CougCenter - National Signing Day wraps up with WSU inking 19 playersWhy Washington State? Well that's a stupid question.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47853/fave.png2013-03-01T16:25:41-08:00http://www.cougcenter.com/rss/stream/37228712013-03-01T16:25:41-08:002013-03-01T16:25:41-08:00Report: Cougs add 3rd QB to 2013 recruiting class
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<figcaption>James Snook-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The former Cornell commit says he's heading to Pullman in the fall.</p> <p>We know Mike Leach loves his quarterbacks, so it probably shouldn't be a huge surprise that WSU appears to have added a third quarterback to its 2013 class: Luke Falk, a prep signal caller out of Logan, Utah, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865574536/Logan-quarterback-Luke-Falks-switches-commit-to-Washington-State.html">told his local paper that he's now headed to Pullman in the fall</a>.</p>
<p>Falk stands 6-4, 219 pounds and is rated a two-star recruit by both Rivals and Scout. He had been committed to play in the Ivy League at Cornell, but he said a coaching change there caused him to reconsider his options.</p>
<p>"After (Cornell coach Kent Austin) left (to the CFL), I was still committed and (Washington State) coach (Mike) Leach came in and recruited me pretty hard," Falk told the Deseret News. "I decided I wanted to go play Pac-12 ball — that’s my dream."</p>
<p>You might be wondering why WSU is adding another quarterback with Tyler Bruggman and Isaac Dotson already in the fold, but remember: Leach needs five quarterbacks who can throw just to run practice, and with the departures of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78188/jeff-tuel">Jeff Tuel</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78190/david-gilbertson">David Gilbertson</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136492/cody-clements">Cody Clements</a>, WSU is a bit short in that regard. And really, Leach likes to collect quarterbacks the way most of us collected empty pounders on our table at The Coug.</p>
<p>According to the Deseret News, Falk threw for more than 5,100 yards and 50 TDs in his sophomore and senior seasons in an Air Raid offense, so there's a connection there.</p>
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<div class="floated-video">
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JvpaUZWZhwQ" frameborder="0"></iframe> <i>Luke Falk pursues his dream</i>
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<p>You might be wondering about that junior season. Falk and his family <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/tribpreps/52554640-190/falk-quarterback-christian-oaks.html.csp">decided to move to California so he could lead powerful Oaks Christian</a> and presumably land a scholarship to a high profile college. He even reportedly had an offer from Florida State at that time. But he struggled in his three starts, and apparently also was homesick. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogspreps/52644523-52/falk-logan-luke-mike.html.csp">So he came back home</a>.</p>
<p>The phrase "diamond in the rough" gets tossed around in a cavalier way with WSU recruits, but if I was actually going to apply it genuinely to a kid, it seems like this might be a good place to do it.</p>
<p>"It was kind of what I was looking for in a college," Falk told the Deseret News. "It’s a small college town — it’s like Logan, where I’m from. It seems like they’ve got a more college environment, it’s small, they run my offense and everybody up there is pretty cool."</p>
<p>As for whether he's getting a scholarship? My guess is he's a preferred walk-on. He comes from an incredibly well-off family that I assume was going to pay his tuition out of pocket in the athletic scholarship-less Ivy League. But that's just conjecture.</p>
<p><i>(H/T jeremyb91 for the tip via cougcenter@gmail.com. Thanks!)</i></p>
<p>EDIT: Here's a highlight video from this past season. He threw for more than 3,600 yards.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BrYZI9-oWYo" width="560" frameborder="0" height="315"></iframe></p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-football-recruiting/2013/3/1/4055078/luke-falk-mike-leach-wsu-cougars-football-recruitingJeff Nusser2013-02-07T15:37:14-08:002013-02-07T15:37:14-08:00How did the 2013 recruiting class rank?
