Of the 26 freshmen who came to WSU to play football in 2006, senior linebacker Andy Mattingly will be the only one to don the crimson and gray for Saturday’s game versus the Oregon State Beavers.

In the four years Mattingly has been at WSU, he has had four position coaches, two head coaches and has earned a varsity letter every year.

The odds have not been good for No. 45. With the Cougars’ 3-20 record over the past two years, an injury-prone season, fellow 2006 recruit Kevin Kooyman being injured and granted a medical redshirt this year, it’s no wonder he’s the last man standing from the 2006 class.

Yet, despite all of the storms, Mattingly walked off a brisk autumn practice field on Tuesday wearing a big smile.

“I remember the first time I put on pads back in grade school at home in Spokane,” he said. “They fitted me perfectly. It was the best feeling in the world.” His attraction to the gridiron is as clear to the world as the tattoo’s on the linebacker’s arms.

From being named first team all-state his senior year at Mead High School, to recording his first tackle on special teams his freshman year at WSU, Mattingly can take the football away from people, but they have a harder time taking it away from him.

“I came here, and it’s been the experience of a lifetime,” Mattingly said. “I’ve probably had more fun than anybody out here. I’m loving every single moment and soaking in the feeling of it all.” The criminal justice major has had a lot to soak up with all the different coaching changes he has experienced while at WSU.

“I’m really fortunate to have had all these great coaches while I’ve been here,” Mattingly said. “You learn something new from all of them, and that has been something that’s really positive for me.” However, the Spokane native said that it is the players he has taken the field with over the last four years that have made his career as a Cougar so memorable.

“The redshirt seniors, Dwight (Tardy), Kevin (Lopina), Kenny (Alfred) – all those guys have been so much fun to play with,” he said. “I’ve loved hanging out with them and getting to know them.” But one player in particular stands out in the linebacker’s mind.

“Scotty Davis (linebacker), was a senior when I came here. I was just a little 18-year-old kid, and I learned so much about being a college athlete from him,” Mattingly said. “The plays he’d make and seeing how he was on and off the field. He treated everybody right and was a great leader and captain.” The 6-foot-4, 280 pound senior knows his college football days are numbered but said that he hopes to make it to the next level.

“That’s why I’m here – to try and play in the NFL,” Mattingly said. “Hopefully, that works out. I guess if not, then the worst that can happen is I’ll graduate with a college degree.” Mattingly, one of nine children in his family, will walk on to the field in Martin Stadium for the last time on Saturday. In last season’s game against Oregon State, he recorded 11 tackles.

“I remember my first game here,” he said. “Seems like it was yesterday.”