I Page 6-The Michigan Daily - Rose Bowl Preview- December 10, 1992 wA 6-0-2 Big Ten Bruener's work pays dividends for Huskies by Jay Maebori The Washington Daily Reaching the next level has al- ways been a goal for Husky tight end Mark Bruener. If he keeps reaching, the next level could be the NFL. But Bruener isn't worried about that - yet. The sophomore from Aberdeen, Wash., has better things to spend his time on - like filling his starting role on the Pac-10 champion team. "I want to continue to work as hard as I can," Bruener says. "I'm focusing on my ability to help the team win." During last year's 12-0 season, the 6-foot-5, 230-pounder was one of two true freshmen to see action in every game. The other was standout tailback Napoleon Kaufman. Like Kaufman, Bruenerhad a taste of success in high school. In his se- nioryear atWeatherwax High School, Bruener grabbed 24 passes for 424 yards and six touchdowns. His 4.7-second speed in the 40- yard dash also helped him on defense. As a linebacker, Bruener made 75 tackles, including 10 tackles. In his senior year, Bruener earned Player of the Year honors in the Black Hills League and was an all-state choice. Following a decorated high school career, Bruener was rated as one of the West Coast's top prospects at tight end. He garnered the attention of South- em California, Stanford and Notre Dame before choosing Washington. "It was a combination of academ- ics, the coaching staff and a winning program," Bruener said of his deci- sion. "I'm happy here." But Bruener will be the first to tell you that playing on a national con- tender right out of high school was no easy task. "It was a big shock," Bruener said. "I never thought I was going to play. Ninety-nine percent of freshmen redshirt their first year. "I guess they wanted me to come along faster." Bruener did come along. In 1991, he caught five passes for 57 yards as a backup to Aaron Pierce. Pierce was later a fourth-round draft pick of the New York Giants. The highlight of Bruener's fresh- man year was a five-yard touchdown catch in the Rose Bowl. The third- quarter catch put the Huskies ahead, 21-7, against Michigan. "That was aquite a thrill," Bruener said of his first scoring reception. "It was a broken play. We had two receivers on the left side and I saw Billy Joe (Hobert) scrambling," Bruener recalled. "He just found me in the back of the end zone and I looked to see if I was in-bounds." "It was a dream come true." After the catch against the Wol- verines, Bruner can afford to keep dreaming. But instead of having his head in the clouds, he has his eyes fixed on total improvement. "I've learned a lot from Aaron (Pierce)," he said. "But not as much as I wanted to. I really want to im- prove in every phase of my game." Washington tightend coach Myles Corrigan sees a definite difference between his star pupil of a year ago and the rising talent he has in Bruener. "He's a different type of guy than Aaron," Corrigan said. "Aaron was a speed receiver, and Mark is not that type. He's more like (Cleveland Brown) Mark Bavaro. "But that doesn't mean he can't develop that part of his game." On the season, Bruener is second- leading receiver on the team with 21 receptions for 210 yards. As a tight end, Bruener not only has to concern himself with pass- catching but blocking some of the best defensive lineman each week. "Mark faces an important player each week," Corrigan said. "He went up against Travis Hill (Nebraska) then against Willie McGinest (USC). He's played real well." Corrigan said Bruener's work ethic is his biggest asset and is what makes him so dangerous. "It's a delight to coach him," Corrigan said. "He's persistent in his work ethic. He just. keeps pushing himself higher and higher." In addition to his pass catching and blocking, Bruener wants to im- prove his speed, reduce mental errors and become a "complete player." "I just want to keep getting bet- ter," Bruener said. "My future goal i. to become a good athlete." Both player and coach have estab- lished even higher goals for Bruener. They believe it's realistic for him to become the best tight end in the Pac- 10 and eventually, the nation. Fornow, Bruener is concentrating on 1992. Pierce has moved on, and Bruener is beginning to feel comfort- able in a starting role. However, he is quick to point out that redshirt freshman Ernie Conwell is keeping him on his toes. "I don't feel nervous anymore, but there's positive pressure to get the job done," Bruener said. While he continues to get the job done on the field. Bruener also has thoughts of how he'd like others to treat him off the field. He wants to be seen as a normal student-not the stereotypical "dumb jock" image. "I want to be known for who I am and not what I am," Bruener said. "I like it when people don't treat me any different. I'm an easy-going guy who's a regular student." While he may want to be known as aregular student, he is not aregular tight end. "He's made some tough catches," Washington coach Don James said. "He blocks hard, and he'll get better. I wish I had 20 more like him." As thoughts of the NFL and im- provement dance in his head, Bruener is content to help his team capture another Rose Bowl. I?, Michigan and Washington