Three Hits, One Miss for New WSU Enrollees

So the new semester kicked off in Pullman yesterday, and with that some good news on who made it to campus.  Defensive end Brandon Rankin (pictured, #90) is in, as are the JC offensive tackles in David Gonzales and Wade Jacobson.  The not-so-good news?  No Quayshawne Buckley.  Buckley was part of last year’s signing class, and didn’t initially qualify for admission.  There was some hope that he would make it this semester, but it didn’t work out.  Now, it appears that Buckley is lost for good, as he claims that he is headed for Oregon State if/when he qualifies.  Disappointing on Buckley, but his loss does not overshadow the positive additions to the roster!

Rankin is the headliner and for good reason.  We’ve covered this ground before, but he could be an instant impact type defensive end.  It’s a long way to go until September, but it is an exciting prospect to picture him opposite Travis Long at defensive end!  Both Gonzales and Jacobson will be in the mix for starting spots on the line, two more capable bodies for new O-line coach Steve Morton.  But even if they don’t emerge as starters, they certainly figure to add much-needed depth up front.

And, there was more good news – Grippi’s latest articles states that Toby Turpin and Kevin Norrell should be reinstated shortly.  We’ve heard good things on Norrell in the last month or so, and we should have some follow-up there after we get a few things cleared up.  But both Turpin and Norrell, if reinstated, are two more starters you can pencil into the pre-spring depth chart.   

Anyway, all the way around a very positive day for WSU.  Enjoy your morning, and GO COUGS!