CougCenter - 2016 WSU Football: Previewing the position groups for 2016Why Washington State? Well that's a stupid question.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47853/fave.png2016-04-15T11:30:02-07:00http://www.cougcenter.com/rss/stream/107959292016-04-15T11:30:02-07:002016-04-15T11:30:02-07:002016 at a glance: Young, deep DBs on upward path
<figure>
<img alt="Washington State v UCLA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PFiDh7ygKJ3Hn1C0hdsTvZD0_K4=/0x0:3840x2560/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49323915/497204756.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In part seven of an eight-part look at the past, present and future of each of the Cougars' units, we assess the defensive secondary, which is on a tremendous upward trajectory.</p> <p>With signing day in the rear view mirror and spring football well underway, now's a great time to take stock of each of the eight position groups on WSU's roster. Let's go back over to defense for a unit that has made perhaps the biggest strides of any on the roster in the past two seasons: The secondary.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking back at 2015</h1>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="735">
<colgroup> <col width="134" span="5"> <col width="65"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td colspan="6" height="15" width="735">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">End of Season Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>CB</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>FS</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>SS</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>CB</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>NB</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><i>Starter</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Darrien Molton</span>, Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Shalom Luani</span>, Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Taylor Taliulu</span>, Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Marcellus Pippins</span>, So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Parker Henry</span>, RS-Jr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><i>2nd</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Kirkland Parker</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Isaac Dotson</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Calvin Green</span>, So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Charleston White</span>, RS-So</td>
<td>
<span>Logan Tago</span>, Fr</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<table width="479" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup> <col width="115"> <col span="14" width="26"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td width="115" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="130" colspan="5"><i>Tackles</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="130" colspan="5"><i>Def Int</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" width="104" colspan="4"><i>Fumbles</i></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><b>Player</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Solo</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Ast</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Tot</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Loss</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Sk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Int</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>PD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>FR</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>FF</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15">Shalom Luani</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">67</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">23</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">90</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">123</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">30.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Parker Henry</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">36</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">35</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">71</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">6.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Taylor Taliulu</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">36</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">13</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">49</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">42</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">42</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15">Darrien Molton</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">34</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">10</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">44</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15">Marcellus Pippins</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">28</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">15</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">43</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">77</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">25.7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Isaac Dotson</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">29</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">34</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15">Charleston White</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">20</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">28</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15">Kirkland Parker</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">10</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">17</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Calvin Green</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Colton Teglovic</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Treshon Broughton</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Darius Lemora</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><br><i>Provided by <a href="http://www.sports-reference.com/sharing.shtml?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool">Sports-Reference.com/CFB</a>: <a href="http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/washington-state/2015.html?sr&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=Share&utm_campaign=ShareTool#defense_and_fumbles">View Original Table</a><br>Generated 4/9/2016.</i></p>
<p><strong>In Brief: </strong>No unit was more maligned in Mike Breske's unfortunate tenure as WSU defensive coordinator than the secondary; in two of Breske's three seasons, the Cougs' pass defense was among the worst in the nation, unable to prevent plays big and small through the air.</p>
<p>Of course, it's probably not a coincidence that WSU's one bowl appearance in the first three (2013) was the year the secondary wasn't a total tire fire. So there was hope when Alex Grinch arrived as the new defensive coordinator -- fresh from a stint as Missouri's secondary coach -- that the secondary could immediately improve and again take the team's fortunes with it.</p>
<p>And that's exactly what happened.</p>
<p>The Cougars improved from 127th in passing yards allowed per game to a thoroughly respectable (by WSU standards, anyway) 64th, thanks mostly to vast improvement in limiting explosive plays. In 2014, WSU allowed a whopping 78 pass plays of 15 yards or more, including 36 of 25 yards or more; that number was 59 last season, including just 17 of 25 yards or more:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="wsu explosive pass plays allowed" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MRWy9RkYljme5o6BeQAWR60H2y4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6321357/wsu%20explosive%20pass%20plays.png">
</figure>
<p>WSU actually allowed the exact same number of pass plays of 15 to 24 yards, but eliminated 19(!!!) plays of 25+ yards. <em>That</em> will do wonders for your yards per game totals:</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="793">
<colgroup> <col width="138"> <col width="122"> <col width="107"> <col width="122"> <col width="126"> <col width="113"> <col width="65"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" width="138"></td>
<td width="122"><b>ATT</b></td>
<td width="107"><b>Y/G</b></td>
<td width="122"><b>15+ Total</b></td>
<td width="126"><b>% of Att. 15+</b></td>
<td width="113"><b>25+ Total</b></td>
<td width="65"><b>% of Att. 25+</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><i>2012</i></td>
<td>408</td>
<td>262.2</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>16.4</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>5.1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><i>2013</i></td>
<td>458</td>
<td>269.6</td>
<td>75</td>
<td>16.4</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>7.0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><i>2014</i></td>
<td>429</td>
<td>296.6</td>
<td>78</td>
<td>18.2</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>8.4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><i>2015</i></td>
<td>427</td>
<td>223.0</td>
<td>59</td>
<td>13.8</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>4.0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Beyond simply keeping things in front of them, the secondary also was much more disruptive. WSU broke up a higher percentage of pass attempts in 2015 than the year before (eight more total against roughly the same number of pass attempts) and did a better job of converting those deflections into interceptions. Generally, a team will pick off something between 21 and 24 percent of its defensed passes, but in 2014, the Cougs only picked off a paltry 6 percent. That's incredibly low -- extreme outlier low. Combining a higher rate of passes defensed with a bounce back in that rate (26.5 percent) led to interceptions jumping from three to 13.</p>
<p>There are a lot of directions you can go with the credit for improvement; some of that surely was schematic, some of it obviously was due to development of existing players on the roster, and some of it was simply thanks to an immediate talent infusion.</p>
<p>In terms of the latter, junior college transfer Shalom Luani (safety) and true freshman Darrien Molton (corner) had enormous impacts, starting from game one. Luani did his best <span>Deone Bucannon</span> impression, showing a nose for the ball with those four interceptions and an ability to lay the lumber. Molton, meanwhile, was often conspicuous by his anonymity: Teams just didn't generally throw his direction. Luani earned all-conference honorable mention, while Molton was named to a number of freshman all-<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american" class="sbn-auto-link">American</a> teams while earning the distinction of being Pro Football Focus' <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2015/12/11/9909736/darrien-molton-earns-top-true-freshman-cornerback-grade">highest-graded freshman corner</a>.</p>
<p>"(Molton) came in here and it didn’t take long," <a href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2015/dec/14/young-cornerbacks-darrien-molton-and-marcellus-pip/">Leach said</a>. "A day into camp he started creating a presence out there and continued to improve, and then you wonder if he was going to fade at all, or flinch, or take a step back like freshmen do sometimes. And he never really did. He’s steadily been in the starting lineup throughout the season, and I think the distinction is well deserved, too."</p>
<p>In terms of development, senior Taylor Taliulu became a serviceable strong safety, while sophomore Marcellus Pippins saw the bulk of the action across from Molton, although Charleston White also saw plenty of action -- he started a pair of games Molton sat out due to injury against Arizona and Stanford. The defense really didn't miss a beat in either of those games. (If we pretend like the last 5 minutes in Tucson didn't happen, anyway.)</p>
