WSU notebook
PULLMAN – Washington State University outside linebacker Scott Davis continues to improve from his sprained right foot.
Davis took a protective boot off during Friday’s football practice and was able to run laps around the field.
Trainer Bill Drake said there is no precise date the linebacker is expected to return, but in all likelihood the junior will be back in the middle of the upcoming week.
In his absence, Cory Evans – one of WSU’s three true freshmen serving as a primary backup at linebacker this season – is getting more playing time.
Head coach Bill Doba said he’s become comfortable with the thought of Evans, reserve middle linebacker Greg Trent or reserve outside linebacker Jason Stripling seeing the field.
“All three of those kids – they’re knee-benders and they’re hitters. The guys are doing a nice job,” Doba said. “They’ve been in battle and survived pretty well. They still make a lot of mistakes and have a long way to go. But if one of them is out there, then the other two experienced guys can help them line up. It’s reassuring for them. But late in that Grambling game all three of them were out there and they held their own.”
Evans said that while he’s enjoyed the opportunity to play, he’s still no Davis. It appears the Cougars will be thrilled to have Davis back in time for Oregon State.
“I cannot replace Scott. I can’t,” Evans said. “Because Scott is such a player, he’s so physical. He can make plays easily that I can’t.”
Senior defensive end Adam Braidwood, who hyperextended an elbow against Grambling, is also doing well.
Drake said Braidwood should return to practice Monday.
Notes
Coach Bill Doba confirmed that the Cougars will try to redshirt offensive lineman Kenny Alfred, who had been on the bubble to play at the start of the season. … Cornerback Don Turner out of University High has a right hamstring injury and has missed both practices this week. He could make a return as early as Monday. In his place, Gonzaga Prep graduate Ryan Kensok has taken some snaps with the second team. … Linebacker coach Leon Burtnett extended a recruiting swing to Texas this week as his son was married Friday in Dallas. … Less than 2,000 tickets are left for WSU’s Pac-10 home opener against Stanford on Oct. 8. Fans can purchase tickets on the team’s Web site, over the phone at 1-800-GO-COUGS or in person at the Cougar Depot in Pullman.
“A clarification on a note earlier this week: The WSU band playing its fight song atop of the Grambling State band’s alma mater was not intended as a slight. A WSU official confirmed that it was an error resulting from a faulty post-game script.