Starting spots still up for grabs as Cougar football looks to summer

With spring football in the books we have an improved, but still incomplete, view of what Washington State’s football team will look like in 2018. Some starting positions appear to be locked down, but many are still up for grabs.

Theo Lawson of the Spokesman-Review published his projected depth chart Thursday, headlined by the quarterback battle. At the moment, Lawson has Trey Tinsley as the projected starter but the door seems open to challengers.

Anthony Gordon was the other starter in the spring game, and could potentially overtake Tinsley with a strong fall camp. WSU will also welcome Gardner Minshew, a graduate transfer from East Carolina in August, and he is expected to contend for playing time.

One last name to consider is true freshman Cammon Cooper. He didn’t make a huge splash this spring, but is likely the most talented quarterback on the team. If Cooper can make significant strides over the summer it wouldn’t be crazy to see him push Tinsley and Gordon for the starting spot.

On defense there is still plenty to work out until the Cougs take on Wyoming, September 1. The defensive tackle spots and RUSH linebacker position are question marks, but Nnamdi Oguayo will likely start at defensive end again this year. One time linebacker Logan Tago is now playing defensive tackle and is listed on Lawson’s two deep.

In the secondary, cornerback Marcus Strong is pushing for a starting spot again but it looks like he’s fallen behind Darrien Molton and Sean Harper Jr. for now.

Check out the rest of Lawson’s depth chart here.

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Football:

Projecting the depth chart: QB still very much unsettled at Washington State, but spring ball brings clarity to other positions | The Spokesman-Review
From 14 days of spring camp in Pullman and one scrimmage, we’ve gleaned much about what the Cougars’ depth chart could look like this fall when WSU travels to Wyoming for the season opener.

Falk, Mata’afa, Madison: How might the WSU Cougars fare in the NFL draft? Here’s a primer | The Seattle Times
NFL draft weekend is here, and with five WSU players considered drafty-worthy talent, this could end up being one of the most bountiful draft classes in recent history for the Cougars.

Resetting Patriots day 2 draft needs, options | New England Patriots
The hype surrounding Lamar Jackson possibly landing in New England died when the former Heisman winner went to Baltimore with the 32nd pick. Still, the desire to add a developmental quarterback remains. Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph is the top overall target left, along with Western Kentucky’s Mike White, Richmond’s Kyle Lauletta and Washington State’s Luke Falk.

Denver Broncos' Day 2 NFL draft options include running back, cornerback
Will the Broncos find their backup to Case Keenum on Friday? Keep a close eye on Mason Rudolph (Oklahoma State), Kyle Lauletta (Richmond), Luke Falk (Washington State) and Mike White (Western Kentucky).

Washington State football: Sizing up Luke Falk and the upcoming second round of NFL draft
Luke Falk didn’t hear his name called Thursday in the first round of the NFL draft, setting up an intriguing second round Friday in which five teams believed interested in taking quarterbacks hold six picks.

Tennis:

Area roundup: Washington State women’s tennis edges California at Pac-12 championships | The Spokesman-Review
Tiffany Myloans won the final two sets in tiebreakers to lead fifth-seeded Washington State to a 4-3 victory over No. 4 California in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 women’s tennis championships on Thursday in Ojai, California.