<p>The installation of Grinch's system also brought a new position into the mix: Nickleback. While every school uses a "nickel" at times, Grinch made it a permanent position that went beyond the traditional fifth defensive back -- it was more of the hybrid LB/DB role that has become in vogue in college football over the past half decade. Isaac Dotson -- nearly linebacker size -- started the season there, but after suffering through another spate of injuries, former walk-on Parker Henry stepped in and played extremely well. He's a bit smaller than Dotson, but is lacking nothing in the toughness category.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Ahead to 2016</h1>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="728">
<colgroup> <col width="138"> <col width="122"> <col width="107"> <col width="122"> <col width="126"> <col width="113"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td colspan="6" height="15" width="728">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Projected Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>CB</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>FS</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>SS</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>CB</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>NB</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><i>Starter</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Darrien Molton, So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Shalom Luani, Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Jalen Thompson, Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Marcellus Pippins, Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Parker Henry, RS-Sr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><i>2nd</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Charleston White, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Robert Taylor, Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Charleston White, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Treshon Broughton, Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Isaac Dotson, RS-Jr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><i>3rd/etc</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Deion Singleton</span>, RS-Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Darius Lemora</span>, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Hunter Dale</span>, So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Willie Roach</span>, RS-Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Kirkland Parker, RS-Jr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Suli Hameed</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Kameron Powell</span>, RS-Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Colton Teglovic, RS-Sr</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>In Brief: </strong>While the improvement was definitely something to get excited about, Grinch will be the first to tell you that the secondary most certainly hasn't yet arrived.</p>
<p>Those 13 interceptions ranked just 47th nationally on a per game basis. The passes broken up still ranked just 98th. They were 79th in number of first downs allowed via the pass. Their completion percentage against was 114th nationally. And whatever you think of passer rating as a metric, the Cougs ranked just 59th nationally. Yes, the pass defense looked pretty good overall in the advanced metrics, ranking 24th nationally overall by S&P+, but the Cougars ranked 79th nationally in the metric on passing downs and 114th in success rate allowed on those downs.</p>
<p>Fortunately, there is good reason to believe that the Cougars can continue on their upward trend of improvement.</p>
<p>The biggest reason is simply experience. Grinch returns, as does virtually all the personnel -- most of which has two or more years of eligibility remaining -- including the secondary's strongest players, Molton and Luani. The athletes should be stronger, faster and more savvy in their second year in Grinch's system. They already look pretty great, even just in spring; <a href="http://www.wsucougars.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?id=5278609" target="_blank">this video</a> gives you a good look not just at that, but at how Grinch is coaching these guys now with a season under his belt. (Sorry for the extra click -- the embedding didn't want to play nice with our site.)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That means this spring WSU has been toying with moving guys around to different positions in an effort to get his best (and fastest) players on the field. White has seen some time at safety next to Luani, where Grinch needs to replace Taliulu. Also factoring into the mix next to Luani will be true freshman Jalen Thompson, an early enrolee who has opened a lot of eyes this spring.</p>
<p>Additionally, Pippins has lost reps this spring at corner to Treshon Broughton, a highly regarded junior college transfer who missed fall camp while (presumably) clearing up some eligibility issues. He never did seem to catch up last season, but now that he's fully up to speed with an offseason still to go, it wouldn't be a shocker if he won a job. Again, not because Pippins backslid, but because he just got beat.</p>
<p>Nickel should be solid with Henry and possibly Dotson, who was seen working a bit at linebacker early in spring. There certainly will be other names in the mix ... we just don't yet know who they will be. Logan Tago, now headed for rush end, played some nickel last season, so if you have a guess as to who might see action there, you have a decent chance of not being wrong.</p>
<p>It's a heck of a place to be for a unit that can take even <em>another </em>giant step forward this season.</p>
<p>"The one thing I will highlight is the need for more production," <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2016/3/24/11302486/wsu-cougars-alex-grinch-defensive-coordinator-spring-practice">Grinch said in a radio interview in March</a>. "We need to get more hands on footballs when the ball is thrown. I think we were in situations where we need to win more battles with the ball in the air. If the standard is 'we weren't bad,' then that's a pretty low standard. We need to improve that way. There are more plays for us to make on the back end."</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">2017 Recruiting Outlook</h1>
<p>Defensive back is one of the few positions where WSU has already secured a commitment for 2017. Tayari Venable, out of Rancho Cucamonga, California, gave his verbal way back in July -- before starting his <em>junior </em>season, which ended up in the CIF playoffs. He <a href="http://www.recruitingnewsguru.com/interview-washington-state-2017-cb-commit-tayari-venable-gaining-national-recruiting-interest/">finished</a> with 50 tackles, broke up three passes, forced two fumbles, and picked off a pass:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/3962823/highlights/316297386" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><a href="http://www.recruitingnewsguru.com/interview-washington-state-2017-cb-commit-tayari-venable-gaining-national-recruiting-interest/">According to Venable</a>, WSU offered after he came to their camp, and he quickly accepted.</p>
<p>"I feel like I can play early there," he said back in September, after his junior year. "I really like the way Coach (Mike) Leach has turned the program around. I think it’s pretty great."</p>
<p>How solid is a kid who commits before his junior year? Who knows. He doesn't list himself as a WSU commit on his <a href="http://twitter.com/trvenable1">Twitter page</a>, and he's been retweeting a lot of Oregon State tweets recently. He also said in that December interview that he was planning on taking lots of visits up and down the coast. So ... yeah. Take it for what it's worth. But he's a solid <a href="http://247sports.com/player/tayari-venable-84785">three-star composite</a> kid who would be a nice addition to the roster.</p>
<p>Some of the <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2016/2/10/10964600/wsu-football-recruiting-notebook-focus-quickly-shifts-to-2017-class">other offers</a> that are out to defensive backs include three-stars <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Michael-Onyemaobi-89246">Michael Onyemaobi</a>, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Elijah-Hicks-89002">Elijah Hicks</a>, and <a href="http://www.scout.com/player/197861-jason-rucker">Jason Rucker</a>, who visited on <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2016/4/1/11343648/wsu-cougars-football-recruiting-junior-day-visitors">Junior Day a couple of weeks ago</a>. Other Junior Day visitors included Venable's teammate and three-star <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Darren-Hall-89359">Darren Hall</a>, two-star recruit Anfernee Gurley (Everett) and unrated recruits <span>Brandon Thompson</span> (Yelm), Max Novak (Tacoma) and Vos Price (Chino Hills, California).</p>
<p>You can view 247Sports.com's full list of corner offers <a href="http://washingtonstate.247sports.com/Season/2017-Football/Offers?Position=CB">here</a> and safeties <a href="http://washingtonstate.247sports.com/Season/2017-Football/Offers?Position=S">here</a>.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2016/4/15/11399564/shalom-luani-darrien-molton-wsu-footballJeff Nusser2016-03-31T13:55:44-07:002016-03-31T13:55:44-07:002016 at a glance: No Dahl, no problem for OL
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rWpuucyeYm5ZgHNgXoQUeie6juY=/125x461:3087x2436/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49206507/Sorenson-Riley-Wyoming-2015-001_20_3_.0.JPG" />
<figcaption>Riley Sorenson is a stalwart at center. | WSU Athletic Communications</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In part six of an eight-part look at the past, present and future of each of the Cougars' units, we assess the offensive line, which continues to get better and better.</p> <p>With signing day in the rearview mirror and spring football just starting, now's a great time to take stock of each of the eight position groups on WSU's roster. Let's stick with the offense for a unit that will be replacing 40 percent of its starters but should still be really good: The offensive line.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Back at 2015</h1>
<table width="642" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup> <col width="42"> <col width="132"> <col width="115"> <col width="113"> <col width="133"> <col width="107"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="22">
<td style="text-align: center;" width="642" height="22" colspan="6">
<h5>End of Season Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>LT</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>LG</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>C</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>RG</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>RT</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Starter</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Joe Dahl</span>, RS-Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Gunnar Eklund</span>, RS-Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Riley Sorenson</span>, Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Eduardo Middleton</span>, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Cole Madison</span>, RS-So</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Backup</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Andre Dillard</span>, RS-Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Cody O'Connell</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Sam Flor</span>, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>B.J. Salmonson</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Jacob Seydel</span>, RS-Sr</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>In Brief: </strong>Mike Leach loves to tell anyone who will listen what an awful offensive line group he inherited from Paul Wulff -- particularly the lack of depth and size. The thing about offensive lines, though, is that unless you're a blue blood school, there are no quick ways to rebuild a unit that had fallen as far as WSU's did; there just aren't enough ready made 300-pounders with strength and good feet to go around.</p>
