Loyal Carson Bruener Reaffirms His UW Football Commitment

Originally posted on Washington Huskies on SI
By Dan Raley | Last updated Feb 2, 2024 9:34 PM ET

When the University of Washington football roster practically got picked clean, once coaches began coming and going, multiple wish lists appeared elsewhere with each suggesting five Husky players who should be pilfered by others. One of them emerged from Alabama.

Linebacker Carson Bruener showed up among the targeted players every time.

However, the 6-foot-2, 226-pound senior from Woodinville, Washington, never put a foot in the transfer portal, never felt it necessary to thank everyone for his time spent in Montlake and consider his options, never packed it in.

On Friday, Bruener reaffirmed his place on the UW football team with a simple social-media message: "The journey continues ..."

Former Husky coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff chose to use Bruener as a reserve for the past two seasons, albeit in a heavily concentrated role. That didn't stop Bruener from becoming All-Pac-12 honorable mention for the most recent team or coming up with consecutive 14-tackle games.

With just two defensive starters returning from the CFP opening lineup against Michigan and the Husky roster receiving a huge makeover, new coach Jedd Fisch might best be advised to make Bruener a building block in the rebuilding process.

The overly aggressive player not only is overdue to become a full-time starter once and for all, the UW defense will need him more than ever. In his reserve role, he finished third on the team in tackles with 86. It's his turn to have it all this coming season.

No one hits any harder than Bruener. As a legacy player, and the son of former UW and NFL tight end Mark Bruener, no one is more invested in the program than him.

His Friday posting indicates his continuing commitment to the Huskies. Bruener should be rewarded by becoming a centerpiece player, captain and, yes, starter.

This article first appeared on Washington Huskies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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