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<img alt="The recruiting services think more highly of Mike Leach's ability to recruit than his predecessor's." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7KGSBLgp5y-BJnzsYFVQx5EGYjo=/130x74:3913x2596/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7826397/20120914_jla_ar5_175.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The recruiting services think more highly of Mike Leach's ability to recruit than his predecessor's. | Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Class rankings from the major recruiting services are more than just water cooler fodder for fans. How did Mike Leach's first full class stack up? And are you happy with the progress he's making on the recruiting trail?</p> <p>Fans tend to have a love/hate relationship with recruiting rankings. If Scout.com thinks your class is awesome, well, "Those guys clearly know what they're talking about!" If Rivals.com thinks your class isn't as good? "Clearly those guys spend way too much time focused on the <i>ESS EEE SEE!</i>"</p>
<p>And if a player isn't very highly thought of? "He's a diamond in the rough! Love his potential! Get him in the weight room and watch him develop!"</p>
<p>But the reality is that the recruiting services, in general, are pretty good at what they do. How do we know? Because a team's rankings tend to be predictive of success. (If you're mathematically inclined and want to know just how predictive, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/varsity-numbers/2010/varsity-numbers-recruiting-spectacular">go here</a>.) It's not a perfect correlation -- teams such as Boise State and TCU have been able to regularly outperform their rankings, while others such as UCLA have routinely underachieved relative to the expectations.</p>
<p>Some will use that as a reason to dismiss rankings, but that's throwing the baby out with the bath water. Rarely is that a good strategy.</p>
<p>Let's look at where WSU ranked this year:</p>
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<th></th>
<th>Rivals</th>
<th>Scout</th>
<th>ESPN</th>
<th>247</th>
<th>Composite</th>
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<td>Overall</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>39</td>
<td>58</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>53</td>
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<td>Pac-12</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>10</td>
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</tbody></table>
<p>Not exactly overwhelming. Scout seems to think the most of our class (more on that phenomenon in a second), with 247sports not far behind. The composite ranking -- which is compiled by 247sports by creating a composite score for each recruit from the four recruiting services (or just the ones who evaluated him) -- rates this class near the bottom of both the big five conferences and the Pac-12.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1469964">Here's what Rivals had to say about the class</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Sleeper:</b> Paulo Lepua probably didn't get the respect he deserved on the high school level. He has a tremendous motor and backs down to no one.<br><b>Overview:</b> After the rumors about Bruggman were debunked, everything was smooth sailing for the Cougars. They landed some serious talent. Daquawn Brown is a fantastic athlete at cornerback, Lepua is underrated at defensive tackle and the Washington State staff loves both players from American Samoa -- defensive tackleDaniel Etuale and defensive end Emmitt Su'a-Kalio. Running back Gerard Wicks could be special down the road.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/53474/pac-12-recruiting-wrap-north-division">And here's what ESPN thought:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Needs filled</b>: This was quietly a very good encore recruiting class for Mike Leach in his second season at the helm. It's heavy on linemen, heavy in the secondary and it's headlined by a four-star wide receiver in <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/171482/vince-mayle">Vince Mayle</a> -- a JC transfer from Rocklin, Calif. Interestingly enough, it also has two fairly highly rated running backs. We know Leach isn't going to be a run-first guy -- but the Cougars could certainly use the help after rushing for 29.1 yards per game last season.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>As we mentioned, this is hardly determinative. But it is some food for thought when considering that Mike Leach is expected to be able to produce a top-half-of-the-conference program.</p>
<p>There's a general feeling that Leach is recruiting better than his predecessor. That would seem to be true, based on this pretty graph (<a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2136271/WSU_Recruiting_Rankings_Chart.JPG">bigger here</a>):</p>
<p><img alt="Colo_2" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2136271/WSU_Recruiting_Rankings_Chart.JPG" style="max-width:100%;"></p>
<p>The first interesting thing I see is that,<b> </b>yes, recruiting does appear to be on an upswing under Mike Leach. Hooray! Despite a short cycle last year, he put together a class better than the year before, and this year was better than that. I really don't have much else to add here other than to say I'm excited at the prospect of this continuing.</p>
<p>The other interesting thing I see? The services tend to more or less agree on these classes ... except for 2009 and 2010, when Rivals and Scout had vastly different interpretations of those classes. What the heck happened there? I went back to try and figure out why, but quickly realized that's a time investment that's above my pay grade. (If a reader wants to take up this challenge, I won't stop you.) You can read up on how <a target="_blank" href="http://www.scout.com/3/about-team-rankings.html">Scout</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=880&CID=1364602">Rivals</a> each do their team rankings, but Rivals' current system has changed since then, and I don't know if Scout's is the same or not.</p>