<p>If you're WSU, that means you're facing a multi-year process of targeting guys with big frames whom you can develop in order to eventually end up with eight or nine guys who can start or step into the lineup at any given time.</p>
<p>In 2015, they finally arrived.</p>
<p>Led by its rock-solid left side, the offensive line was a strength for the first time in the Leach era. The team's <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/pages/2015-washington-state-advanced-statistical-profile#pgh/5/1653.75">adjusted sack rate</a> actually took a step back in 2015, ranking 50th nationally after finishing 21st in 2014 and 40th in 2013. But much of that can be chalked up to Luke Falk's propensity to hold onto the ball a bit longer than his predecessor (<a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2015/10/1/9430891/luke-falk-wsu-cougars-air-raid">especially early in the season</a>).</p>
<p>Far more indicative of the progress of the line are two things.</p>
<p>First, from a pass protection perspective, the offensive line was stellar on the downs when the defense was most likely to be able to ignore the prospect of a run and simply try and get after the quarterback -- the team's sack rate on passing downs ranked 19th nationally, a massive improvement from the season before.</p>
<p>Second, the run game was finally a legitimate threat. Bill Connelly has a stat called "Adjusted Line Yards" which is basically his way of measuring how much of the run game can be credited to the offensive line (adjusted for opponent); in 2015, the Cougars improved from 118th to 88th, making room for the three-headed monster of Gerard Wicks/<span>Jamal Morrow</span>/<span>Keith Harrington</span> to improve the team's yards per carry (by running backs) from 3.9 in 2014 to a whopping 6.1 last season.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most encouraging thing? When all-Pac-12/NFL prospect <span>Joe Dahl</span> went down with a foot injury, the team was able to cover for him, first by sending <span>Gunnar Eklund</span> outside and bringing in Jacob Seydel, then by using redshirt freshman <span>Andre Dillard</span>, who played really well (up until the Apple Cup, anyway). <span>Sam Flor</span> was able to step in just fine at center when Riley Sorenson missed a couple of games, including the Sun Bowl.</p>
<p>WSU showed it had eight legitimate Pac-12 players. Having come a long way from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_13v4ZcfmQ">days like this</a>, the depth and skill that had been so lacking in 2012 had finally been achieved.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Ahead to 2016</h1>
<table width="642" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup> <col width="42"> <col width="132"> <col width="115"> <col width="113"> <col width="133"> <col width="107"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="22">
<td style="text-align: center;" width="642" height="22" colspan="6">
<h5>Projected Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>LT</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>LG</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>C</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>RG</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>RT</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Starter</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Andre Dillard, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Cody O'Connell</span>, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Riley Sorenson, Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Eduardo Middleton</span>, RS-Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Cole Madison</span>, RS-Jr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Backup</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Cedric Bigge-Duren</span>, RS-Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Drew Norvell</span>, RS-Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Noah Osur-Myers</span>, RS-Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>B.J. Salmonson</span>, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Salmonson/Bigge-Duren</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>In Brief: </strong>The most obvious and pressing concern is replacing the left side of the line. Dahl and Eklund had been fixtures for three seasons, an eternity in college football. There might be a lot more trepidation, had Dillard not played a lot better than you'd ever have a right to expect at the end of last season.</p>
<p>A cool thing about Dillard is that he fits the athletic profile of a left tackle. Not that it's a requirement -- Dahl obviously performed great out there for the past two-plus years -- but there's something about seeing a 6-foot-5 guy at a lean and strong 290 pounds (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/mar/26/cougars-prepare-andre-dillard-as-capable-replaceme/">he has the highest power clean on the team</a>) smoothly and calmly stifle a pass rusher. The second play on this clip is Dillard making it look <em>easy</em> against Logan Tago in spring practice:</p>
<div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Some 1-on-1's between the big fellas! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoCougs?src=hash">#GoCougs</a> <a href="https://t.co/xkJSRaRJDE">pic.twitter.com/xkJSRaRJDE</a></p>
— WSU Cougar Football (@wsucougfb) <a href="https://twitter.com/wsucougfb/status/714957219532410881">March 29, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</div>
<p>While Dillard's obviously got a long way to go to provide the kind of production Dahl supplied, the potential is plain to see. And that's super exciting.</p>
<p>Coug fans have been drooling over Cody O'Connell for years, and it finally appears he's poised to get his shot at showing what he can do with his massive 6-8/351 frame. He'll likely take over for Eklund, and it will be interesting to see if his size is an asset or a liability -- he's the one who gets out-leveraged by 6-3/296 <span>Daniel Ekuale</span> in the first play above.</p>
<p>With all the emphasis on the left side of the line, it feels like the center and right side get short shrift sometimes. That's a mistake. Sorenson and Madison were each all-Pac-12 honorable mention in 2015, and Middleton was named to the AP's all-Pac-12 first team.</p>
<p>Here's a fun clip of Middleton and Sorenson busting it down the field on a screen to Harrington against ... wait, who was this against again? I don't remember. Anyway:</p>
<p> </p>
<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.072%;"><iframe style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="https://streamable.com/e/ys52?hd=1"></iframe></div>
<p> </p>
<p>In fact, I'll be more surprised if Sorenson, Middleton and potentially even Madison (who will be a junior) <em>don't </em>play their way onto NFL radars this season. Madison, in particular, could excite scouts -- he was a tight end in high school who had to grow into his body, and there are times he still runs to the second level like a tight end.</p>
<p>It's the presence of those three that should allow a little bit of time for the left side to figure out whatever they need to figure out.</p>
<p>One interesting aspect of the depth chart is that you see only nine guys on the two deep. Jacob Thorpe's reporting from spring practice for the Spokesman-Review has indicated that WSU might only be comfortable with those guys as potential contributors this upcoming season -- right now, Cole Madison is getting reps with both the first and second team, while Cedric Bigge-Duren is getting reps on the second team at both left tackle and left guard. The depth took a little bit of a hit when Flor decided to forgo his fifth year and get on with his life, so if this is an indication of where the depth stands heading into the fall ... here's to hoping there's no rash of injuries.</p>
<p>In the end, though, this unit should be Leach's strongest yet at WSU.</p>
<h1>2017 Recruiting Outlook</h1>
<p>In Leach's five recruiting classes, he's taken seven, six, three, five and six offensive linemen, but with only two linemen graduating, there's a chance this load ends up on the small side for WSU -- perhaps only four.</p>
<p>One guy WSU would love to land is <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Dontae-Powell-78925">Richland tackle Dontae Powell</a>, a composite three-star recruit whom Scout rates as four stars. <a href="http://www.scout.com/college/washington-state/story/1648187-4-star-ot-tells-cf-c-he-ll-visit-wsu-in-april">According to Cougfan.com</a>, the Cougs offered him as a sophomore and are hoping that work pays off as he's entering his senior season:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/3417239/highlights/322827388"></iframe></p>
<p>Interestingly, WSU has a couple of offers out to junior college linemen. <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2016/2/10/10964600/wsu-football-recruiting-notebook-focus-quickly-shifts-to-2017-class">Via Britton Ransford</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Washington State rarely offers junior college offensive linemen, however City College of San Francisco's <strong>Elliot Baker</strong> <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/elliot_baker/status/695698949391253504">picked up a WSU offer over the weekend</a></strong>. The 6-foot-7, 295-pound lineman has also been offered by Arizona State, Illinois, Iowa State, Louisville and Missouri. WSU safety <span>Shalom Luani</span> and recent signee Robert Taylor, also a safety, also played for CCSF.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/bigtymeballa000/status/697598262077837312">Joining Baker in picking up an offer from Washington State</a></strong> as a junior college offensive tackle is <strong>Ronald Rudd III</strong>. The Chaffey College, Calif., product is listed at 6-foot-7, 320-pounds and also holds offers from Louisville and Missouri. WSU is clearly looking to add some junior college help on the offensive line in this class.</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/jaxson_kirkland/status/696853157591134208">The Cougars were the first program to offer</a></strong> Portland, Ore., offensive tackle <strong>Jaxson Kirkland</strong> on Monday afternoon. Kirkland is listed at 6-foot-6, 320-pounds and should see his recruitment pick up significantly in the coming months. ...</p>
<p>Mike Leach and Clay McGuire can never have enough big men up front. On Wednesday, <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/Ryan_Nelson_54/status/697510296793911296">they extended an offer</a></strong> to Buena Park, Calif., offensive lineman <strong>Ryan Nelson</strong>. The 6-foot-6, 254-pound tackle is rated three-stars by <em>Rivals.com</em> and also holds offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Colorado State, Nebraska, Utah and others. ...</p>
<p>Staying in Northern California, <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/yung_lijh/status/697628675525603328">Washington State extended an offer</a></strong> to Oakland, Calif., offensive lineman <strong>Alijah Vera-Tucker</strong>. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound offensive tackle prospect is rated four-stars by the 24/7 Sports Composite and the No. 29 tackle in the 2017 class. In addition to WSU, Vera-Tucker holds offers from Oregon, Cal, UCLA, Washington and Nebraska.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Regarding the juco thing, it's possible WSU is a tad concerned with the development of some of the younger players, as would seem to be indicated by the spring rotations noted at the end of the previous section. Adding a junior or two to the mix could be a way to bridge that gap until the younger guys are ready.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2016/3/31/11340336/wsu-football-andre-dillard-cody-o-connell-riley-sorenson-eduardo-middleton-cole-madisonJeff Nusser2016-03-28T09:03:28-07:002016-03-28T09:03:28-07:002016 at a glance: WRs about to destroy some fools
