With that, there’s lots to get to in WSU-land. Let’s check some stuff out, shall we?
— WSU has released the fall depth chart, which you can find here. While it is still early, and there isn’t a single true frosh listed, still, this is a pretty good look at the team right now. Some items to take:
- Left tackle and right tackle both have the “OR” next to the player listings, meaning that there is no clear-cut starter at either spot. It’s going to be quite the battle between Wade Jacobson, David Gonzalez and Micah Hannam, as those three will enter the ring, but only two will survive the brawl for left and right tackle. Early feel? Based on reports from the spring as well as dots being connected here and there, I would lean Jacobson as your left tackle, and probably Hannam at right tackle. But these tackle positions will be by far the most interesting battles to watch this spring!
- In kind of an odd one, the “OR” is next to strong safety, as Chima Nwachukwu and Tyree Toomer are both listed. I think everyone has assumed all along that Chima, given his experience, would be the guy, but Toomer is a player the coaches have loved from day one. If you remember, Toomer played quite a bit as a true frosh in ’08, in fact he started four games, logging 34 tackles with four tackles for loss and two sacks. But Toomer tore his pec muscle last year during fall camp (ouch!) and missed all of ’09. He’s back as a redshirt frosh, completely healthy and ready to challenge Chima for the starting gig. Early feel? Chima will probably start, but, look for Toomer to be out there quite a bit.
- Yes, Dan Spitz is still on the depth chart, listed as a third-string defensive tackle, But as you know he’s out until the 11/6 game vs. Cal. He’s suspended from playing in games for now, but the good news is that he will still be able to practice and take part in team activities. While it sucks to not have him ready to go in week one, still, you can bet he’ll be a welcome addition to the team by the time November rolls around. Nothing like adding a fresh body to the defensive interior down the stretch. Speaking of D-tackles, still no official word on the new JC tackle, Al Lapuaho, as he still awaits word on the NCAA Clearinghouse. They are anticipating that he will be cleared to play, but things are still in a holding pattern right now. You can bet he’ll slide right into Spitz’s slot on the depth chart on game days.
- Mike Ledgerwood is opening up as the starting middle linebacker. And you know, he’s really earned it with how well he played late last year. He started only a handful of games, but had 51 tackles, including 14 tackles in the Apple Cup (10 solo stops in that game!). Ledgerwood moves well too, and is up to 231 lbs on his 6-1 frame, so he’s looking the part of a middle linebacker. Hallston Higgins and Darren Markle are listed as the backups, but opening up camp it’s Lederwood’s position to lose at this point.
- Some new jersey numbers to get acquainted with: Alex Hoffman-Ellis now sports #17, changed from #44 last year. Running back Carl Winston has gone from #32 to #3. While Brandon Rankin is a newcomer, he has already switched from #97 in the spring to #5. Oh, and “Ocho Rojo” is no more! Marshall Lobbestael has changed his number from #8 to #9 this year. So the nickname is dead. Hey, it was a nice run, right??
— Ted Miller has a look at the Cougs as they open camp. Among some things to like here:
Breaking out: Long, a sophomore, and senior Kevin Kooyman should give the Cougars a solid tandem at defensive end. Junior college transfer Brandon Rankin was impressive during the spring. Cornerback Daniel Simmons has all-conference ability, and safety LeAndre Daniels and linebacker Alex Hoffman-Ellis also will lead the defense.
Nice. I have to agree on Simmons and Daniels. There were a LOT of people who were buzzing about both guys last year, but both were lost to broken legs (Simmons vs. ASU, Daniels in week two vs. Hawaii) last year. They are both healthy and raring to go this fall.
— Grippi crushes one with his latest, a detailed look at the start of camp. A good read, so check it out.
— Finally, a five-questions for WSU article from Howie Stalwick. And not to be Debbie Downer, but Stalwick is asking some tough ones as camp gets underway. One that stands out above the others:
Do the Cougars have enough leaders?
The Cougars have 20 seniors, but nine are transfers, two are walk-ons and at least three will play only on special teams. A program that has lost more games (22) in two years than any other in Pac-10 history needs all the leadership it can muster from players and coaches. A slow start will create more calls for the head of Paul Wulff, who has one Pac-10 win and two non-conference wins to his credit in two years on the job. New graduate assistant coach Chad Eaton, a former Rogers High, WSU and NFL standout, adds a fiery personality to the mix.
Now this is a concern, having such a young football team. There are some good young leaders as the core of this team right now, guys like Travis Long, Nolan Washington, Louis Bland, Jeff Tuel, Gino Simone, Alex Hoffman-Ellis. But they are all YOUNG guys, kids who still have to get more experience under their belts as they continue to fight to turn this thing around. Will this be an actual problem this year? Hard to say. It’s not out of the question that leadership can come from the younger kids. And when you have a team that is lacking a ton of seniors, isn’t it only natural that young leaders emerge?
Maybe this is just another reminder of how hard it is going to be to actually win games in ’10. Maybe this just shows you yet again that ’10 is all about competing at a respectible level, and 2011 is about bigger things? You would never hear a player say that, you won’t hear coaches admit to it either, but as fans, we can allow ourselves to go there, you know what I mean?
That’s it for now. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and as always, GO COUGS!
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