<p>What I do know is this: Those classes are the ones that featured a number of players who arrived and played extensively as freshmen under Paul Wulff, with 2009's group being fourth-year players last year, and 2010's group being fourth year players this year. The cumulative record of the 2009 class is 10-38; for 2010, it's 9-27. The average Rivals ranking of the three classes immediately preceding the 2-10 record in Paul Wulff's second season? 90.</p>
<p>You can feel free to draw your own conclusions about which scouting service probably was closer to accurately assessing the ability level of those classes.</p>
<p>What else do you see in here? Are you happy with the progress being made in recruiting?</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-football-recruiting/2013/2/7/3964996/wsu-football-recruiting-class-ranking-national-signing-dayJeff Nusser2013-02-06T18:13:16-08:002013-02-06T18:13:16-08:00Presenting the 2013 recruiting class
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<figcaption>James Snook-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Here, in one place, is the entire slate of student athletes who pledged today to play football at Washington State University.</p> <p>We've been hitting the coverage on all of these guys hard today, but in case you're still starved for information on the incoming recruits, here are some more tidbits provided by the WSU athletic communications department.</p>
<p>Enjoy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style=" margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"><a title="View WSU 2013 Recruiting Class on Scribd" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scribd.com%2Fdoc%2F124266700%2FWSU-2013-Recruiting-Class&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cougcenter.com%2Fwsu-football-recruiting%2F2013%2F2%2F6%2F3961928%2Fwsu-football-recruiting-class-2013" style="text-decoration: underline;" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">WSU 2013 Recruiting Class</a> by <a title="View 's profile on Scribd" href="undefined" style="text-decoration: underline;"></a></p>
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https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-football-recruiting/2013/2/6/3961928/wsu-football-recruiting-class-2013Jeff Nusser2013-02-06T17:37:31-08:002013-02-06T17:37:31-08:00The unsigned: WSU commits that didn't fax LOIs
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<img alt="Are these guys why they haven't signed?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Zfh9PEEtduJauWiU3pCyqEYiLQ=/0x54:4000x2721/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7776197/20121013_tjg_an2_426.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Are these guys why they haven't signed? | James Snook-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Cougars brought in plenty of new players on Wednesday, but there are still a few reported commits that have yet to fax in their letters of intent. The coaching staff can't talk about them, but we can. Find a little bit about each unsigned player here.</p> <p>There are always unexpected events on National Signing Day. Sometimes they are big surprises, like the signing of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114011/c-j-mizell" class="sbn-auto-link">C.J. Mizell</a> a few years ago or the near flipping of Tyler Bruggman this year. Sometimes they are less noticeable, as some players end up grayshirting, taking longer to make their final choice, or just can't cut it academically.</p>
<p>The Cougars have a handful of unsigned players left that had been reported commitments by all major recruiting services. The reasons behind some are known, but others are still a mystery.</p>
<h3>The Grayshirts</h3>
<h4>Marcellus Pippins, 3-star CB</h4>
<p>Reports surfaced Tuesday night that Pippins was leaning towards committing to the Cougars after originally pledging to Utah. Both schools were offering a grayshirt opportunity, while Nevada was to give Pippins a scholarship right away. He eventually decided to become a Cougar, which means he will come to school next January.</p>
<p>The 5'10, 175-pound corner held reported offers from Utah, Boise State, San Diego State, Nevada, and UCLA. Not sure if that UCLA offer was a firm one, as they had a pretty good day in recruiting and he may have been a back-up plan.</p>
<h4>Dylan Hanser, 2-star ILB</h4>
<p>A linebacker who seems headed for a hybrid position (the BUCK). At 6-foot-5 and 230, he could add 20 pounds and be a force on the outside rush, as well as a stopper in the run game. That extra time off with the gray shirt allows him to add some weight and avoid being buried on the depth chart.</p>
<h3>The Unknowns</h3>
<h4>Markell Sanders, 2-star CB</h4>
<p>Sanders has been committed to WSU since June, and didn't appear to be interested in any other schools. Nevada was his only other reported offer. He was injured for much of his senior season, but he did visit Pullman on Jan. 18. Nothing has surfaced on why he didn't fax a letter in today.</p>
<p>He is an encouraging prospect, especially if he were to play at corner. His height is intriguing, as Cougar fans have spent years watching receivers jump over defensive backs.</p>
<h4>Olito Thompson, 3-star RB</h4>
<p>Thompson also visited WSU on Jan. 18. It was a busy weekend for the coaching staff, as 14 players tripped to the Palouse. Thompson was offered by other Pac-12 programs in Utah and Arizona, but he committed to the Cougars way back in July.</p>
<p>He certainly put up some big numbers in high school, amassing nearly 3,500 yards as a junior. He seemed to really like his trip to Pullman, so it is a little strange that he has yet to put pen to paper.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-football-recruiting/2013/2/6/3961654/national-signing-day-2013-wsu-football-recruiting-commits-unsigned-marcellus-pippinsCraig Powers2013-02-06T17:33:41-08:002013-02-06T17:33:41-08:00The Bruggman saga: Just what the heck happened?
