WSU breaks out the pads at fall camp

Washington State completed its fifth practice of fall camp 2017 on Sunday and for the first time, the Cougars practiced with pads. Naturally, practice was a little more physical and thus more spirited, including a couple of skirmishes.

There are a number of signs that indicate football season is close, but the sound of popping pads is one of the best. Once that starts happening, it’s only a matter of weeks until the games begin.

Like any good fall camp practice, Day 5 featured some good from the offense and some good from the defense. As Mike Leach has said, that’s probably a good thing, rather than having one side of the ball dominate.

WSU posted a full recap video, including an interviews with Tavares Martin Jr., Mike Leach and inside receivers coach Derek Sage.

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Fall camp:

At WSU football camp, Hunter Dale and Kirkland Parker jostle to start at nickelback | The Seattle Times
The battle to replace the Bulldog is in full swing.

Two days into Washington State’s annual fall camp sojourn to Lewiston, the fight to fill Parker “Bulldog” Henry’s shoes at the starting nickelback spot might just be the hottest position battle in progress.

WSU practice notes: Mike Leach says, ‘We’re getting a little more consistent’ | The Seattle Times
Washington State’s defense was on a mission to deny red zone touchdowns in the team period that concluded practice Sunday afternoon at Sacajawea Junior High School.

Tempers heat up in Lewiston ... and other observations from the fifth day of WSU camp | The Spokesman-Review
LEWISTON – The temperatures cooked and so did the tempers Sunday afternoon as Washington State logged its fifth day of fall camp and third at Sacajawea Junior High in Lewiston. Through the first four days, Cougar players remained relatively even-keeled, engaging in good, hard-nosed competition without ever reaching a tipping point. But a few of the shoving matches that tend to happen after the play is blown dead lasted a little longer on Sunday.

Cougar Football in Lewiston – Full Pads - WSUCougars.com | Washington State University Athletics
Washington State football practiced in full pads for the first time during fall camp at Sacajawea Junior High School Sunday afternoon