PULLMAN - The Cougars' defense hasn't intimidated opponents the last couple years. But defensive lineman Brandon Rankin could change all that.
"He's probabaly the most talented player that's been here since I've been here," said third-year defensive line coach Malik Roberson.
He wasn't the most fit, however. Rankin struggled to stay in football shape while earning the credits it took to transfer to Pullman.
"I was back home, just getting the classes done, getting fat," Rankin admitted. "So I got here, I was like 285. I was just fat. Couldn't move. I just had to get back in shape and just, you know, turn it back on. I'm back into it."
That could spell trouble for opposing quartebacks. Rankin sacked them 24 times in 2008, while at Butte Junior College, and was named an All-American.
"Butte was a great school, you know," said Rankin. "We went undefeated and won a championship. But here, it's just, the tempo and the speed is way faster and I had to adjust to that. And I think, you know, I think we can do great things here at Washington State."
"He's going to be a special player for us this year. I'm excited to root for him and not against him," said quarterback Jeff Tuel.
Everybody will be rooting for Rankin to do the one thing coaches ask of him.
"Tackle the guy with the ball," deadpanned Roberson with a laugh.
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