HCA: 808 Heartbreak

With a signing day less than a week there is never any shortage of drama. WSU got a taste of that Tuesday when coveted Hawaii recruit Alaka’I Gilman de-commited from WSU and announced his decision via twitter.

The Honolulu native was considered an explosive athlete who could fill an immediate need in the Cougar secondary. The 5-foot-10 190 pounder was considered the 7^th best player on Hawaii and boasted offers from Cal, Arizona State and his most likely next landing spot Stanford. The Cougars also lost another sought after defensive back prospect when Florida cornerback Daryl Porter committed to West Virginia.

Elsewhere in the recruiting world the Cougars got some good news from Hawaii when quarterback Jayden de Laura re-affirmed his intention to sign with WSU next week spurning offers from USC and Ohio State. The Cougars also picked up their 18^th commitment when Salt Lake City offensive lineman Rodrick Tialavea committed to WSU over offers from Arizona, Tennesee and Virginia. The 6-foot-5 315 pounder was the composite 10^th best player in the state of Utah. Roc Bellantoni and Mason Miller were the lead recruiters on young Mr. Tialavea. Here are some highlights of the big man.

Football

In second NFL season, ex-Washington State star Hercules Mata’afa still trying to outplay his size | The Spokesman-Review
Fewer than two full seasons into his professional career, Mata’afa is still fighting a stereotype that some thought would preclude him from playing in the NFL at all.

WSU notebook: Linebacker Dominick Silvels announces decision to enter transfer portal; Blake Mazza named to All-Pac-12 First Team | The Seattle Times
Dominick Silvels, a Washington State linebacker who led the Cougars in sacks last year but missed the entirety of the 2019 season with undisclosed personal issues, has entered the transfer...

WSU calendar dates to know between now and Cheez-It Bowl
Cougs' travel day to Phoenix scheduled for Dec. 23

Ryan Leaf will call WSU's Cheez-It Bowl for ESPN
Media agrees, Cougs vs. Air Force in the 'must see' bowl game category

So what's the deal with WSU receiver Dezmon Patmon's helmet?
Gabe Marks explains why old teammate stands out in a crowd

Soccer

Washington State soccer team ranked 4th in nation in final poll
WASHINGTON STATE'S scrappy band of soccer players that carried WSU to its first-ever Final Four, and brought long-time powerhouse North Carolina to the precipice in the

WSU’s Morgan Weaver, Makamae Gomera-Stevens called up to U.S. senior national team | The Seattle Times
On Monday, senior Morgan Weaver and junior Makamae Gomera-Stevens were called up to the U.S. women’s national team and will join the four-time World Cup champions for Identification Camp in...

Basketball

Cougs Come Home to Take on UC Riverside Sunday - Washington State University Athletics
WSU hits the home stretch of non-conference play beginning with the Highlanders.

Baseball

Cougars Announce 2020 Baseball Schedule - Washington State University Athletics
The Cougars open the 2020 season Feb. 14 at CSU Bakersfield.