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There are always unexpected events on National Signing Day. Sometimes they are big surprises, like the signing of C.J. Mizell 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.
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.
The Grayshirts
Marcellus Pippins, 3-star CB
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.
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.
Dylan Hanser, 2-star ILB
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.
The Unknowns
Markell Sanders, 2-star CB
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.
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.
Olito Thompson, 3-star RB
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.
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.