Gage Gubrud confident he can live up to high expectations

As a graduate transfer quarterback into the Washington State Cougars program, there is a high standard to live up to. Record-breaking signal called Gardner Minshew set a new standard in Pullman. And while Gubrud would love to repeat that performance, he’s not trying to emulate Minshew.

“I don’t lead the same way as Gardner, I don’t throw the ball the same way as Gardner. So they’re all different things, and Gardner’s a great quarterback, but we go about things differently,” Gubrud told the media Tuesday after practice in Lewiston, via the Spokesman Review. “We’re all different people. It’s a new team. Nothing we did last year as a team matters for this year.”

It’s easy for people to put that pressure on the EWU transfer, but it’s important to remember that he hasn’t even officially won the job yet. Head coach Mike Leach isn’t ready to name a starter yet and his teammates/competition Anthony Gordon and Trey Tinsley are sure to make it an interesting battle. But there’s no denying that Gubrud brings some unique aspects to the position.

“He brings another element to the game,” Misiona Aiolupotea-Pei told the media, once again via the Spokesman Review. “You’ve got to watch out for the run or the pass as well. He’s a good player.”

Of course, there is a big adjustment to make moving from the FCS to the Power 5. But Gubrud has shown poise so far this falls, even after missing spring football with an injury. He may not be Minshew, but he may be the next big thing for Washington State.

Links

Gage Gubrud finding comfort at Washington State, where transfer QB aims to blaze his own trail | The Spokesman-Review
The Cougars don’t expect Gage Gubrud to grow out his facial hair, or adopt any other Minshewisms for that matter, and while they wouldn’t mind another hallmark passing season from whoever replaces the reigning Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, they’d prefer their latest grad transfer do things his own way.

What we saw from WSU in day five of fall camp - KXLY
We're starting to see more in the QB battle and the wide receiver depth in the hottest day of fall camp yet for Washington State football.

Gage Gubrud talks adjusting to WSU, Air Raid offense at fall camp | krem.com
The media got to speak to Gage Gubrud for the first time in fall camp on Tuesday.

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