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In the months since signing day, we haven't heard much about the status of running back Olito Thompson. The 3-star recruit committed to WSU, but didn't sign with the Cougars, or anyone, on signing day. Britton Ransford of WazzuWatch spoke to Thompson on Tuesday and as it turns out, he's playing a season at a junior college in an attempt to gain a qualifying score before enrolling at WSU next year.
According to Ransford's report, Thompson failed to achieve the SAT score needed to qualify. He's been taking summer classes to improve his grades and will spend next season at City College of San Francisco. Thompson plans to play football next season, which would use a season of eligibility, but if he's able to qualify he would have four to play three when he arrived in Pullman.
Thompson has remained in contact with WSU's coaching staff, but will have some work to do if he's going to qualify in time for next season. Typically, a non-qualifier needs to get a two-year degree in order to qualify to transfer to a four-year school. Thompson is planning to enroll at WSU next season. As Ransford noted at the bottom of his post, in order for that to happen, Thompson would have to complete several requirements and do it in a short period of time. Summer classes help, but it will be a challenge.
We'll see if it happens, but now we know Thompson is still on WSU's radar.
Football:
WazzuWatch.com - Thompson eager for second chance
Olito Thompson found himself on the outside looking in last signing day as thousands of high school seniors signed their letters of intent to play college football.
Preseason position reviews: Running back - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
Washington State: Does this position even apply for the Cougars? Last year, they ranked last in the nation in rushing with 29 yards per game and 1.38 yards per carry. Teondray Caldwell is the leading returning rusher with 269 yards. There's also Leon Brooks and Marcus Mason. The issue here isn't the running backs. It's the run blocking, which was pitiful last year.
Basketball:
More on the Old Spice Classic and WSU's matchup against Butler.
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Washington St. to Face Butler at Old Spice Classic - Washington State Official Athletic Site
ORLANDO, Fla. – Washington State University men’s basketball will face 2013 NCAA Tournament-participant, Butler, in its first game of the Old Spice Classic, Thursday, Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. PT at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla., ESPN Regional Television (ERT), announced Tuesday.