<figure>
<img alt="Washignton State v Oregon" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MZAU5V0rDzax1mqSuzoKxBN4UgE=/4x589:2029x1939/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49167991/492178036.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In part five of an eight-part look at the past, present and future of each of the Cougars' units, we assess the wide receivers, who will be giving opposing defense coordinators nightmares.</p> <p>With signing day in the rearview mirror and spring football just starting, now's a great time to take stock of each of the eight position groups on WSU's roster. Let's go back over to the offense for a unit that is amazingly deep and led by perhaps the best player on the entire roster: The wide receivers.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Back at 2015</h1>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="535">
<colgroup> <col width="107" span="5"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td colspan="5" height="15" width="535">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">End of Season Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>X</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>H</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Y</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Z</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><i>Starter</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Dom Williams</span>, RS-Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Robert Lewis</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>River Cracraft</span>, Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Gabe Marks</span>, RS-Jr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><i>Backup</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Ky Priester, So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Tyler Baker</span>, RS-Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>John Thompson</span>, Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Tavares Martin Jr, Fr</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table width="325" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup> <col span="5" width="65"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td width="325" height="15" colspan="5">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">2015 Stats</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="4"><i>Receiving</i></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><b>Player</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rec</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Gabe Marks</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">104</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1192</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">11.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">15</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Dom Williams</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">75</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1040</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">13.9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">11</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>River Cracraft</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">53</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">615</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">11.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Robert Lewis</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">43</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">490</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">11.4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Kyrin Priester</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">33</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">241</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">7.3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>John Thompson</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">255</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">10.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Kyle Sweet</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">21</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">222</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">10.6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15">Tavares Martin Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">16</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">124</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">7.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Tyler Baker</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">13</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">114</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">8.8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Daniel Lilienthal</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">32</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>In Brief: </strong>There was some trepidation heading into the season after the departure of leading receiver <span>Vince Mayle</span>, who took 106 receptions and more than 1,400 yards with him when he departed for the NFL. Those worries turned out to be completely for naught, as Gabe Marks -- a former four-star recruit returning from an injury-plagued redshirt season -- seamlessly replaced Mayle as his quarterback's safety blanket.</p>
<p>You needed a play made at a critical juncture? Take a cue from Marks' Twitter handle: Just <a href="http://twitter.com/throwitupto9">@throwitupto9</a>. For a player who saw as many targets as he did, Marks' team-leading catch rate of 70 percent was absurd. He made play after play after play in the biggest moments, none bigger than the game-winning TD against UCLA:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-video">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here it is, your GAME-WINNER! Falk to Marks, 21 yards! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoCougs?src=hash">#GoCougs</a> <a href="https://t.co/rGV9770r36">https://t.co/rGV9770r36</a></p>
— WSU Cougar Football (@wsucougfb) <a href="https://twitter.com/wsucougfb/status/665796043074699264">November 15, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p>Dom Williams replaced Mayle as the big-play threat, and he did not disappoint. He continued to have a few issues with the dropsies, <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-vs-oregon/2015/10/13/9517881/dom-williams-oregon-grandmother-jennie-dodd">but he also was awesome in the clutch</a>, and he and Marks made for a devastating tandem on the outside.</p>
<p>Because of the targets that went to Marks -- way more targets than <span>Isiah Myers</span> attracted the year before at Z -- the Y position took a little bit more of a backseat with Falk at the helm. River Cracraft had a year that was only slightly more productive than his freshman season, but he was still awesome when called upon.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <span>Robert Lewis</span> brought some much needed production to H, which had been woefully underutilized in Mike Leach's first three seasons. He caught virtually the same number of balls, but he proved to be harder to bring down than in his freshman year, accumulating 120 more yards. He also might give Marks a run for his money as the toughest receiver on the field; the work he does as a blocker is amazing considering his size (5-foot-9, 170 pounds).</p>
<p>Newcomers Tavares Martin Jr., Ky Priester and Kyle Sweet each found roles -- Martin backing up Marks and returning kicks, Priester using his athleticism to become something of a screen game specialist, and Sweet showing elusiveness on the inside. All showed enough to have fans incredibly excited about their futures.</p>
<p><span>John Thompson</span> and Tyler Baker both were reliable options as reserves.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Ahead to 2016</h1>
<table width="535" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup> <col span="5" width="107"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td width="535" height="15" colspan="5">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Projected Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>X</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>H</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Y</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Z</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Starter</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Tavares Martin Jr, So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Robert Lewis</span>, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">River Cracraft, Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Gabe Marks, RS-Sr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Backup</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Isaiah Johnson</span>, Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Kyle Sweet, So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Ky Priester, Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Kaleb Fossum</span>, So</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>3rd, etc</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">C.J. Dimry, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Renard Bell, Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">John Thompson, Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Dezmon Patmon, Fr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Grant Porter, Fr</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Williams departs, taking his big-play ability with him, but everyone else of note returns -- including Marks, who many thought might take his degree and head off to try his hand at impressing NFL scouts.</p>
<p>But when Marks <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2015/12/27/10671332/gabe-marks-is-returning-for-his-senior-season">announced he had some unfinished business</a> he wanted to take care of, this instantly became one of the -- if not <em>the </em>-- scariest receiving units in all of the Pac-12.</p>
<p>At the top, Marks is a legitimate Biletnikoff Award candidate. He was a semifinalist for the award a year ago before being trimmed from the list -- <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2015/11/24/9795410/apple-cup-2015-gabe-marks">something that didn't sit well with him</a>. And that's part of what makes this group so exciting: These guys have an absolute lion leading them, a man who displays such incredible grit and toughness, his teammates can't help but follow his example.</p>
<p>The odds-on favorite to replace Williams opposite Marks is Martin. Although he backed up Marks a year ago as a true freshman, he fits the profile of what X has become in the Air Raid under Leach at WSU: Long-striding speedsters who can take the top off a defense. Still, Martin only caught 16 passes last season (seems like more, doesn't it?), which means a seamless insertion is far from certain.</p>
<p>Priester got lots of snaps at X in 2015, but he was lining up at Y at the first spring practice -- something of a surprise, given that he seemed to have the speed and body type to potentially dominate on the outside. However, it's that speed and strength that makes him a potentially intriguing piece on the inside. He's already demonstrated his ability to run through contact, something that could be a big asset inside where there are more bodies.</p>
<p>Lewis will continue to do what he does at H, the position that typically draws the fewest targets. I'd also expect Sweet to back him up there if Priester indeed sticks at Y.</p>
<p>Among the newcomers, Floridian <span>Isaiah Johnson</span> probably is positioned to make the most immediate contribution. At 6-3 and 214 pounds, he already looks the part and is enrolled and taking part in spring drills. I'd expect him to head for X. C.J. Dimry isn't technically a newcomer, but after redshirting last year, the 6-foot-5 junior college transfer could also be a factor at X, potentially replacing Williams' jump ball prowess in the end zone.</p>
