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Linebacker Greg Hoyd has been committed to WSU for nearly nine months, but he officially joined the Cougars on Wednesday, faxing in his letter of intent on National Signing Day.
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Hoyd is one of a handful of linebacker prospects in WSU's 2014 signing class, joining Frank Luvu as non-BUCK linebacker prospects. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he has excellent size for a high school prospect. With his frame, he should be able to add weight without issue, possibly bulking him into the 225-pound range. The 3-star prospect was ranked as the No. 80 linebacker prospect by Rivals and the No 66 OLB prospect by 247Sports.
Depending on how much weight he adds, Hoyd could project to any of the three traditional linebacker spots in WSU's system. He's an instinctive and physical tackler, possibly making him an idea candidate to eventually replace Darryl Monroe at MLB. If he adds some weight, but stays on the outside, he could land at the WILL spot. If he remains in the low 200s, he'll likely play SAM. We'll have to wait and see, but as of now, I'd guess he'll play the MIKE spot for the Cougars.
Hoyd is similar to Monroe in a few ways, especially his ability to read a play, disengage a blocker and knock the living hell out of a ball carrier. He is a fast, athletic player who hits like a ton of bricks. Based on his high school highlights, he's not a liability in pass coverage. He's able to read the quarterback well in zone coverage, hauling in several interceptions. The fact he returned a couple of those picks for touchdowns is simply icing on the cake.
While the Cougars aren't stockpiled at linebacker, they aren't exactly lacking depth either. WSU appears to have enough depth to redshirt Hoyd and allow him a year to add muscle. There is a chance, however, that he impresses enough in fall camp to earn playing time.
You can check out his senior highlights on his Hudl page.