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<img alt="Tyler Bruggman finally makes it official." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Vw8CXw9H97jJgDmORcx_UU07Mgw=/169x175:943x691/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7776085/bruggman_1.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tyler Bruggman finally makes it official. | Richard Obert (Arizona Republic)</figcaption>
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<p>Here's a timeline of Arizona State's last-minute push on National Signing Day to land the 4-star quarterback that sent WSU's entire fan base into a tizzy. Welcome to the wild and wacky world of recruiting!</p> <p>Heading into National Signing Day, WSU's morning was expected to be fairly benign. Unlike last year, the Cougars weren't in the mix for any high profile players who were making their decisions during the day, and Mike Leach's top recruit -- four-star quarterback Tyler Bruggman, out of Phoenix, Ariz. -- had been committed since July.</p>
<p>Then someone flipped. And the whole thing went haywire.</p>
<p>Josh Dobbs is a <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Joshua-Dobbs-16152" target="_blank">consensus four-star dual-threat quarterback</a> out of Georgia who committed to Arizona State back in mid-June. He appeared solid to the Sun Devils, but took an official visit to Tennessee a week and a half ago. Early this morning, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2013/2/6/3959522/josh-dobbs-tennessee-football-recruiting-2013" target="_blank">Dobbs signed with Tennessee</a>:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>ESPN 300 QB Josh Dobbs makes <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23signingday">#signingday</a> switch from <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23ASU">#ASU</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Tennessee">#Tennessee</a>. Huge pickup for <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Vols">#Vols</a>.</p>
— Kipp Adams (@KippLAdams) <a href="https://twitter.com/KippLAdams/status/299160742224084992">February 6, 2013</a>
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<p>It wasn't a shocker -- <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2013/1/31/3934674/national-signing-day-2013-predictions-predict-recruit/in/3709595" target="_blank">SB Nation's recruiting bros predicted the flip</a> -- but ASU, suddenly without a quarterback in its class <i>for the second consecutive year, </i>was left scrambling. Where did Todd Graham turn his attention?</p>
<p>To the four-star quarterback in his own back yard: Brophy Prep's Bruggman, of course.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Rumor circulating around this event that Tyler Bruggman may flip to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23ArizonaState">#ArizonaState</a>. @<a href="https://twitter.com/brandonhuffman">brandonhuffman</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/jaredpros2preps">jaredpros2preps</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/gregbiggins">gregbiggins</a></p>
— Jason Jewell (@jason247scout) <a href="https://twitter.com/jason247scout/status/299195451528318976">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p>Jewell is Scout.com's guy in the southwest U.S., and the "event" he referred to was one where the top recruits in the Phoenix area were supposed to sign their letters. No shocker that WSU fans -- as we are wont to do -- went into full freakout mode. Bruggman is the king of this class, Leach's hand-picked quarterback of the future! He's a name recruit who legitimizes the class! He represents where we're going!</p>
<p>Not to worry, Coug fans. There's a perfectly logical explanation for all this:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Brophy QB Tyler Bruggman will be signing with Washington State today. He is not at event. Got sick on trip to Austin yesterday.</p>
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) <a href="https://twitter.com/azc_obert/status/299200029174923264">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Brophy coach Scooter Molander said someone threw up on QB Tyler Bruggman on plane to Austin other day. He got sick and came back home.</p>
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) <a href="https://twitter.com/azc_obert/status/299200179318452225">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p>Obert is about as close to Bruggman as you're going to get from a media member -- he's got his pulse on the Phoenix area prep scene better than anyone. Except that Jewell says Bruggman really <i>was </i>at the event and really did leave without signing.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Don't know why some WSU fans are blasting me about Bruggman. Can only report what I witnessed today. Tyler showed to event with WSU hat and</p>
