Mkristo Bruce attended Liberty High School in Renton, Washington where he was a three-sport athlete as a member of the football, basketball, and track teams. He played quarterback and linebacker on the football team, earning honorable mention all-county honors as a junior. As a senior he passed for 718 yard and 7 touchdowns while rushing for 602 yards and 6 more scores. He was named first team-all league at linebacker and second team all-league at quarterback. He was selected to play in the all-state game at the conclusion of the season. Mkristo accepted a scholarship to Washington State where he sat out the 2002 season as a redshirt. He saw action in all 13 games the following season as a reserve defensive lineman and special teams player. He finished the season with 9 tackles and 2 sacks. He earned a starting position the following spring and started all 11 games as a sophomore, totaling 60 tackles and 6 ˝ sacks on the year. He started all 11 games once again as a junior, finishing with 67 tackles, leading the team in tackles for loss (15), sacks (10) and forced fumbles (3). He was named Washington State’s defensive player of the year and he won the Leon Bender defensive lineman of the year award. He was named second team all-PAC Ten for his play as a junior. Bruce finished out his career at Washington State with another outstanding performance as a senior, finishing with 67 tackles and leading the team in tackles for loss (16), sacks (11), and forced fumbles (2).

Mkristo Bruce has a good deal of experience, having started the past three seasons at defensive end for Washington State. During that time he has proven to be a very durable player who hasn’t missed a game due to injury. He is a tremendous pass-rusher who has totaled 27 ˝ sacks over the past three seasons. He has a non-stop motor. He has a quick first step which allows him to beat most offensive tackles off the snap. He has good change of direction ability and is athletic enough to drop back into coverage when needed. Though he has been a good pass-rusher, he lacks great timed speed. He is a bit small for a defensive end. He isn’t very strong at the point of attack and he has trouble shedding blocks. He will get overpowered by stronger offensive linemen in the running game. He needs to bulk up and increase his strength if he’s going to be an every down defensive end at the next level. He does have a good frame from additional bulk. Bruce is a bit of a “tweener” who could play outside linebacker in a 3-4 or serve as a situational pass-rusher at defensive end until he increases his size and strength. He should be a second day pick in the 2007 NFL draft.