Nakia Watson is making noise at WSU camp

Heading into the season, running back was seen as a position of strength for the Washington State Cougars — Deon McIntosh was excellent in the shortened 2020 season, and we already know what Max Borghi can do, even as he missed almost all of last season with an injury.

Figuring out how to get touches for both them was going to be a major challenge for the Run and Shoot, which typically features just one running back. But if you believe Colton Clark’s most recent practice report for The Spokesman-Review, the situation could get even more complicated.

Wisconsin transfer Nakia Watson is putting the pressure on McIntosh for the backup spot.

“How are we gonna get all the running backs touches that deserve it?” Rolovich pondered aloud.

The 5-11, 230-pound Watson, a former four-star prep recruit, prides himself on his power-game capacities, but he’s not a shabby cutter or open-field runner by any stretch.

“A great addition has been Nakia,” offensive coordinator Brian Smith said Saturday. “He’s made our running back room a lot better and our depth a whole lot stronger. We’re excited about having someone with a little different style of play than some of the other guys.”

Watson is only a redshirt junior, but he’s actually got three years of eligibility remaining if he elects to use them because of the Covid year. I’d be bummed out for McIntosh if he got beat out by Watson, but I’d also be pretty excited, because I know how good McIntosh is.

LINKS

Searching for starters: Some Washington State position battles get an update, others remain unresolved | Washington State University | khq.com
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