Defending Champ El Camino Has Westbrook in Its Corner : Football: Standout cornerback has emerged to play an important role in the Wildcats’ offense, too.

El Camino’s Bryant Westbrook, the man who seemingly could do anything and play anywhere on a football field, finally broke down and proved he was human last Friday night against Carlsbad--he fumbled three times at running back and was called for a crucial pass interference at cornerback.

The normally upbeat Westbrook had a difficult time celebrating his team’s fourth consecutive trip to San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

“He was really disappointed after the game in his performance,” El Camino defensive coordinator Bill Kovacevich said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so down.”

Westbrook said he doesn’t remember having such a down game.

“I kind of thought I almost lost the game,” Westbrook said.

Although he could have used a variety of excuses for his sub-par performance, he didn’t.

“I think I came in a little bigheaded,” Westbrook said. “We had beaten (Carlsbad) 34-0 the first time we played them. I also think I was trying too hard to make something happen--something that just wasn’t there.”

But even at his worst, Westbrook still ran for 93 yards on 15 carries. And at his best, Westbrook is, well, the best.

Herb Meyer, who won eight San Diego Section football titles and has coached such former NFL players as Dokie Williams and Toussaint Tyler, called Westbrook the best player he has ever had. Most college scouting services rate Westbrook as the best senior cornerback in the nation.

At 6 feet 1 and 207 pounds with 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash, Westbrook probably could excel at any position he chooses.

Until this season, Westbrook was almost exclusively a cornerback, playing wingback occasionally last year. But El Camino lost to graduation 16 of its 22 starters from its third consecutive section championship team, and Meyer turned to Westbrook for more this season.

As a halfback, he has rushed for 556 yards and seven touchdowns on 71 carries (7.8 yards per carry). Until the playoffs, Westbrook was limited to third-down duty as a running back, which meant opposing defenses usually knew he was going to carry the ball.

“If he had played running back since his sophomore year, he’d be the best running back in the county,” Kovacevich said. “He could do anything he wants as a football player.”

As a receiver, he has 25 catches for 436 yards and two touchdowns. Westbrook also has run a kickoff back 90 yards for a score and scored on a fumble recovery.

Anything else?

His numbers at cornerback are nothing flashy--47 tackles, four caused fumbles, two recoveries and two interceptions--but when you have Westbrook’s reputation, it’s hard to get much action to your side of the field.

Needless to say, Westbrook’s reputation has spread to nearly every college with a football program. Westbrook’s four finalists for college appear to be Colorado, Texas, Michigan and Washington. But USC and Arizona State are pretty persistent.

“He’s such a nice kid,” Kovacevich said. “He just can’t say no. He doesn’t want to get anybody upset.”

Meyer, not an easy coach to please, rarely has been upset with Westbrook.

“Unfortunately a lot of talented kids cruise on their talent; that’s why it’s been fun to coach Bryant,” Meyer said. “He enjoys practices as much as the games. He always has a smile on his face. He just works like hell to get better all the time.”

Kovacevich said Westbrook might have worked too hard last Saturday.

“He played more on offense than he as all year and I think he was just worn out,” he said. “We rested him on defense a little bit. Bryant just tried to do everything himself. He’s putting too much pressure on himself. He’s better when he lets his athletic ability take over.”

Westbrook expects that will happen Saturday night against Torrey Pines. In El Camino’s first meeting with Torrey Pines--a 22-3 loss--Westbrook was barely a factor. He seldom played on offense and stood alone at the corner as Torrey Pines ran almost everything inside or away from his side of the field.

“I didn’t do much that game,” he said.

Neither did his team.

“I think we thought because we were El Camino, they were just going to lay down and die,” Westbrook said.

So the championship game offers Westbrook two opportunities at redemption--a chance for the Wildcats to avenge the embarrassing loss to Torrey Pines and a chance for him to bounce back from his worst personal performance.

“I’d have been out of it for a while if we’d have lost that Carlsbad game,” Westbrook said. “I’d have taken some time out before starting basketball. I think I’m going to have to do it up this game.”