Weber State football: 'Cats happy 'Beast' back on field

OGDEN — The Beast is back for Weber State, and the timing couldn't have been better.

Sophomore defensive tackle Ryan "The Beast" Eastman returned to the lineup against Eastern Washington on Saturday after missing three games with a knee injury. He dominated in his first game back, recording three sacks and six total tackles in the Wildcats' 31-13 win.

Eastman was named the Big Sky's defensive player of the week for his efforts.

"It felt awesome," Eastman said. "I'm happy to be back out there. Shoot, the football field is where I belong. It was very tough to watch the games I had to miss. Being on the sideline, not being able to do anything, I hate that feeling."

Eastman's play against the run was just as important as his three sacks. He helped hold Eastern's Taiwan Jones — who entered Saturday's game as the Big Sky's leading rusher — to just 64 yards on 13 carries. He credited just about everyone else on the defense, rather than himself, for his sacks.

"All the sacks I got were credit to the whole secondary, and the whole D-line," Eastman said. "Without the secondary guys covering, he (Eastern Washington quarterback Matt Nichols) would have got the ball off quicker and without the rest of the D-line I wouldn't have gotten in so fast."

Coach Ron McBride said Eastman's impact on his team's defense is more than just what he does physically. Although he's only a sophomore, Eastman is one of the team's defensive leaders.

"The inside guys feed off of him," McBride said.

PHILLIPS MAKES IMPACT: Someone had to step up in the passing game when tight end Cody Nakamura was lost for the season with a severely injured knee. So far, that person has been receiver Mike Phillips.

Phillips had career highs of nine receptions for 163 yards in the team's loss to Montana State two weeks ago. Against Eastern Washington, he caught touchdown passes of 80 yards and 30 yards. The 80-yarder gave Weber State a 10-7 lead and swung the momentum in the Wildcats' favor.

"He's made some big plays the last two weeks," McBride said.

Phillips has missed two games this season with a nagging knee injury, and just like Eastman, is glad to be off the sideline.

"It feels good to contribute to the team," Phillips said.

Phillips was limping at practice on Monday, and said his knee still isn't 100 percent. He'll play against Sacramento State on Saturday, and he hopes to continue his breakout season.

"My knee is not to where I want it to be," Phillips said. "Hopefully it gets back there, I'm just praying it does."

EXTRA POINTS: Today is McBride's 70th birthday. He is now one of eight NCAA football coaches who are 70 years or older, joining a group of legendary coaches that includes Penn State's Joe Paterno and Florida State's Bobby Bowden … The Wildcats moved up from the 21st to 15th in both The Sports Network's Top 25 poll and in the FCS Coaches Poll. … Saturday's game against the Hornets is the Wildcats' homecoming game. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m.

e-mail: aaragon@desnews.com