10 Questions with Carson Bruener

Like Father, Like Son

Defensive Dynamo Carson Bruener is ready to roll and loves “playing for the W on our chest and helmet”

BY MARK MOSCHETTI • FOR GO HUSKIES MAGAZINE

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When an athlete reaches a championship competition in any sport, many of them will make sure to offer thanks to someone who has been with them every step of the way.

Last January in Houston, University of Washington linebacker and special teams player Carson Bruener had one of those special moments.

When the Huskies made their ceremonial walk across the field inside NRG Stadium prior to kick off against the Michigan Wolverines, Bruener wasn’t wearing his customary No. 42.

Instead, he wore the No. 85 jersey that his father, Mark Bruener, wore in the 1992 Rose Bowl — which also was against Michigan. Normally, that jersey was framed inside his parents’ home in Woodinville before Mark took it down, removed the jersey, and brought it to Houston for the game.

Carson then put his regular jersey back on for the game.

Now, he is back for his senior season, coming off an outstanding 2023 campaign that included recognition for his work both on the field (All Pac-12 Honorable Mention) and in the classroom (College Sports Communicators Academic All-District).

In this issue’s 10 Questions, Bruener talks about becoming a top-caliber player, looks ahead to Washington’s first year as a member of the Big Ten, and shares some thoughts about that special moment in his dad’s jersey.

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Linebackers don’t always get a lot of spotlight, yet it’s one of the most important positions. What was one thing that attracted you to playing at and ultimately excelling at this position?

“One thing that attracted me to linebacker was the role of being the quarterback of the defense: Communicating the play to all 10 teammates on the field, taking control, and having the opportunity to fly around defending the run as well as the pass.’’

After each week’s practices are done and all the films have been watched and all the schemes have been discussed with the coaches, how do you in your own individual way get ready to go on game day?

“The night before, I like to triple-check everything, go through my install and make sure I’m dialed on all calls, checks, etc. Then when it comes to game day, making sure I can keep myself composed and calm throughout the day, listening to country/Christian music. But then when we get to the stadium before running out of the tunnel, it’s all hype from there.’’

You’re so valuable on the defensive side of the ball and on special teams. But if you could play on the offensive side, what position would you want to play, and why that position?

“I would love to play tight end. That’s a position I grew up watching as my dad played it, and I feel like that position would give me the best opportunity to excel on the field.’’

Looking back, was there a particular moment last year when it clicked in your mind that the team could go on to achieve all the things that it achieved?

“I don’t know if it was one singular moment. But I could say after we beat Oregon midseason at home, we knew we were going to be really good. We did a great job blocking out all the outside noise coming in and just focusing on what we can control. I feel like that was one of the main reasons why we achieved what we did.’’

Looking ahead to this year — different talent, different coaching, different experience, different conference — what do you see as a possible intangible or X-factor that could play a key role in helping the team be successful?

“I think the one thing that can make this team really successful is us coming together and playing for the W on our chest and helmet. We have a lot of new players and coaches on this year’s team. But one thing that hasn’t changed is our determination to make it back to the big game and coming away with a win.’’

Speaking of different coaching, how has the transition been for you to Head Coach Jedd Fisch and his assistants — specifically the assistants you’ll be working with every day?

“The transition has been great. Fisch and I have built a great relationship thus far. On the assistant side of things, coach (Robert) Bala has been a great addition to our room. I already have been able to learn a lot from him to develop my game to the next level, and I’m looking forward to playing for him this upcoming season.’’

You and UW are now part of the Big Ten. In fact, it has been a whirlwind of change since you and the rest of the Huskies gathered for last year’s preseason training. What has it been like for you digesting all of that change and just getting a grasp on it all?

“To be honest, I haven’t thought much about the transition over to the Big Ten, leaving the Pac-12 and so forth. My main focus right now and through the season is to do what I can do to help this team win games.’’

It seems as if every game on this year’s schedule is a headliner of some sort: Washington State at Lumen Field. A national championship rematch with Michigan. USC. UCLA. Oregon. Any of those games in particular that already has your competitive juices flowing?

“One game in particular that I am looking forward to playing is the national championship rematch (against Michigan) at Husky Stadium. I know Husky fans are going to show up and show everyone why Husky Stadium is the Greatest Setting in all of college football.’’

Along with being an All-Conference player, you are an Academic All-District student-athlete, majoring in communication. What’s your approach to balancing the time demands of football with also being successful in the classroom?

“Balancing both is never easy. But one thing I have focused on is maintaining a schedule and sticking to it, making sure you get your schoolwork done and on time so I can focus on football when it comes time for that.’’

Your dad, Mark, played on the 1991 UW national championship team. At last season’s national championship, you wore his 1992 Rose Bowl No. 85 jersey in the walk across the field, then switched to your regular No. 42. What was that moment like for you?

“That moment was very surreal. Being able to wear his jersey pre-game then flip to my own will be something I will cherish for a long time and never forget.’’