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Signing Day 2020: Nick Rolovich finishes off first class at WSU

Track all the letters of intent as they roll in, right here.

By CougCenter Staff Updated
Hawaii v Boise State Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images

The Washington State Cougars will secure the final portion of their 2020 recruiting class today as the regular signing period opens for prospective players to send in their national letters of intent — a commitment that binds the player and the school together for at least the next year.

The Cougs enter the day with four verbal commitments in addition to the 17 players who were signed during the early period; they can sign a maximum of 25 players in any recruiting class.

With at least three spots up for grabs — WSU is also taking on an FCS grad transfer in Phillip Powell, but it’s unclear if he’s joining as a walk-on or receiving a scholarship — there could be some commitments today with some players who are thought to be in the mix:

The big headliner today is cornerback Alphonse Oywak, who is rated four stars by 247Sports’ scouts — WSU flipped the Kent, Wash., native from Arizona on Monday.

Track all of today’s signings below. We’ll update these lists as the letters roll in.

Committed

Links direct you to their CougCenter profile, which includes video

Signed In The Late Period

Star rating reflects 247 Sports’ composite ranking, unless otherwise noted.

  • Alphonse Oywak | ✯✯✯✯ (per 247Sports.com) | 6-1/175 | Kent, Washington

-The first thing that jumps off the film for Oywak is his size. He is long and rangy, and he smothers receivers when they break down his cushion. Has a nose for the ball an breaks on it exceptionally well. Should push for playing time immediately.

  • Chau Smith | ✯✯✯ | 5-11/175 | Chicago, Illinois

-Smith is an athletic secondary defender who shows a willingness to stick his nose into the pile and make tackles against bigger players. Played running back in high school as well, and is a smooth runner. Can also contribute to special teams in the return game.

-Pettway should remind Cougar fans of Easop Winston. Similar size and build, but may be a step or so faster than Winston. Played outside receiver in high school, and has the skill set to potentially do that at WSU, but size and speed may push him into the slot.

-Pule plays with a low center of gravity and has a strong get off at the line. Shows a good burst into the backfield and attacks gaps. Will need to improve on getting off of contact with the offensive lineman.

-Individual film doesn’t seem to be found for Fa’amoe.

-Wilkerson is a lanky outside receiver. Plays the ball very well in the air and has the speed to run away from defenders. His stride is reminiscent of Tavares Martin. Very good on quick screens and finding gaps in traffic.

  • Amir Mujahid | 6-2/270 | Berkeley, California

-Mujahid provides some immediate depth on the line, an area Rolovich clearly wanted to add to after his hire. He had 7.5 tackles for loss during his sophomore season at Laney College. He has three to play two.

Signed In the Early Period

Star rating reflects 247 Sports’ composite ranking, unless otherwise noted.

-James is a high-motor, high-energy defensive lineman. Great get-off at the snap and quick hands. A bit small to project to Nose, and may not have the frame to get a whole lot bigger. Has the potential to be a terror at Tackle or End.

-Lohrenz comes ready-made with an array of pass rushing moves packed into a long, athletic frame. He has the size to move inside, but with his skill set his best position should be anywhere he can chase down quarterbacks.

-Mayginnes does his best work in the run game, where he’s good at maintaining blocks through the end of the play. Good balance when he pass sets. Prototypical size and frame for a Leach OL recruit.

-Escorcia is a hard-hitting safety, gives good support in the running game and can fit off the edge as force. Backs that up with high-end speed; ran a 14.6 in the 110 hurdles in high school. Quick hips and plays the ball well in the air. Projects best to Strong or Nickel.

-Buchanan is fast. Highlights consist of him consistently running away from defenders in the open field. Quick, decisive cuts to and through the hole. Can also contribute on special teams as a returner.

-Kylany is an athletic offensive lineman. Has good feet coming off the line of scrimmage and had the ability to pull across formation from the tackle position. Size and speed will allow him to play either guard or tackle.

-Ashby is a rangy linebacker, reads through the clutter at the line well and is explosive to point of contact. Lined up as a stand-up edge rusher and also showed the ability to drop into coverage. Likely to compete at RUSH.

-Anderson is strong in zone coverage at corner. Breaks on the ball well and is a hawk when the ball is in the air. Good hip turn and recovery on breaks to the receiver. Uses his length to undercut receivers in man coverage.

-McNorton plays with a low center of gravity despite his height. Consistently able to drop pad level to get into the chest of defenders and drive them off the line. Low center allows for good balance in pass protection. Punishing blocker at point of contact.

-Ripley has long arms and a big frame that should translate into playing tackle at the next level. Shows ability to get out in front of receivers on wide screens. Uses length well to keep pass rushers out of frame of body.

-Tialavea has compact, powerful frame and his strength is generated from his lower body. Doesn’t block so much as hit defenders. Played on the interior in high school and likely projects to guard or center at the next level.

-Pellum played outside receiver during his high school career and was at his best taking screens and turning them into long runs and touchdowns. Plays bigger than his listed height. May project to inside with his ability to slip defenders.

-Lataimua is an aggressive, downhill safety that is a sure tackler and big hitter. Played a rolled up safety in high school, very similar to what WSU’s Nickel defender plays. Great off the edge as a blitzer, disruptive at all three levels of the defense.

-Hobert played all over the field during his high school career. Very difficult to bring down once the ball is in his hands. Great ball skills. Good speed in the open field. Projects to inside receiver with his hands and ability to make defenders miss.

-de Laura may be the most athletic quarterback Mike Leach has recruited, in addition to having an arm that can make all the throws needed to thrive in the Air Raid. Throws well on the move, can scramble and avoid clutter in the pocket. Delivers a very catchable deep ball.

-Freeman was uncommitted coming into signing day, but had interest from all over the country. Long and lean, the edge rusher uses his quickness and long frame to beat linemen around the edge. Will play on the edge at RUSH, or potentially End with some time in the weight room.

-Lopez fits the mold of RUSH linebackers we’ve seen come through the Palouse recently. Has a quick inside move to shed blocks and attack the quarterback. Very explosive off the line and plays through tackles.

Decommitted Earlier

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