Preparation key for Trufant

Cornerback Marcus Trufant’s two seasons in the NFL have taught him the importance of preparation, more so mentally than physically.

“What I’ve learned is studying the game and learning the game,” said Trufant, the former Washington State Cougar. “You can be fast, and you can be strong, but there’s a lot of mental preparation that goes into it. I feel like I have to put more time in because I still see myself as a young player, and I still feel like I’m learning a lot, so I spent a lot of time in the classroom and watching film.”

Trufant has adapted seamlessly to playing right corner after starting every game at left corner last season. He said there are minor changes with footwork, but nothing substantial.

Trufant sees his younger brother Isaiah, a senior cornerback at EWU, when time permits. The younger Trufant is pictured on the back cover of EWU’s media guide.

“He showed me that,” Marcus said. “I started calling him ‘big time’ but he’s doing great.”

Trufant made 93 stops last season, becoming just the fourth cornerback in NFL history to lead his team in tackles.

–Jim Meehan, staff writer