will square off in the Granddaddy of them all JanA i ROSE BowL tries Elvis Irbac seems to have regained his touch. After suffering through a rocky first month, the senior came back to lead the nation in passing efficiency for the second straight year. Tyrone Wheatley has emerged as a 1,000-yard rusher and the team's No. 1 threat. Jesse Johnson and Ricky Powers are more than capable backups. Burnie Legette is a solid blocker. Derrick Alexander drops a ball here and there, but he is still one of the most talented in the country. Plus, Michigan goes five-deep in wideouts. Tight end Tony McGee is having a great senior year. The Wolverines have a little more experience on the line, with four seniors and a redshirt freshman. But the term 'underachievers' always seems to follow them around. Chris Hutchinson is having a great year, but most of his sacks came when he lined up at outside linebacker. Buster Stanley and Tony Henderson just get the job done. Steve Morrison is Michigan's leading tackler, and fellow inside 'backer Marcus Walker is also strong. But there are some question marks outside. Michigan's depth will continue to be tested with starting corners Alfie Burch and Coleman Wallace expected to sit this game out with injuries. The rest of the secondary has filled in admirably. Pete Elezovic and Chris Stapleton showed some signs toward the end of the season, but they haven't been interpreted yet. Alexander and Wheatley are top kick returners. Advantage: Michigan Running backs S. Advantage: Michigan p71.i EVEN I Te Huskies used to boast a formidable two-headed QB, but Billy Joe Hobert has turned pro or something. That leaves '91 Rose Bowl MVP Mark Brunell, a good scrambler, in charge of the offense. WASHINGTON Speedster Napoleon Kaufman, the Huskies' fastest player, rushed for 1,087 yards this season. Last year's starter, Beno Bryant, has been benched because of an injury much like Michigan's Powers. WASHINGTON Remarkably, only three catches total separate both teams. But Washington doesn't have a main option like Alexander. The Huskies spread the wealth among eight receivers between 13 and 33 grabs. WASHINGTON The Huskies' line boasts 6-foot-7, 325-pound Lincoln Kennedy, who is expected to be a top-five selection in next April's NFL Draft. Alongside Kennedy, U-W starts three juniors and a sophomore. WASHINGTON The Washington line returned only one starter from last year, and the unit has played well. But the Huskies have allowed over twice as many yards rushing as Michigan. Teams: Michigan (8-0-3) vs. Washington (9-2) Rankings: Michigan (No. 7) Washington (No. 9) Series: Michigan leads, 5-4 Last meeting: On Jan. 1, 1992, the Huskies beat Michigan, 34-14, to capture the 1992 Rose Bowl. Continued from page 1 miserahly.'This season, Moeller knew he needed to match speed. le also impleimnted a more ag- gressivedefense. All of these changes to match up with Washington. Michi- gan will take its test New Year's Day. And after a year of st udying, the Wol- verines are ready. "All along I've said I wanted to go out there to heat Washington and to beat up on them," Brown said. "I didn't want to see anyone else there. So we need todo what we should have done last year." Brown wasn't the only Wolverine who pointed to this potential rematch. Avenging last year's loss wassopreva- Date: Jan. 1, 1993 Time: 5 p.m. (EST) lent in Michigan's thinking that evei' the freshman have revenge on their minds. "Froin the beginning of the sea-' son, the focus was on winning thc Rose Bowl," freshman cornerback- Ly I aw said earlier this year."Ivury thing that goes on in our program is to get to Pasadena. And when we gel there, we have to win because the last',, two times they went out there, they weren't victorious. And we want Washington again. We're gonna make it a point this year to prove something to everyhody." While Michigan faltered at the finish line with two ties, Washington: finish was even more disappointing. TV: ABC-TV Place: Pasadena, Calif. Advantage: Washington Mic, Advantage: Washington Dave Hoffmann is one of the best linebackers in the country. The all- American pace$ Washington with 91 stops.The Huskies' next two leading tacklers are also Advantage: Washington linebackers. Rushing Player Att Yd s Nheatley 1701122 Johnson 155 792 Davis 52 339 Powers 61 293 Legette 38 143 Foster 14 112 Smith 5 110 Alexander 5 60 Riemersma 2 9 Buff 4 6 Hayes 1 5 Collins 10 -3.4 Totals 531 2909 Passing Player -Q-A Ys Grbac 112-1691465 Collins 66-101 693 Riemersma 3-3 43 arr 1-2 10 Totals 182-275 2211 Avg- 6.6 5.1 6.5 4.8 3.8 8.0 22.0 12.0 4.5 1.5 5.0 7 5.5 i _ , ' w 'Advantage: Washington The Huskies have size, speed and experience in their secondary. Corner Walter Bailey has been burned several times this year, but the athleticism of his backfield mates can compensate. Travis Hanson does not quite have the leg of older brother Jason, but he is still a great kicker. The Huskies' punter, John Werdel, has only been average. Kaufman averages 14.2 yards/punt return. WASHINGTON Don James is the dean of Pac-1O TD 15 7 1 2Q 23, RAF .4 w. Advantage: Washington ReCeiving Player Alexander McGee Smith No Yd 47 722 32 350 22 301 1g D 57 1 24 43 Gary Moeller has had a great first - EN k ) M-R I .