<p>Other freshman who will be showing up this summer include Renard Bell (5-10/165), Dezmon Patmon (6-4/202) and Grant Porter (6-2/185); all will get a shot to play right away, with Bell profiling on the inside, and Patmon and Porter looking like outside receivers.</p>
<p>Also potentially contributing on the outside will be Kaleb Fossum, a walk-on whom the coaches like. He was running with the second team as spring practices got underway.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">2017 Recruiting Outlook</h1>
<p>Even with so many receivers on the roster, this always is a position WSU will recruit heavily -- with four receivers on the field on virtually every play, the Cougars rotate players heavily. According to Rivals, the Cougars have 10 offers out to receivers, perhaps indicating that WSU will cap its WR commits at three after taking four in the last cycle:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c6pqrksVpKc-kUWWfwueo2xkz9Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6247595/Screen_shot_2016-03-25_at_7.59.24_PM.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p>Bell is thought to be particularly interested; he's got offers from Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado so far. Isaiah Hodgins also is a kid at which the Cougs have a realistic shot. Here's his highlight video from his junior season:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2653560/highlights/296495408" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>If you're looking for the sickest highlights, that's probably four-star Tyjon Lindsey:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/3427309/highlights/303045394" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2016/3/28/11307678/gabe-marks-wsu-cougars-football-spring-football-2016Jeff Nusser2016-03-17T09:00:05-07:002016-03-17T09:00:05-07:002016 at a glance: Pelluer leads LB corps in flux
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Arizona State at Washington State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/P9_JOZu8_EUCMWefWfiurha2DlY=/258x140:1332x856/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49103347/usa-today-8909146.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>James Snook-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In part four of an eight-part look at the past, present and future of each of the Cougars' units, we assess the linebackers, who have a lot of snaps up for grabs.</p> <p>With signing day in the rearview mirror and spring football coming up, now's a great time to take stock of each of the eight position groups on WSU's roster. Let's go back over to the defense for a unit that will be replacing two of three starters for the fourth installment of our series: The linebackers.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Back at 2015</h1>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="503">
<colgroup>
<col width="65"> <col width="146" span="3"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td colspan="4" height="15" width="503" style="text-align: center;">
<h5>End of Season Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Will</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Mike</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rush</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><i>Starter</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Jeremiah Allison</span>, Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Peyton Pelluer</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Ivan McClennan, RS-Sr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><i>Backup</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Frankie Luvu</span>, So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Chandler Leniu</span>, RS-Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Kache Palacio</span>, Sr</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table style="text-align: center;" width="1218" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup>
<col span="10" width="65"> <col span="3" width="146"> <col span="2" width="65"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" width="1218" height="15" colspan="15">
<h5>Stats</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><i>Tackles</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><i>Def Int</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="4"><i>Fumbles</i></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><b>Player</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Solo</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Ast</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Tot</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Loss</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Sk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Int</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>PD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>FR</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>FF</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Peyton Pelluer</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">57</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">44</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">101</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">11</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Jeremiah Allison</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">63</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">34</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">97</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">5.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">44</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">44</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Ivan McLennan</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">24</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">38</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Kache Palacio</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">26</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">7</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">33</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">11</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Chandler Leniu</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">14</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Frankie Luvu</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">13</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Dylan Hanser</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">9</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">10</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Logan Tago</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">6</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">10</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0.5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Nate DeRider</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">5</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">3</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">8</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><span>Aaron Porter</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">4</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;" align="right">0</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>In Brief: </strong>At Will and Mike, Peyton Pelluer and Jeremiah Allison did what linebackers generally do -- rack up a lot of tackles -- but 2015 represented a step forward in a key area: Creating havoc.</p>
<p>Havoc is defined as plays that result in a tackle for loss, a pass defensed/intercepted, or a fumble forced, and the Cougars' linebackers ranked <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/pages/2015-washington-state-advanced-statistical-profile">16th nationally</a> in the percentage of those kinds of plays -- they actually were 50 percent better than the national average. Ideally, that's what you want your linebackers to do in a 3-4 defense.</p>
<p>Pelluer delivered on the faith the coaches showed him in 2014 when they elevated him as a redshirt freshman past Darryl Monroe. He was a steady force in the middle while coming up with big plays -- including a forced fumble at Rutgers that was pivotal in that game. And while Allison finished just behind Pelluer in total tackles, he actually led the linebackers in solo tackles. Both were tremendously productive -- and consistent.</p>
<p>At Rush LB, Kache Palacio and Ivan McClennan formed a formidable duo, combining for 12 sacks. While they technically played the same position, they were often on the field together in passing situations, putting pressure on the quarterback. Neither was dominant, but both were important cogs in the Cougs' multifaceted pass rush.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Ahead to 2016</h1>
<p><strong>Who Departs: </strong>Jeremiah Allison (6-2/228), Kache Palacio (6-2/231), Ivan McClennan (6-4/233)</p>
<table width="503" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="65"> <col span="3" width="146"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" width="503" height="15" colspan="4">Projected Depth Chart</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Will</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Mike</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rush</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Starter</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Frankie Luvu, Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Peyton Pelluer, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Dylan Hanser</span>, Jr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Backup</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Suliasi Tamaivena, Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Aaron Porter</span>, Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Logan Tago, So</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>3rd, etc</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Paris Taylor</span>, Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Greg Hoyd III</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Chima Onyeukwu, Jr</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Nnamdi Oguayo</span>, So.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>In Brief: </strong>With half the two deep graduating, another backup thought to be changing positions (Chandler Leniu to defensive line), and the coaches' demonstrated willingness to mix and match pieces with relative impunity, the above depth chart is really just a whole lot of guessing.</p>
<p>Having Pelluer back is great, but there obviously are a pair of big question marks in terms of who fills the Will and Rush vacancies. On the one hand, there appear to be a lot of young, talented options. On the other hand, it's basically just a lot of unproven potential, after Allison, Palacio and McClennan dominated the snaps at their respecitve positions.</p>
<p>Want to know how hard this is to figure out? If we assume Pelluer keeps his job and Luvu moves into Allison's spot (no guarantee), there are 17 other linebackers on the roster to fill out the rest of the depth chart. Of course, two of them are <span>Parker Henry</span> and Logan Tago, both of whom were playing nickel back by the end of last season ... so yeah, best of luck!</p>
<p>We think the coaching staff is high on Dylan Hanser at Rush. Junior college transfer Suliasi Tamaivena looks like an impact player who could make a push to leap over Luvu. Aaron Porter is a one-time four-star recruit who didn't have the impact last season that many hoped for, but perhaps his senior year is where he can do some damage. Tago could very easily move back to linebacker. Heck, Lyric Bartley and Danny Bender are listed as defensive ends as incoming freshmen, but both appear to have the kind of athleticism that could land them at Rush.</p>
<p>All that to say: Don't be surprised if you hear of a lot of different guys trying out a lot of different roles this spring, with things looking completely different in the fall.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">2017 Recruiting Outlook</h1>
