out of what he’s got.”
Brackenridge was a junior college transfer last season and might have gotten a shot at more playing time had a hamstring injury not set him back.
“He’s got the best feet of any of the cornerbacks; he’s probably tougher than any of the other guys,” Greene said. “He’s got great leaping ability. He’s not the fastest guy on the turf, but I like his competitive spirit.”
And at 6-foot, 187 pounds, Turner may have the best overall physical attributes of any Cougar corner. But he, too, has had health issues, and has had to learn to deal with them over the last three seasons in Pullman.
“He’s always been beat up to the point where he can’t compete and then it starts going downhill,” Greene said. “So he’s growing up mentally and he’s doing a very good job.”
The corners say they’ve enjoyed the competition this spring, and currently all three are healthy, something that was not the case last fall when Teems won his starting spot over Turner and Brackenridge.
Each corner has seen plenty of time on the field as well, something they say has made the spring that much more interesting.
“Coach Greene has been good about switching us up every day, so a different one of us is working with the ones,” Dada said. “It’s been a healthy, fun thing.”
Notes
Starting defensive end Mkristo Bruce suffered a right ankle sprain and is day-to-day, though unlikely to play in today’s scrimmage. … Wide receiver Marty Martin‘s bruised quadriceps is making good progress and he should return earlier than originally expected, most likely on Tuesday. … Fullback Brandon Asuega-Stark has been slower to recover from his sprained right ankle. He’ll be back no earlier than Tuesday after missing all of this week. … Freshman tight end Tony Thompson has a right knee sprain and is being held out of practices.