Washington State takes on Pac-12 football 2017 media days

Washington State Cougars coach Mike Leach took to the podium Thursday to discuss everything from college football’s new early signing period to the strengths and weaknesses of millennials. Joining the head coach at Pac-12 Football Media Days were seniors Peyton Pelluer and Jamal Morrow.

Reporters started off by asking Leach his opinions on a pair of rule changes in college football this year, the implementation of an early signing period and the elimination of two-a-days.

The coach wasn’t enthusiastic about moving up life-altering decisions for high school seniors. He also expressed skepticism about letting kids sign as early as February.

“I think anything before December is ridiculous. I think this business of everybody forgets what it was like when they were 18,” Leach said.

WSU’s players won’t notice much of difference when it comes to practices. Leach warned of over-training in regards to two-a-days and noted that his teams haven’t done them for “some time.” However, he isn’t opposed to letting his opponents practice a bit more.

“I wish they had two-a-days. I think they ought to have four-a-days so hopefully some of these teams will pound their teams into submission and make our work a little easier for us,” Leach said.

WSU students have recently called for a blanket ban of student athletes who have committed sexual assault, an idea the football coach didn’t seem completely opposed to.

“The thing is the combination of innocent until proven guilty, but then if you are guilty, I think you get rid of those people,” Leach said. “I also think it's serious enough that probably ought to be suspended until sorted out.”

It wasn’t all serious, and Leach even talked about his football team a bit (albeit vaguely). My favorite answer was also his shortest of the day. When asked if he had ever seen a turnaround like USC’s in 2016, he responded “Yes. Ours would be one.”

Later in the day Ashley Adamson of the Pac-12 Network caught up with Leach and talked about the benefits of rollerblading.

While their coach got most of the spotlight, Morrow and Pelluer didn’t miss out on all the action.

The duo also provided some insight into what it’s like to live with Luke Falk.

All in all, a solid day for WSU’s representatives. You can read the full transcript of Leach’s media appearance here. It shockingly includes no references to sovereign immunity.

*****

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