Cougars senior feels like kitten
PULLMAN – Tyron Brackenridge is preparing for his third season in a Washington State University uniform, but forgive him if he feels like a fresh-faced recruit all over again.
Brackenridge, a senior cornerback for the Cougars, spent last season in practice but relegated to the scout team because of academic ineligibility. This spring, he’s off the scout team and – at least for now – penciled in with the No. 1 defensive unit at an essential position.
“It’s like I’m the new face in the group. But then again, I’m not,” Brackenridge said, turning his attention to last season. “It was a blessing in disguise. Last year just helped me understand more of the game, and understand what it takes. It just made me a better person in life. It made me sit back and look at things, what my priorities are.”
Brackenridge played sparingly for the Cougars in 2004 after transferring in from a junior college, but then watched what would have been his senior season – with a solid chance to start – slip away because of the academic troubles. Now, Brackenridge explained that he’s on track to graduate in December and also more than ready to turn his scout team experiences into on-field production, even if there’s work to be done.
“I think he realizes that in life you only have so many chances,” WSU secondary coach Ken Greene said. “And if you choose not to take advantage of them, you’re out.
“I know he’s got a long way to go. I know he’s mature and he’s got a great attitude. He works hard. He’s been on the scout team for a year and I see that he’s picked up some bad habits, and that’s hard. Once you pick up bad habits, it’s tough to get it out of there. But he’s got potential.”
Both starting cornerbacks from last season have graduated and Brackenridge is presumed to be in line for the job along with fellow senior Don Turner. But the Cougars are expecting to get four more cornerbacks in camp this fall – freshman Kerry Maddox and junior college transfers Brian Williams, B.T. Walker and Markus Dawes – so playing time is no guarantee.
Still, Cougars coaches think that Brackenridge’s experience from a season spent on the sideline can be an aid in his effort to be on the field in 2006.
“Other than being ineligible, he really had a good fall,” head coach Bill Doba said. “He worked hard and did a nice job as a leader on the scout team. He’s got to play our football now.”
Brackenridge has been bothered lately by a minor hamstring injury, but the California native said he’s more than happy to be working with Saturdays in mind.
“It’s nice to be back,” he said. “Now I have something to look forward to.”
Notes
Doba said he “hasn’t thought about it” when asked if he might name an assistant head coach, a title held by Robin Pflugrad before he left to take a job at Oregon last month. … Freshman Joe Eppelle, an offensive lineman from British Columbia who signed in 2005 but delayed his enrollment until this semester, is out for the spring after foot surgery. He should be ready for the fall. … Jason Stripling is working with the first-team defense at middle linebacker with Greg Trent sidelined. Trent, recovering from an ankle injury, was out of his protective boot Wednesday.