Brian Lockridge’s impressive efforts on and off the football field make him this week’s CUI Athlete of the Week.
The 5-foot-7-inch, 180-pound senior has a knack for helping out wherever he sees fit.
In his fifth year at the University of Colorado, Lockridge stepped into a new role: Before last Saturday’s game against Washington State, “B-Lock” had never played defense.
Fifth year communication major and tailback Brian Lockridge breaks through into the Hawaii secondary in this stock image from Sept. 18, 2010. CU won against the Warriors 31-13 at Folsom Field. (CU Independent/Patrick Ghidossi)
The California native sat out after five games in 2010 after an ankle surgery kept him on the sideline and out of spring drills. This season, Lockridge felt he wasn’t doing enough for the Buffs at tailback, so he made the switch to cornerback.
“I wanted to contribute,” Lockridge told the CU Buffs athletic website. “The last couple of weeks I’ve been on the sideline doing nothing and that included the special teams. I just brought it to their (the coaches’) attention – if you guys can use me, I’m a senior with nine weeks left. If I can do anything to contribute to the team, that would be great.”
Lockridge admitted after the game on Saturday that he still has a lot to learn, but he felt comfortable in his new position. That sufficiency showed. Lockridge had a career first, 9-yard quarterback sack on a corner blitz in the second quarter.
Junior safety Ray Polk was also proud of his teammate’s defensive debut.
“It is his first week playing corner and that is amazing,” Polk said.
Lockridge is also earning recognition for doing something amazing off the football field.
“B-Lock” is a self-taught pianist and guitarist who, despite not being able to read music, plays and writes his own tunes. He shares his talents by frequently playing piano at Boulder Community Hospital and volunteering in other community service projects.
Earlier this month, Lockridge was one of 22 (out of a record 132 nominated) student-athletes named to the 2011 Allstate American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team. A voting panel composed of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and current college football broadcasters chose Lockridge for the title.
Lockridge’s team-mentality is driving him to make the most of his remaining time as a Buff.
“As a team I think we just need to stay positive, continue working hard, and be the players that we are, and that’s great players,” Lockridge said.
Contact CU Independent Sports Editor Marlee Horn at marlee.horn@colorado.edu.
