SIGNING DAY: So, about that 4-star JC sackmaster ...

by Jeff Nusser on Feb 4, 2009 3:03 PM PST

When JC all-American Brandon Rankin committed to the Cougs last night, a lot of people got really excited -- myself included -- given our absolute inability to pressure the quarterback last season.

Turns out, it's a little early to get excited. Straight from Wulff, via Vince Grippi's signing day story on SportsLink:

(Rankin) has yet to qualify academically. The Cougars will offer Rankin, who will not play this fall, academic support this year in hopes he can enroll next spring.

“We will aid him through the process to do well academically,” Wulff said of one of the West Coast’s highest-rated pass rushers. “He’s a wonderful kid and a good person so he’s worth giving the time to.”

In other words, don't hold your breath. This would explain why the guy hadn't really been evaluated for supposedly being so awesome.

Coming on the heels of the sudden defection of Peter Tuitupou, who might also never step foot on campus again, it sounds like Wulff might have soured just a bit on the whole JC thing:

“It’s pretty evident the JC route doesn’t work, it’s not been a proven success,” Wulff said. “You’re not going to build a program through JCs. I’m here to build a program. We’re going to build a very good one, and it’s going to be done with high school players.

“We might sign an occasional one or two, but you just don’t build programs that way.”

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Ouch

by Roy Weaver Stuckey on Feb 4, 2009 3:08 PM PST reply actions

Well, it definitely explains a lot

I mean, how many 4-star recruits fly under the radar like he did? And why did he pick us over LSU? This makes a lot more sense — a low risk/high reward move.

CougCenter

by Jeff Nusser on Feb 4, 2009 3:13 PM PST up reply actions

So was Deangelo! (low risk/high reward)

And that is looking to turn out nicely. I think at WSU we have to get lucky on some guys and take chances on guys that others won’t (like Devard Darling) to build successful teams

by Craig Powers on Feb 4, 2009 3:56 PM PST up reply actions

Rankin was a known academic risk

He’s has been of the “work to do” bunch. I like the approach. I’m forcing myself to show some patience and not get too anxious. Next season will improve but still is going to be tough. They missed on the guys that could make an impact next season like Warner (UCLA) and others. If Rankin can get squared away in the classroom he could give them 2 years as they are starting to get better as a team.

I’m hoping for a post-day jc. There is a d-tackle out there (I think his name is Pela) that is trying to get qualified for next year. He’s 300 and looks like he has a good attitude. That would go a long way for next year.

by BornCoug on Feb 4, 2009 3:54 PM PST reply actions

I have a feeling this team won't be afraid to take more guys on if they can help

CougCenter

by Jeff Nusser on Feb 4, 2009 4:10 PM PST up reply actions

That is where WSU is right now

I do like that Wulff doesn’t want to go the JC route. One or two every year is fine at key positions. Receivers and running backs have worked out great. Defensive lineman for sure but overall you have to build with high school kids.

by BornCoug on Feb 4, 2009 6:46 PM PST up reply actions

Apparently Rankin has a learning disability.

That’s why he struggles with school. He seems like a hard working, high character kid. There are a couple stories in the Wilmington NC paper about him (too lazy to look up and link to), but great, great story. Hope he makes it. For the team, and for him.

by TiltingRight on Feb 4, 2009 11:21 PM PST reply actions