Derting’s return energizes Cougars

Washington State University senior linebacker Will Derting made his return to practice Thursday, 15 days after pulling his hamstring in the first week of fall camp.

“It’s always good to have (No.) 51 back, the great linebacker he is,” said Leon Burtnett, Derting’s position coach. “He not only brings something to the linebacker corps, he brings something to the whole defense. When he’s on the defense, he’s the leader and he pulls everybody else together.”

Derting said he doesn’t anticipate having trouble getting back into the rhythm of practices while preparing for the game against Idaho, six days away.