CougCenter: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
New Blog: Cottagers Confidential for Fulham FC Fans!

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

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.”

0 recs  |  Comment 9 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

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.

by Jeff Nusser on Feb 4, 2009 3:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

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 Dancing Football on Feb 4, 2009 3:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

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   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to CougCenter, a blog dedicated to Washington State University athletics.

Community Guidelines
Start posting about the Cougars »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Small
SB Nation Survey + Chance to donate $500 to a charity of this community's choice

Recent FanPosts

Small
The Madness Rolls On: Day 4 Preview
Small
NCAA Day Three Recap
Small
NCAA Tourney Day Three Preview
Small
NCAA Day Two Recap
Small
NCAA Day One Recap
Small
NCAA Tournament Day One Preview
Small
The Human Side of College Athletics
Small
Another fitting loss for the PAC-10
No_pepper_small
Spring Fever

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >


Facebook

In addition to Twitter @CougCenter, find us on Facebook!

CougCenter.com on Facebook

Go Cougs

SBNation.com Recent Stories

Michigan State's Kalin Lucas holds his left ankle as coach Tom Izzo checks on him after Lucas was injured in the first half of an NCAA second-round college basketball tournament game against Maryland in Spokane, Wash., Sunday, March 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Rajah Bose)

Tom Izzo: '85% Chance' Kalin Lucas Tore Left Achilles' Tendon

Duke's Brian Zoubek, left, and  Miles Plumlee congratulate Kyle Singler after defeating California 68-53 during an NCAA second-round college basketball game in Jacksonville, Fla., Sunday, March 21, 2010.   (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Duke Controls Cal From Start To Finish, Advances To Sweet 16

Purdue's JaJuan Johnson celebrates with the Purdue mascot's hammer after Purdue beat Texas A&M 63-61 in overtime in an NCAA second-round college basketball game in Spokane, Wash., Sunday, March 21, 2010. (AP Photo/Rajah Bose) +1 updates

Purdue Rallies In Second Half, Edges Texas A&M In Overtime

More from SBNation.com >


HUMANS WHO WRITE ABOUT SPORTS

Jeff_mug_h2_small Jeff Nusser

Spaghetti-cat_small Grady.

Arizona_small Dancing Football

Official Partner of CBS Sports