Having to watch their ‘backers
PULLMAN – There isn’t much need to debate the talent or promise of the Washington State starting linebacker corps. With senior Will Derting in the middle, flanked by juniors Scott Davis and Steve Dildine, the Cougars have reason to be more comfortable with this group than any other on the field.
“I wouldn’t trade my three guys for anybody in this conference by far,” linebackers coach Leon Burtnett said. “I had to laugh, I mean, those three kids are strong, they can all run and hit, and they’re all smart kids.”
That’s the easy part. But when Derting went down with a hamstring pull earlier in camp – he’s already missed more than a week and could be out for more than another – the truth about WSU linebacking became evident in a hurry.
Behind all three established, returning players on the depth chart are three completely inexperienced true freshmen. Greg Trent of Keller, Texas, has been taking snaps with the first-team defense in Derting’s absence, and he didn’t even join the team until a few practices into the fall because of paperwork issues. Cory Evans was a safety in Lena, La., last year, but now he’s the No. 2 man behind Dildine. And Jason Stripling of Tyler, Texas, occupies the same role behind Davis.
“We hope those kids are able to play early and we expect them to play early because if somebody goes down right now one of those guys is going to have to step in there and play. So that’s what the burden is,” said Burtnett, who is responsible for recruiting in Texas and discovered all three players. “They came here with that ideal; they knew what they were getting into. I told them if they were afraid to play, don’t come here. Because they were going to play.”
And while all three freshmen have impressed – another, Lamar Brumfield, could redshirt and a fifth, Courtney Williams, has moved to safety – it’s clear that head coach Bill Doba, Burtnett and anyone wearing crimson-colored glasses will be relying upon the health of the starting trio.
“Our starters need to stay healthy,” Davis agreed. “That’s why I’ve been here all summer working out, running and trying to stay in shape.”
With Derting out of practices, Davis and Dildine have both been helping tutor the new players as well. But they must also focus on having another productive season, with offenses sure to key on both Derting, like last year, as well as Davis, who had a breakout season last year. As the focus goes to those two, Dildine said 2005 could be his opportunity to step to the foreground.
“I’m planning on having a breakout year,” he said. “I’ve got to get mine in to get with those guys.”
And as for the new guys, well …
“I thought they’d be pretty good, but they might be a little better than I thought,” Doba said. “I think they’ll be ready to back up. But I hope we don’t have to use them.”
Notes
Wide receivers Marty Martin (concussion, neck sprain) and Greg Prator (broken hand) are both expected to make returns to practice Tuesday. Martin was taken to the hospital one week ago today after sustaining a big hit over the middle, and Prator has been limited in practice by the hand injury, sustained before the start of fall camp. … Today’s third scrimmage is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
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