<p>We mentioned the sheer number of linebackers on the roster, which was thanks in part to taking five linebackers in this cycle (not counting Bartley and Bender). Only a pair of projected backups -- Porter and Taylor -- are graduating, meaning this won't be a huge position of need in this recruiting cycle.</p>
<p>Of course the Cougs will be on the lookout for pass rushers, as every school is, but it this isn't a position of pressing need in 2017. However, because WSU likes to recruit athletes then figure out where they fit later, you could see guys recruited as athletes/safeties/defensive ends who eventually end up here.</p>
<p>A quick snapshot of the offers that are out, <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2016/2/10/10964600/wsu-football-recruiting-notebook-focus-quickly-shifts-to-2017-class?_ga=1.50845089.907853037.1454512449">via Britton Ransford's report in February</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>La Mirada, Calif., linebacker <strong>Chase Newman</strong> joined Hicks in <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/chasenewman13/status/697245232404934657">adding an offer from Washington State this week</a></strong>. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound outside linebacker is rated three-stars by <em>Rivals.com </em>and also holds offers from Colorado and Colorado State. ...</p>
<p>After not signing a quarterback in the 2016 recruiting class, Washington State will be going after one hard in the current cycle. Could Layton, Utah dual-threat quarterback <strong>Tayler Katoa</strong> be the next man up for Leach under center? Well, maybe. The 6-foot-1, 204-pound <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/TaylerKatoa/status/697558282894909440">quarterback was offered by Washington State today</a></strong>, which adds to a current offer sheet including BYU, Oregon State and Utah.</p>
<p><strong>Update</strong>: After watching film, this is likely an "athlete" offer for Katoa, who would excel as a linebacker. <em>Scout.com</em> rates Latoa a four-star athlete, though BYU and others are still recruiting him as a quarterback. ...</p>
<p>Hayward, Calif., linebacker <strong>Addison Gumbs</strong> also <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/Gumbs21/status/697613122685706240">picked up an offer from Washington State today</a></strong>. The 6-foot-3, 211-pound outside linebacker is rated three-stars by <em>Rivals.com</em> and also holds offers from Cal, Hawaii, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Oregon State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Utah State and several others.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2016/3/17/11252292/a-position-of-strength-in-2016-wsus-linebackers-will-be-inexperiencedJeff Nusser2016-03-03T14:32:12-08:002016-03-03T14:32:12-08:002016 at a glance: Running back is LOADED
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LIWs4RbSegzEnCOVwa5rmZ47iaE=/0x0:2618x1745/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48991915/494110096.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In part three of an eight-part look at the past, present and future of each of the Cougars' units, we assess the running back situation, which is awesome -- and crowded.</p> <p>With signing day in the rearview mirror and spring football coming up, now's a great time to take stock of each of the eight position groups on WSU's roster. Let's go back over to the offense for a unit that is perhaps the deepest of any on the roster for the third installment of our series: The running backs.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>Other Installments</strong>: <a target="new" href="http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2016/2/15/11007704/2016-wsu-football-preview-quarterback-luke-falk">Quarterbacks</a> <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2016/2/17/11030426/wsu-football-2016-preview-hercules-mataafa-robert-barber" target="new">Defensive Line</a>
</div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Back at 2015</h1>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="423">
<colgroup> <col width="141" span="3"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td colspan="3" height="15" width="423">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">End of Season Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><b>Starter</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Backup</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>3rd</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;">
<span>Gerard Wicks</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Jamal Morrow</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Keith Harrington</span>, RS-Fr</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1225">
<colgroup> <col width="65" span="6"> <col width="141" span="5"> <col width="65" span="2"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td colspan="13" height="15" width="1225">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Stats</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td colspan="4" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rushing</i></td>
<td colspan="4" style="text-align: center;"><i>Receiving</i></td>
<td colspan="4" style="text-align: center;"><i>Scrimmage</i></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><b>Player</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Att</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rec</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Plays</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Avg</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;">Gerard Wicks</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">107</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">610</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">5.7</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">3</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">38</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">128</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">3.4</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">0</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">145</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">738</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">5.1</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><span>Jamal Morrow</span></td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">53</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">347</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">6.5</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">0</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">33</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">294</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">8.9</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">4</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">86</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">641</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">7.5</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><span>Keith Harrington</span></td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">37</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">238</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">6.4</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">2</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">43</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">312</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">7.3</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">3</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">80</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">550</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">6.9</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>In Brief: </strong>The running backs were right up there with the defensive backs in terms of units that took the biggest step forward in 2015. Not only did their touches increase for the <a href="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gu9bsgj5ee7_0rKnSl7OuaWexu8=/1600x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6129305/2015_touches.0.jpg" style="background-color: #ffffff;">third consecutive season</a>, their production soared (running backs are "F" in the Leach offense):</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="2015_yardage2" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AVqzUhdJmMSz0Qm335C-aHpv4Bo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6129343/2015_yardage.0.jpg">
</figure>
<p>In 2015, Gerard Wicks, Jamal Morrow and Keith Harrington ripped off 6.22 yards every time one of them touched the ball -- an increase of more than a yard (nearly 25 percent). It was a group that we were excited about heading into the season after what Wicks and Morrow showed as redshirt freshmen; both were improved, and the incorporation of Keith Harrington was just about everything it was promised to be.</p>
<p>Wicks was the bell cow, slashing and battering his way to 610 yards on the ground at 5.7 yards per carry. Morrow, meanwhile, complemented him by proving to be a tough runner who was incredibly dangerous when catching the ball out of the backfield -- his yards rushing (347) and receiving (294) were nearly equal, and he led the trio in yards per touch (7.5). Harrington proved to be a home run threat defense had to account for when he was on the field.</p>
<p>About the only negative I can come up with is that Harrington had a propensity to put the ball on the ground -- his disastrous fumble at Washington being perhaps the most high profile and memorable.</p>
<p>But if we were grading this unit in 2015? We'd give them a solid "A" and not even think twice.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Ahead to 2016</h1>
<p><strong>Who departs:</strong> Nobody.</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="564">
<colgroup> <col width="141" span="4"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td colspan="4" height="15" width="564">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Projected Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><b>Starter</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Backup</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>3rd</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>4th</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;">Gerard Wicks, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Jamal Morrow, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Keith Harrington, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>James Williams</span>, RS-Fr</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Everyone's back, and that's amazing. Even better? The Cougars will add <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2015/11/18/9751726/james-boobie-williams-wsu-football-redshirt" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Thursday Night Football superstar James Williams</a> to the mix.</p>
<p>You might wonder what you're getting in Williams, and whether he'll be able to force his way into the lineup with such a talented trio in front of him. After all, dominating those buried on the depth chart in a simulated game isn't <em>that </em>impressive ... until you remember the list of TNF superstars from the past few years includes Morrow, Wicks, Harrington and Hercules Mata'afa. Not a bad list.</p>
<p>When Williams committed, I said he reminded me of (don't hate me) <span>Bishop Sankey</span>, with his balance and ability to move in and out of cuts without losing speed. I stand by that assessment, and I absolutely believe he's going to be a star for WSU and force his way into touches.</p>
<p>How that works out has been a popular topic of conversation in our comments -- it's just not feasible to get four different running backs significant touches out of the backfield. Yet, all are talented and (presumably, in Williams' case) able to impose their will on a game. You don't want talent like that standing on the sidelines. The most popular theory is that Harrington moves back to receiver -- the position for which he was recruited until he was shredding defenses as a running back in TNF -- or into a hybrid RB/WR role.</p>
