Boulder – Colorado safety Dominique Brooks’ four-week wait to get back on the playing field is over, the junior said Tuesday night.
After a suspension forced him to miss three of Colorado’s first four games, Brooks said he has been cleared to play by coach Gary Barnett.
“I’ll play Saturday,” said Brooks, who practiced Tuesday. “I’m excited to be back. I’m ready to get back on the field.”
Brooks, a starter at safety for the Buffs in 2004, ran afoul of Barnett last month and was suspended by the coach after the Colorado State game for unspecified reasons. Brooks didn’t play in the CSU game, either, because of an injured ankle.
“It’s been rough, one of the darkest times I’ve been through,” Brooks said. “Just sitting through this, the suspension, the injuries. I’m just ready to get it all behind me and just play.”
Barnett was noncommittal when asked about Brooks, saying he hasn’t made a final decision on the safety’s status. Until Tuesday, though, Barnett consistently described Brooks’ situation as being “in limbo.” He didn’t use that term this time.
Brooks finished fourth on the team in tackles last season with 72 and started 10 games in 2004. He was in the competition for a starting job this season with four other players at safety, CU’s deepest position.
Brooks said his ankle is “good, real good,” and has no concerns about his conditioning.
“I’m fine,” Brooks said. “I never really get out of shape. I’ll be all right.”
Seeing past the stats
The Texas A&M defense has struggled a bit. It is 11th in the Big 12 in total defense and last in pass defense, allowing 280.5 yards per game through the air.
Still, Barnett insists the Buffs have their work cut out for them on offense.
“When I watch them, they sure look athletic and they sure run to the ball,” Barnett said. “They’ve got all three linebackers back, two of the four guys up front back. They’re right up there in the sack category.”
The Aggies are sixth in the conference with 11 sacks. Aggies coach Dennis Franchione doesn’t sound like he is as high on his defense as Barnett is.
“We got a little bit better last week,” Franchione said. “But we’re not where we want to be yet by any means.”
Footnote
Cornerback Terry Washington (ankle) practiced Tuesday and will be available Saturday, Barnett said. Meanwhile, offensive linemen Tyler Polumbus and Jack Tipton, both with ankle injuries, may be available but will likely not start against the Aggies, Barnett said.
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-820-5455 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
