clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Shalom Luani continues WSU tradition of junior college standouts

The top five junior college transfers in WSU history

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Safety Shalom Luani is expected to make an instant impact in the Cougar secondary this season. If he does, he would be the latest in a long line of "instant impact" junior college players making their way to the Palouse. I thought it would be interesting to look at this from a historical perspective by naming the top five junior college transfers that have suited up for the Crimson and Gray.

1. Mark Fields

The leader of the Palouse Posse (one of the most dominant defenses in the history of the Pac-12) and the Pac-10 defensive player of the year. Fields was an absolute monster at middle linebacker and the most dominant Cougar defender I have ever seen.

2. Jerome Harrison

"The Ghost" was the nation's leading rusher and a first team all-American his senior season. Set a Pac-12 record with 16(!) consecutive games of 100 yards or more. One of the greatest WSU running backs of all time.

3. Robbie Tobeck

Fourteen year NFL veteran who played in one Pro Bowl. Long-time starting center and team leader for the Seahawks under Mike Holmgren. Named second team All-Pac-10 playing on the 1992 Copper Bowl squad.

4. Nakoa McElrath

Set school records for receptions and yards in 2001 helping lead the Cougars to a win in the Sun Bowl.

5. Chris Jackson

Leader of the legendary Fab Five receiving corps who propelled the Cougars to their greatest season ever in 1997.

Anybody else you guys think belongs on the list? Palouse Posse members Don Sasa and Brian Walker? Top receivers Milton Wynn and Kevin McKenzie?

*****

Football

Cougars are facing an air-borne dilemma as opener looms | The Spokesman-Review
A GRIP ON SPORTS • Who would have thought the most important number associated with Washington State football right now would be 100. As in the air quality index and the line between healthy and unhealthy air. Read on.

Pac-12 preseason quarterback rankings - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Ranking the Pac-12's quarterback situations entering the 2015 season.

Live WSU chat (transcription) | The Spokesman-Review
Here is the transcription of Wednesday morning's live WSU chat.

Can a Pac-12 North team play spoiler to Oregon, Stanford? - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
It's unrealistic to think a team other than the Ducks and Cardinal can win the division, but don't sleep on Washington State or Cal playing spoiler.

Washington wildfires may impact Washington State's season opener - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Poor air quality caused by the rampant wildfires have forced the Cougars to practice indoors, and AD Bill Moos said conditions must improve by Sept. 5.