<p>It's a great problem to have -- I get giddy just thinking about that fact that we're able to have this kind of conversation after so many challenging years -- and it's going to be interesting to see how they're used once spring practices roll around. I have no idea if Williams will actually be "4th" in the depth chart (I have a strong feeling he won't), but if he is, it will be because the veterans in front of him have continued to be incredible.</p>
<p>There is a fifth scholarship running back on the roster: <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2016/2/3/10903406/wsu-football-recruiting-2016-national-signing-day-romello-harris">True freshman Romello Harris</a>. He's also an exciting talent who appears to be a great fit for the Air Raid, but unless a string of injuries hits the quartet in front of him, he'll be redshirting. (And hopefully lighting up TNF himself.)</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">2017 Recruiting Outlook</h1>
<p>With no seniors on the roster in 2016 and none of the four appearing to be candidates to declare early for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft" class="sbn-auto-link">NFL Draft</a>, it's likely the Cougars take one running back this cycle as they've done each of the past two classes.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2016/2/10/10964600/wsu-football-recruiting-notebook-focus-quickly-shifts-to-2017-class">From Britton Ransford's recruiting notebook</a>, here are a couple of guys in which WSU is taking an early interest:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>One of the top running backs in the country, <strong>Stephen Carr</strong>, <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/yt_deon/status/697560410644320256">picked up an offer from Washington State today</a></strong>. The 6-foot, 180-pound all-purpose back is rated four-stars by<em>Rivals.com</em> and the No. 2 all-purpose back in the country. The Fontana, Calif., product is currently committed to USC, but also holds offers from Arizona, Cal, Georgia, Miami, Notre Dame, UCLA, Washington and several others. ...</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/cyrri3e/status/697619525219414016">Washington State is the second program to offer</a></strong> <strong>Cyrus Habibi-Likio</strong>, a running back prospect out of Palo Alto, Calif. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder also picked up an offer from Hawaii today. This guy is a freak athlete that could do a lot of things.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Scout.com also reports offers out to a pair of prospects they've rated three stars, <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Otis-Anderson-61745">Otis Anderson</a> (Jacksonville, Florida) and <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/CJ-Verdell-89622">C.J. Verdell</a> (Chula Vista, California), as well as <a href="http://247sports.com/player/chuba-hubbard-89471">Chuba Hubbard</a>, whom 247Sports rates as four stars.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2016/3/3/11157598/wsu-running-backs-gerard-wicks-jamal-morrow-keith-harrington-jamesJeff Nusser2016-02-17T10:00:06-08:002016-02-17T10:00:06-08:002016 at a glance: D-line will need to retool again
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n0DYov7X7z98P3H2S8pEFLprXw0=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48845913/496173814.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In part two of an eight-part look at the past, present and future of each of the Cougars' units, we assess the defensive line situation, which looks solid.</p> <p>With signing day in the rearview mirror and spring football still a month away, now's a great time to take stock of each of the eight position groups on WSU's roster. After first tackling perhaps the most stable group on the roster -- the quarterbacks -- let's flip over to a defensive unit that needs to replace a couple of starters for the second installment of our series: The defensive line.</p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>Other Installments</strong>: <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2016/2/15/11007704/2016-wsu-football-preview-quarterback-luke-falk" target="new">Quarterbacks</a>
</div>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Back at 2015</h1>
<table width="450" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup> <col width="48"> <col span="3" width="134"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" width="450" height="15" colspan="4">
<h5>End of Season Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>E</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>NT</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>T</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Starter</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Darryl Paulo</span>, RS-Sr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Robert Barber</span>, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Destiny Vaeao</span>, Sr.</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Backup</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Reggie Coates</span>, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Daniel Ekuale</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Hercules Mata'afa</span>, RS-Fr.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table width="425" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup> <col width="96"> <col width="28"> <col width="23"> <col width="24"> <col width="31"> <col width="25"> <col width="21"> <col width="25"> <col width="26"> <col span="2" width="21"> <col width="19"> <col width="25"> <col width="21"> <col width="19"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td width="425" height="15" colspan="15">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Stats</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><i>Tackles</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="5"><i>Def Int</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="4"><i>Fumbles</i></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><b>Player</b></td>
<td><b>Solo</b></td>
<td><b>Ast</b></td>
<td><b>Tot</b></td>
<td><b>Loss</b></td>
<td><b>Sk</b></td>
<td><b>Int</b></td>
<td><b>Yds</b></td>
<td><b>Avg</b></td>
<td><b>TD</b></td>
<td><b>PD</b></td>
<td><b>FR</b></td>
<td><b>Yds</b></td>
<td><b>TD</b></td>
<td><b>FF</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><span>Destiny Vaeao</span></td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><span>Darryl Paulo</span></td>
<td align="right">21</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">13.5</td>
<td align="right">6.5</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><span>Hercules Mata'afa</span></td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">29</td>
<td align="right">9.5</td>
<td align="right">5.5</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><span>Daniel Ekuale</span></td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">22</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><span>Robert Barber</span></td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">17</td>
<td align="right">4.5</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><span>Devonte McClain</span></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15"><span>Reggie Coates</span></td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>In Brief</strong>: The season began with a lot of anxiety after the departures of stalwart interior defenders <span>Kalafitoni Pole</span> and <span>Xavier Cooper</span>, the latter of whom declared for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> as an underclassman, leading to his selection in the third round by the Cleveland Browns. But the concerns proved to be largely unfounded, at least in the sense that the unit didn't take a step back.</p>
<p>Destiny Vaeao stepped into the disruptive role vacated by Pole and appears to also be headed for an NFL roster, and Robert Barber and Daniel Ekuale proved to be stout at the point of attack. Perhaps the biggest revelation was Darryl Paulo, who seemed to constantly get overlooked despite leading the unit in both tackles for loss and sacks.</p>
<p>That's not to say the unit was spectacular; <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/pages/2015-washington-state-advanced-statistical-profile">Bill Connelly's advanced stats</a> rated the defensive line as more or less average relative to their peers in terms of line yards, sack rates and general havoc. That seems to jive with what my eyes saw, so there's still room for improvement here as Alex Grinch continues to build his defense.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Ahead to 2016</h1>
<p><strong>Who Departs: </strong>Destiny Vaeao (6-4/298), Darryl Paulo (6-2/255), <span>Devonte McClain</span> (6-5/304).</p>
<table width="450" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0">
<colgroup> <col width="48"> <col span="3" width="134"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" width="450" height="15" colspan="4">
<h5>Projected Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>E</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>NT</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>T</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Starter</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Hercules Mata'afa, RS-So.</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Robert Barber, RS-Sr.</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Daniel Ekuale, RS-Jr.</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>Backup</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Reggie Coates, RS-Sr.</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Ngalu Tapa</span>, RS-So.</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Jeremiah Mitchell</span>, Sr.</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"><i>3rd, etc</i></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Kingston Fernandez</span>, RS-So.</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><br></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Garrett McBroom, Jr.</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Lyric Bartley, Fr.</td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">T.J. Fehoko, RS-Fr.</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td style="text-align: center;" height="15"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Danny Bender, Fr.</td>
<td></td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Hunter Mattox</span>, RS-Fr.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>In Brief: </strong>Replacing Vaeao and Paulo is going to be an interesting exercise. Vaeao and Cooper were fairly similar in stature and style, but there's nobody on the roster who appears to be a direct plug-and-play replacement for Vaeao.</p>
<p>Hercules Mata'afa was listed as Vaeao's backup ... at just 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds. Basically, he racked up all those stats as a pass-rush specialist, and while he was indeed exceedingly disruptive from an interior position on passing downs, I'm curious to see how bulked up he gets for this season and whether Grinch and Joe Salave'a are comfortable with him as an every down player. Meanwhile, Nevada transfer Reggie Coates served as Paulo's backup, but it certainly seemed as if the top five players in the stats above played the majority of the snaps across the three positions.</p>
<p>That means it might continue to be a situation where Grinch and Salave'a mix-and-match depending on opponent and situation; depending on the development of Ngalu Tapa, perhaps Ekuale slides over to tackle, Mata'afa moves to end and Tapa ends up backing up Barber. That makes the most sense to me, at least on an early-down basis, and is reflected in the projection above ... but it's really just a shot in the dark, as there is no obvious line of succession, and these guys are going to move around, anyway.</p>
