Buck Bravo

In the Gopher’s season opener versus Northern Illinois, a new defensive back terrorized the NIU offense.  Whether it was stopping the ball carrier in the open field or covering receivers with agility and speed, safety Tramaine Brock was relentless and ferocious in his pursuit.  At times it seemed that even when other Gophers made tackles, Brock was nearby and poised to be next in line to make a play. 

In searching the internet for historical information regarding Brock, I frequently came across a nickname that I believe is fitting: T-Brock.  I have no way of knowing the origins of this nickname (other than the obvious guess that the T is for Tramaine), but his play on the field is reminiscent of the legendary T-Rex.  Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) was a hunter with an extraordinary sense of smell for prey from great distances away.  T-Rex is estimated to have run at 25 mph or better, and upon catching prey had a bite that could crush the bones of elephant-sized prey in one bite.  T-Brock instinctively senses plays from great distances away, has blazing speed in pursuit (4.37 in the 40 yard dash), and can lay bone-crushing hits upon his prey.  “Tyranno,” the “T” in T-Rex, is a form of the word tyrannus.  In the Ancient Greek language, tyrannus means ruler, monarch, or tyrant.  Thus, I find the nickname of T-Brock to be fitting for Tramaine Brock.

Tramaine Brock is a junior college transfer from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.  He led the Bulldogs to a 12-0 record and recorded seven interceptions in his first eleven games.  He was a NJCAA first team All-American, a three-star Rivals recruit, and now he’s a Golden Gopher.  I mentioned in my prior post that he reminds me of former Gopher safety Tyrone Carter but with better size and speed.  Carter is now a nine year NFL veteran who has started for the Steelers and has a Superbowl ring.  I see in Brock a unique combination of size, speed, agility, and intelligence that makes for a great safety and an imposing threat to opposing offenses.

I’m looking forward to watching T-Brock terrorize and prey upon opposing offenses for the remaining Gopher games this season.  He makes the defense fun to watch again.  Here’s a picture of how his presence must strike fear in the hearts of opponents: