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We've come to the point in the offseason where everyone and everything about college football is focused on previewing the 2013 season. A big part of that is position rankings, both for teams and individuals and that was again the case on Monday.
Over at the ole ESPN Pac-12 blog, Ted Miller started his preseason position reviews and WSU was lumped into the "good shape" category at quarterback. Connor Halliday's previous success and a solid spring from Austin Apodaca were enough to keep WSU's head above water.
SB Nation's version of the Pac-12 blog, Pacific Takes, continued its series on player position rankings with defensive backs. WSU's Deone Bucannon made the list at No. 5. Three of the four players ahead of him are also safeties, so Bucannon checks in as the No. 4 safety in the Pac-12, right in line with is second-team All-Pac-12 nod.
Football:
Under the radar: Washington State - ESPN Video - ESPN
Washington State's Ioane Gauta could be poised for a breakout in 2013.
2013 Pac-12 Pre-Season Positional Rankings: Defensive Backs - Pacific Takes
5. Deone Bucannon Sr. Washington State One of the rare bright spots on the Cougars defense in recent seasons, Bucannon made second team All-Pac-12 in 2012 and is a big hitter that is great against the run and the pass. Bucannon produced some very balanced stats in 2012 as he had 80 tackles and three interceptions.
Preseason position reviews: Quarterback - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Washington State: Connor Halliday has played well at times, and Austin Apodaca was good enough this spring to make things interesting entering fall camp. Further, Year 2 with Mike Leach figures to be good to whoever plays QB.
2013 College Football Season Preview: Washington State Cougars
That being said, Leach always has some tricks up his sleeve so the Cougars will be a fun team to watch in 2013. If the buzz word for 2012 was "excitement", the buzz word for 2013 is "interest" and I'm very interested to see what Leach and Wazzu do this season. Prediction: 4-8