:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67225714/1169222794.jpg.0.jpg)
On Monday, Cougar football potentially lost one of their top wide receivers when senior Tay Martin entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.
On Tuesday, it was the other side of the ball taking the potential hit when redshirt senior defensive back Skyler Thomas announced that he was reopening his recruitment and will also enter the transfer portal.
Would like to thank Washington State for a great 4 years. I am forever thankful for Coug nation.I am also thankful for all the coaches who have helped me get this point. With that being said I have put my name in the transfer portal and would to reopen my recruitment. 2️⃣5️⃣
— Skyler Thomas (@Skydollaa) August 18, 2020
Last year wasn’t exactly a great one for the WSU defense, but Thomas was a consistent force for the team. He started in all but one game, racking up 72 tackles, along with a team-best four interceptions. He’s also a versatile talent, starting every game in 2018 at free safety before moving to a hybrid role last season as a redshirt junior.
If the Cougs do lose Thomas next season, it will be another hit to an inexperienced secondary. The team loses a starting cornerback in Marcus Strong to graduation, and has to replace safety Bryce Beekman after his tragic death last season.
Much like Martin on Monday, Thomas didn’t say why he was looking to transfer, but it wouldn’t be too far of a stretch to guess that the move is related to the Pac-12’s decision to postpone the fall football schedule. The ACC, Big 12 and SEC are all planning to take the field in September and those three conferences could be potential landing spots for the players.
If those conferences end up playing this fall (and the likelihood of that happening could still be up in the air), and Thomas and Martin can find a way to be eligible and ready to play in time, a transfer might be their best opportunity to earn their way into a shot at the NFL.
Links
Washington State loses another player to transfer portal as Skyler Thomas reopens recruitment | The Spokesman-Review
On Monday, Washington State lost one of its top offensive players to the transfer portal.
Lane Kiffin weighs in on eligibility for transfers from Big Ten, Pac-12
Kiffin shared his thoughts on undergrad transfers from the Big Ten and Pac-12.
How Player Movements Brought College Football to a Tipping Point - The Ringer
In a summer defined by a pandemic and protests, college football players found their voice. What happens next could forever change the sport.
Five Minutes With Keiana Fountaine - Washington State University Athletics
Catch up with junior swimmer Keiana Fountaine.