<p>Other returning players in the mix will be Jeremiah Mitchell, Kingtson Fernandez, <span>T.J. Fehoko</span> (a highly touted recruit who redshirted with an injury) and Hunter Mattox. Newcomer Garrett McBroom, a junior college transfer who is already enrolled, will play right away. Freshmen Lyric Bartley and Danny Bender are most likely headed for Thursday Night Football exploits, but they'll certainly get a chance to prove their worth. Bartley in particular could be ready to play immediately.</p>
<p>Additionally, we'll all be keeping an eye on <span>Tapa</span>. He's a big dang dude with as much natural talent as any lineman on the roster, but coaches were disappointed with his conditioning last season and he failed to record even a tackle in limited action. Can he finally start delivering on his promise?</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">2017 Recruiting Outlook</h1>
<p>Similar to quarterback, defensive line will be another important point of emphasis for Leach this year: WSU signed zero interior defensive linemen in 2016 after failing to get the lone interior defensive lineman signed in 2015 onto campus. (That would be Thomas Toki, who is heading to a junior college after failing to qualify.)</p>
<p>Leach tried to <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-football-recruiting/2016/2/3/10911414/wsu-football-rercruiting-2016-class-signing-day-ranking-rating/in/10622025">downplay</a> the situation on signing day:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Well, we've got D tackles running around campus, that's the biggest thing. Now, this would be a nitpicky time. The bigger priority was definitely D-ends, those type of guys, and we took care of that. And this will definitely take care of itself -- there is perhaps a slight imbalance on our roster (with defensive tackles) -- a couple of guys as they get older will almost certainly evolve toward that position."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Still, Barber will be graduating. And while part of the reason a school such as WSU runs a 3-4 is to mitigate the difficulty in recruiting those big run-stuffers at the 1-technique, you'd still like to land a guy each year who projects there. Two years without one means WSU seemingly has to make this a priority.</p>
<p>The Cougars also will be hot on the tails of defensive ends, because you can never have too many pass rushers, but it's less of a pressing need. You can read about the offers that are already out <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2016/2/10/10964600/wsu-football-recruiting-notebook-focus-quickly-shifts-to-2017-class">here</a>.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2016/2/17/11030426/wsu-football-2016-preview-hercules-mataafa-robert-barberJeff Nusser2016-02-15T18:00:02-08:002016-02-15T18:00:02-08:002016 at a glance: Quarterback is in good hands
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vyoXoK-mZw1xxeWuLbfXlMe059k=/652x0:3037x1590/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48824983/497728826.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In part one of an eight-part look at the past, present and future of each of the Cougars' units, we assess the quarterback situation and conclude: WSU is just fine with Luke Falk.</p> <p>With signing day in the rearview mirror and spring football still a month away, now's a great time to take stock of each of the eight position groups on WSU's roster. This is our first in the series, and of course we'll start with the most important position in Mike Leach's program: Quarterback.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Back at 2015</h1>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="432">
<colgroup> <col width="144" span="3"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td colspan="3" height="15" width="432">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">End of Season Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><b>Starter</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Backup</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>3rd</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;">
<span>Luke Falk</span>, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Peyton Bender</span>, RS-Fr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">
<span>Tyler Hilinski</span>, Fr</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1017">
<colgroup> <col width="144" span="3"> <col width="65" span="9"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td colspan="12" height="15" width="1017" style="text-align: center;">
<h5>Stats</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rk</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Player</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Cmp</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Att</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Pct</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Yds</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Y/A</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>AY/A</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>TD</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Int</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Rate</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" align="right" style="text-align: center;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Luke</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Falk</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">447</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">644</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">69.4</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">4561</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">7.1</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">7.7</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">38</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">8</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">145.9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" align="right" style="text-align: center;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Peyton</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Bender</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">53</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">91</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">58.2</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">498</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">5.5</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">4.2</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">3</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">4</td>
<td align="right" style="text-align: center;">106.3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>In Brief</strong>: The 2015 season was another banner one for Leach's quarterback in the Air Raid at WSU. Following up on Connor Halliday's enormous 2014, sophomore Luke Falk also put up massive numbers, but, surrounded by a better supporting cast (particularly on defense), Falk was able to one-up his predecessor by leading the Cougars to nine wins and a Sun Bowl victory over Miami. Close wins against Rutgers, Oregon and UCLA were directly attributable to Cool Hand Luke's play in crunch time.</p>
<p>It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows; Falk didn't play real well in the season-opening loss to Portland State, and he was knocked out of three different games, the final time leading to a scary ambulance ride that prevented him from playing in the Apple Cup. Backup Peyton Bender looked pretty iffy in his action, turning in a dreadful performance against Washington. He did toss a crucial TD against UCLA while Falk was being examined after taking a blow to the head, and it must be noted that in every appearance, Bender was facing incredibly difficult circumstances.</p>
<p>Touted freshman Tyler Hilinski redshirted.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Looking Ahead to 2016</h1>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="432">
<colgroup> <col width="144" span="3"> </colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="15">
<td colspan="3" height="15" width="432">
<h5 style="text-align: center;">Projected Depth Chart</h5>
</td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;"><b>Starter</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Backup</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>3rd</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="15">
<td height="15" style="text-align: center;">Luke Falk, RS-Jr</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Peyton Bender, RS-So</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">Tyler Hilinski, RS-Fr</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Who Departs: </strong>Nobody.</p>
<p><strong>In Brief: </strong>This is really the only unit on the entire team where zero change would be unsurprising. Barring injury, Falk will remain the starter. However, there could certainly be some maneuvering behind Falk; Bender's aforementioned issues combined with Hilinski having a year under his belt could make for an interesting battle.</p>
<p>Interestingly, there are only those three scholarship QBs on the roster after WSU failed to sign a QB in this recruiting class. (While 2016 recruit Justus Rogers will get a look at QB this spring according to Leach, you don't have to read too far between the lines of what Leach said on signing day to come to the conclusion that Rogers -- a Wing T quarterback at Bellevue High School -- is likely destined for another role.)</p>
<p>That's not a particular problem ... unless something happens to cause one of those three guys to miss the entire season. Say Hilinski beats out Bender; would Bender, who has already used his redshirt, consider transferring before the season starts so that he can have two full years of eligibility wherever he lands? I have no particular insight, other than the precedent of other seemingly talented quarterbacks doing the same thing.</p>
<p>If that happens, needless to say the Cougars would be perilously thin at the position at that point. In the event that they'd need a third QB, say hello to ... true freshman preferred walk-on Bryce Missey?</p>
<p>Let's hope we never find out.</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center;">2017 Recruiting Outlook</h1>
<p>This will be a really important point of emphasis for Leach this year after whiffing in 2016 -- if quarterback is the life blood of the Air Raid, WSU simply can't sustain underrecruiting this position two consecutive years.</p>
<p>Obviously, Leach knows this, and the Cougars are hot on the trail of a number of 2017 quarterbacks. <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2016/2/13/10985550/wsu-football-recruiting-leach-extends-offer-to-2017-chase-garbers">From Britton Ransford</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Chase Garbers</strong>, a junior quarterback out of Newport Beach, Calif., throws footballs and runs an offense better than most high schoolers his age, so naturally that caught the eye of Mike Leach, who offered the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder a scholarship this week.</p>
<p>There's a number of targets the Cougars are after in the 2017 cycle, in addition to Garbers. First up: <strong>Tristan Gebbia. </strong>The No. 4 pro-style quarterback in the country, according to <em>Rivals.com</em>, <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/CougCenter/status/694693239434170368">recently announced a top five</a></strong> of Ole Miss, Nebraska, West Virginia, Washington and Washington State, and he's probably at the top of this cycle's wish list.</p>
<p>Two more names to watch for are <strong>Connor Neville </strong>and<strong> Tyler Lytle</strong>, both of whom have held WSU offers for quite some time. Neville, a 6-foot-1, 180-pounder out of Wilsonville, Ore., is ranked the No. 10 dual-threat quarterback in the country by <em>Rivals.com</em> and also holds offers from Boise State and Hawaii. Lytle, listed at a towering 6-foot-5, 205-pounds from Anaheim, Calif., earned a No. 19 pro-style quarterback ranking from<em> Rivals.com</em> and has picked up offers from Boston College, Cal, Miami, Oregon State and others.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2016/2/15/11007704/2016-wsu-football-preview-quarterback-luke-falkJeff Nusser