Knee injury sidelines Cougs' starting DE

PULLMAN — Junior Lance Broadus has been named the starter at defensive end for Washington State following a serious knee injury to junior Matt Mullennix.

Mullennix suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Tuesday and could miss the entire season. He had suffered a broken hand earlier in camp but was playing with a cast on it.

Broadus, a native of Woodland Hills, Calif., played in 10 games last year, making four tackles on special teams. At 6 feet 2 and 219 pounds, Broadus primarily had been viewed this season as a pass-rusher.

The 6-foot-7, 257-pound Mullennix was considered best at stopping the run, but he also had pass-rush ability and had a sack last season against UCLA.

Mullennix played in 11 games last season as a reserve. He played in four games in 2004 as a redshirt freshman before suffering a season-ending right knee injury.

Mullennix was an all-state performer for Liberty High School in Spangle outside Spokane. His father, Scott, played linebacker for the Cougars in 1974-75.

The other WSU starter at defensive end is senior All-America candidate Mkristo Bruce.

Notes

• Senior Don Turner was named the starter at left cornerback for next Saturday's season opener at Auburn. "I just changed my attitude this season," he said. "In years before, I always worried about injuries and about those things that can hold me back. This year, I came out and played every day."

• Punter Fritz Brayton, grandson of former Washington State baseball coach Bobo Brayton, has left the team and told coaches he intends to transfer. Brayton, a redshirt sophomore, lost the punting job to fellow sophomore Darryl Blunt. Brayton will be immediately eligible if he transfers to a I-AA school.

• The Cougars held a shortened practice Friday; the coaches departed afterward for the annual WSU Fall Sports Banquet at the Coeur d'Alene Resort in Couer d'Alene, Idaho. Retired sportscaster Keith Jackson, a Washington State alumnus, was scheduled to speak at the event.