Former WSU All-American Deone is off to the pros, but this fall Cougar fans still have the opportunity to see a hard-hitting safety named Bucannon flying around making plays. David, Deone’s younger brother, is one of the young players in the Washington State secondary vying for the spot Deone left open after leading the team with 109 total tackles in his senior season.

A native of Fairfield, Calif., redshirt sophomore David Bucannon led the city with 114 tackles in his senior season at Vanden High School. He was named first team All-California by FOX Sports NEXT that same year and played in the Bay Area’s All-Star game, the Holiday Classic.

So far this spring David has spent most of his time playing the backup safety position alongside redshirt freshman Darius Lemora. The spring season has offered an alternative vibe from years past, David said.   

“It’s very different than last year – this environment and everyone within it,” David said. “People seem really excited and really want to play hard and fast. Everyone has substantially improved since last season.”

In terms of his own improvement, David is focused on his physical tools, which were points of emphasis during the offseason.

“I just worked hard for my team (this spring),” David said. “I just got faster and bigger. I worked for my team just like everybody else.”

To this point, his coaches have noticed an elevated performance out of the young defensive back.

“I’ve seen good things from him since day one,” said Defensive Coordinator Mike Breske.

As the battle for a top spot on the depth chart continues, Head Coach Mike Leach said David currently toes the line of second and third string and he wants to see the 6-foot safety continue working hard and developing. Part of his regimen includes a musical selection of YG, Breaking Benjamin, and the Ravens to get him amped up before hitting the field.

Off the field, his free time is limited. David said time management is critical as he has to balance practices, workouts, and school work. He said last year was stressful with his grades not up to a level he would like. This year, he turned things around, which he said came from adjusting to life as a collegiate athlete by becoming organized and developing a rhythm.

On the field, he’s no stranger to earning attention. In his redshirt season of 2012, David earned Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year honors after a high school career loaded with accolades.

David said he tries to think like his older brother, a future NFL player, and wants to mimic the work ethic Deone was famous for.

“Playing with my brother was an amazing experience because when I was in high school I never got to play or be on the same field as my brother,” David said. “Just watching him over the last few years was truly a great blessing.”

David said he receives consistent reminders from his family about how proud and supportive they are of his athletic endeavors.