— Jason Jewell (@jason247scout) <a href="https://twitter.com/jason247scout/status/299218860538748929">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Never went to podium to announce. Left event with parents. ASU contacted him when they lost Dobbs. No bias here.</p>
— Jason Jewell (@jason247scout) <a href="https://twitter.com/jason247scout/status/299219053996822528">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Turns out, Jewell wasn't the only one who saw him there.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Briefly talked w/QB Tyler Bruggman as he left NLI event. Was holding WSU hat but said he hasn't signed with WSU. Declined comment on ASU.</p>
— Devils Digest (@DevilsDigest) <a href="https://twitter.com/DevilsDigest/status/299202669514477570">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<p>It could've been that Bruggman just wanted to stop and save his ceremony for his school. Who knows? Obert, trying to get to the bottom of it, talked with Bruggman's coach again.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Change of plans. I'm going to Brophy at noon to follow up on QB Tyler Bruggman. just in case. But Molander said kid is good on word.</p>
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) <a href="https://twitter.com/azc_obert/status/299206000106418176">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p>Whew. Surely the coach is tapped in if he's confident enough to say that Bruggman's going to keep his word. But then there was this:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Asked Brophy coach Scooter Molander if ASU was making a hard press on Bruggman, he said, "I don't know." Still thinks will sign with WSU.</p>
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) <a href="https://twitter.com/azc_obert/status/299207654654480386">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p>Well, that hardly inspires confidence. Then word started leaking out that Bruggman really was, in fact, mulling over ASU:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23TylerBruggman">#TylerBruggman</a> talking to mom, dad & coach at school. Totally torn between <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23WSU">#WSU</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23ASU">#ASU</a>. Mom wants him to stay home. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23GoCougs">#GoCougs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23SigningDay">#SigningDay</a></p>
— Derek Deis (@DerekDeisKXLY) <a href="https://twitter.com/DerekDeisKXLY/status/299203170788319232">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p>If you don't know Deis, he's a news anchor in Spokane who covered the Cougs for years on the sports desk. He's also a WSU grad. While it initially seemed a little odd that a guy with no obvious connection to Bruggman had information on what was going on, it's equally odd to think that a journalist would just throw out something baseless and risk his reputation. Plus, it made sense.</p>
<p>And this is what goes on in the world of recruiting that WSU doesn't get to experience all that often. One kid changes his mind, and it sets off a chain reaction that knocks over dominoes in other people's classes. Some recruits defected from USC today, which led to some recruits defecting from UW -- the Huskies fell from 10th overall last night to near 20th by the time this afternoon rolled around.</p>
<p>Yesterday, even if Bruggman wanted to play close to home, it just wouldn't have made sense to go to a school that was signing another highly touted quarterback. But today? Suddenly, the option of playing in front of the family was on the table again. You might say, "If that was such a big deal, why didn't he pick ASU over the summer?" Which, of course, is silly -- a kid's in the middle of his senior year, realizing he's hanging out with all his buddies for the last time, and he suddenly starts thinking, "You know maybe I don't want to go 1,500 miles away from here."</p>
<p>It's not crazy. And it's why this stuff happens on this day.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most nerve wracking thing for WSU fans was what <i>didn't </i>happen after Deis' tweet. Not a word from anyone. Not Bruggman. Not his coach. Not the local media.</p>
<p>For more than two hours.</p>
<p>Then suddenly, out of the blue ... relief.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Bruggman signs with Washington State <a title="http://twitter.com/azc_obert/status/299237351350210561/photo/1" href="http://t.co/jHWVOdAk">twitter.com/azc_obert/stat…</a></p>
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) <a href="https://twitter.com/azc_obert/status/299237351350210561">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>There would be no flip. Bruggman was signed, sealed and delivered. Obert had the initial explanation of why Bruggman stuck with his commitment:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Brophy QB Tyler Bruggman said today was extremely stressful going back and forth between ASU and WSU but ultimately 'Im a man of my word.'</p>
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) <a href="https://twitter.com/azc_obert/status/299243261116157952">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>QB Tyler Bruggman on signing with WSU after strong ASU push: 'It was real tough on me seven months ago and it was real stressful today."</p>
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) <a href="https://twitter.com/azc_obert/status/299261702397124610">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>How close was it between Arizona State and Washington State for Tyler Bruggman? "It was a 51-49 decision and I just had to go with it."</p>
— Richard Obert (@azc_obert) <a href="https://twitter.com/azc_obert/status/299262896851001345">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p><a href="http://washingtonstate.scout.com/a.z?s=137&p=2&c=1264723&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fwashingtonstate.scout.com%2f2%2f1264723.html" target="_blank">Bruggman expanded on his decision in an interview with Cougfan.com ($):</a></p>
<p> </p>
<div class="floated-video">
<iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FEep282cJK8"></iframe> <i>Bruggman speaks after his decision</i>
</div>
<blockquote>
<p>"It was pretty much a 51-49 decision seven months ago," Bruggman said. "I've been able to watch some the season. I've been a big fan of not just ASU but the coaches there and what they stand for. ... It was just an opportunity to clarify that the decision that I made seven months ago was the right one. Ultimately I'm a man of my word and that commitment meant something to me."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And with that, it was done. Well, except for Mike Leach weighing in on the jewel of his new class.</p>
<p><i>Did you talk with Tyler at all this morning Mike? Did Arizona State make a late push?</i></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>"I don't know what Arizona State did. At midnight I got a lasagna recipe from Mrs. Bruggman." -- Leach</p>
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianMFloyd/status/299286265600278528">February 6, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>A wacky day deserves an equally wacky answer to cap it all off. Totally fitting.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-football-recruiting/2013/2/6/3961064/tyler-bruggman-national-signing-day-wsu-cougars-arizona-state-sun-devilsJeff Nusser2013-02-06T16:31:49-08:002013-02-06T16:31:49-08:00Pippins commits to Washington State
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/10FhZvcufbQaov7iY7V39IqUsCs=/0x0:3990x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7761915/20120914_jla_ar5_375.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Pippins made the decision today to attend Washington State and play college football in crimson and gray. </p> <p>After reportedly getting his offer pulled by Utah following a visit to Pullman last month, 3-star cornerback Marcellus Pippins has faxed his letter of intent to Washington State. Utah reportedly offered Pippins a grayshirt opportunity as well after pulling his scholarship.</p>
<p>Pippins won't be joining the Cougs right away though. According to Braulio Perez at CougFan, Pippins will grayshirt and <a target="_blank" href="http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=8&c=1&nid=6275848">join the team in the spring of 2014. </a>The cornerback from El Cerrito High School in El Cerrito, CA stands 5'11" tall and weighs in at 175 pounds and Scout ranks him as the 75th best cornerback in the 2013 class.</p>
<p>Pippins received offers from Arizona State, UCLA, Nevada, Utah, San Diego State, Fresno State and UNLV. This is a big get for Leach and company as the defensive secondary needs an awful lot of help when ti comes to defending the pass. If anyone in the upcoming class fails to qualify, Pippins could end up on campus in August instead of next spring.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/2013/2/6/3960830/marcellus-pippins-wsu-football-recruiting-signing-dayMichael Preston2013-02-06T15:19:48-08:002013-02-06T15:19:48-08:00Mike Leach meets the media to discuss signing day
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<figcaption>James Snook-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Washington State head coach Mike Leach met with the media on Wednesday to discuss the players WSU singed on National Signing Day</p> <p>Mike Leach met with the media Wednesday afternoon after WSU received 19 letters of intent on National Singing Day. Leach discussed all of the signees individually while also discussing the class as a whole.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="floated-video">
<iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7fvyuhLf5qE?rel=0"></iframe> <em>caption here</em>
</div>
<p>You can watch the press conference to the right if you like, but if you don't have the time or the inclination, here's what was said.</p>
<p>WSU put an emphasis on adding offensive and defensive line depth in this class and Leach seemed pleased with what they were able to sign. He talked about the versatility of several recruits and commented that Cody O'Connell, who check in at 6'9 and 350 pounds, is the largest player he's ever coached.</p>
<p>After the uncertainty surrounding Tyler Bruggman and his possible flip to Arizona State, Leach was asked what he knew about the situation. He said he wasn't sure whether ASU had called Bruggman, but said he did receive an excellent lasagna recipe from Bruggman's mom at midnight last night.</p>
<p>Leach was asked about several players who are yet to send in their letters of intent, but as is NCAA policy, he was unable to comment on them. That includes cornerback Marcellus Pippins and running back Olito Thompson. As for the players who have signed, Leach said Vince Mayle has some of the same attributes as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8731/michael-crabtree" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Crabtree</a> while Robert Lewis is a bit like Desean Jackson.</p>
<p>Many speculated that the situation with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114044/marquess-wilson" class="sbn-auto-link">Marquess Wilson</a> would hurt WSU on the recruiting trail, but Leach said he didn't think it had any negative impact. Instead he said it may have had a positive impact.</p>
<p>"If anything I think it was positive. Reviews vindicated our staff so much I almost blushed," Leach said.</p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-football-recruiting/2013/2/6/3961348/wsu-football-recruiting-mike-leach-national-signing-day-2013Mark Sandritter2013-02-06T13:51:57-08:002013-02-06T13:51:57-08:00Mike Leach talks signing day in chat with fans
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_440MrVnhYE3jRiiBr7wS7NbTnI=/0x257:2977x2242/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/7764857/20120724_ajw_aj4_124.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The majority of LOIs have rolled in so Mike Leach took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to conduct an online chat with fans. Leach discussed a few of the prospects, where WSU stands and gravy.</p> <p>College coaches are not permitted to discuss recruits publicly until they sign their letter of intent so with most of WSU's 2013 recruiting class signed, sealed and delivered Mike Leach was able to make his first public comments.</p>
<p>Those comments came in an online chat with fans on WSU's website. As you would expect from a chat, not many of the answers went into great detail. However, as he always does, Leach was able to interject a random tidbit or two. Here is a closer look at some of the highlights.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Robert (Pullman):</b> Our offensive and defensive lines were developing as the season progressed. How will these new guys help our lines?</p>
<p><b>Mike Leach:</b> Robert, we placed a great emphasis on our lines this year. We believe games are won and lost in the trenches and this will always be an area of high importance to us. It's hard to predict exactly who will help us the quickest on the lines. But we are excited about all of them.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Thomas (Lynnwood):</b> Love the linemen in this class,have you ever worked with a guy as big as Cody O'Connell?</p>
<p><b>Mike Leach:</b> Thomas, when you consider the combination of height and weight not as big as Cody. I have worked with one or two that are heavier.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Jay (Kennewick):</b> Do you go into recruiting with set numbers in mind as far as positions go, or is it more of a 'best-available' situation when it comes to signing kids?</p>
<p><b>Mike Leach:</b> Jay, typically specific positions and needs. On rare occasions you may pay special attention to a key difference maker</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And the highlight of the chat.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Greg (Vancouver):</b> Who's the better cook in the family? You or Sharon?</p>
<p><b>Mike Leach:</b> Sharon by far except for gravy. Which I dominate.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>How long until WSU starts selling Mike Leach gravy?</p>
<p>You can read the <a href="http://www.wsucougars.com/chat/013113aaa.html" target="_blank">entire chat on WSU's website.</a></p>
https://www.cougcenter.com/2013/2/6/3960980/wsu-football-recruiting-mike-leach-national-signing-dayMark Sandritter