Washington State Cougars Recruiting Round-Up

Recent Commits

·         No recent commits

Trending on the Trail 

Eduardo Middleton, OL, 6-5/280 (**): Playing at the “Pac-12 Level” is huge for Middleton; Wazzu is his only Pac-12 offer currently but Utah might offer soon. 

Jordan Pulu, MLB, 6-1/235 (**):  said if Wazzu offers, he will commit right away. 

Top Commits for 2012

·         Dalen Jones, WR, 6-0/180 (***): recruited as an ATH, Jones wants to and most likely will play WR; Cougars talked about playing him at CB, as well.

·         David Bucannon, S, 6-2/175 (***): a strong hitter that is capable of flying around the field

·         Austin Apodaca, QB, 6-3/185 (NR): won’t blind you with his speed, but he definitely can make plays with his feet; has the arm and intangibles to become a good pocket passer.

***Check out how the rest of the Pac-12 is doing on the recruiting trail here.  

Power Ranking the Pac-12's Head Coaches

This year’s list of Pac-12 head coaches is a very similar read to last year’s.

While the names may seem the same, the overall presence and outlying atmosphere created by these coaches has certainly changed.

The Pac-10 faithful will be introduced to three new head coaches this season, two experiencing their first year at helm.  How these coaches react to this backyard dog fight called “Pac-12 Conference Play” should be quite interesting.

Let's take a look at where each coach lands in my Pac-12's Coaches Preseason Power Rankings.    

Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.16.2011

*Ex-Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier has three Pac-12 teams (Arizona State, Washington State and Oregon) left on his list. I’m not sure if this head-case is really needed on either team.  [Star Advertiser]

*Speaking of ex-quarterbacks, Colorado’s former QB Cody Hawkins was named to USA’s football roster.  That brings me to the question: What the hell is the USA Football team? [Mile High Buzz]

*Chip Kelly suspended Cliff Harris indefinitely for his reckless driving incident.  I wonder what his definition of “indefinitely” is?  Probably 11 weeks. [ESPN]

*Let the Internet’s debating begin about Cliff Harris’ fate.  It’s not too late for him to enter NFL’s supplemental draft.  [SB Nation Bay Area]

*According to his dad, Stanford’s Head Coach David Shaw’s nickname is “Dr. Blitz”.  The newly appointed coach definitely has the talent at linebacker this year to live up to this fictitious doctorate. [Go Stanford]

*With several Pac-12 games scheduled for Friday nights, the illusion that this night of the week is just for prep football has been shattered.  Although it sort-of ends this “tradition”, it’s definitely a step in the right direction for the conference [Oregonian]   

*Speaking of moving forward, Larry Scott is addressing the lingering issues facing the NCAA and its players by suggesting the players get more money from the Pac-12’s new deal.  Spectacular idea! [Denver Post]

Pac-12 Breakfast Links: 06.10.2011

*The New Mexico Bowl couldn’t wait to get a piece of the Pac-12 pie.  I can’t blame them, it does look tasty.   [theMWC.com]

*Reggie Bush’s Heisman is taking a slight detour on its trip back to USC.  Apparently the little guy heard San Diego has some killer tacos.  [Inside USC]

*Not really sure who wants to read Marshall Lobbestael's diary.  It's like Hard Knocks... but the PBS version. [Cougfan.com]

*The State of Utah is dubbing July 1st "Utah Pac-12 Day".  If it comes with a day off, then I'm definitely an observer.  [Block U]          

*Colorado was picked to finish second to last in the South by the Sporting News and Utah was selected to take the division.  Guess they aren’t concerned about the Utes first full BCS schedule.  [Denver Post]

*Oregon State has a bevy of questions and Kerry Eggers has the credentials to get the answers.  Can the Beavers overcome the injury bug before the season starts?  [ESPN]

*Heated rivalries take time, especially forced ones.  Let’s hope Colorado smashes Utah’s division title chances on the last game of the season.  Now that could spark the fire.  [Salt Lake Tribune]

Ranking the Pac-12's Top Wide Receivers

Wide receivers are an integral part to any passing game and these guys will be moving the offensive gears for the Pac-12 in 2011.

Thanks to the abundance of talent at quarterback in the Pac-12, the wide receivers of this conference will be presented with copious chances to prove their worth.

While there are a handful of names that are expected to shine in the national spotlight, there could be a few on this list that take the country by surprise.

Here are the Top 10 wide receivers in the Pac-12.

Daily Breakfast Links: 06.06.2011

*Washington picked up another solid quarterback for its 2012 class with the recent committing of Cyler Miles.  The three-star recruit from Denver joins fellow arms dealer Jeff Lindquist, a four star recruit the Huskies picked up in late April [Max Preps]

*Say what you will about walk-on players, but Stanford has certainly found success with these un-recruited athletes.  Cardinal fans, remember a few of these names just in case one or two happen to make a splash. [Examiner]

*This summer, the Pac-12 is visiting each school and making sure they are capable of hosting a Conference Championship game.  There might be a few campuses that this committee can gloss over… [Daily Camera]

*Speaking of the Cougars, apparently there are only five causes for concern in regards to Washington State chances of success next season.  There has to be more reasons than that.  [WSU Football Blog]

*The NCAA and USC can’t seem to stay out of the news.  An ex-Trojan assistant is suing the NCAA for libel, slander, and a slew of other charges.  Fight On…in court [ESPN]

Daily Breakfast Links: 06.01.2011

*Oregon State lured the only female NFL fitness trainer back to Corvalis.  Congrats on the new position Ariko Iso [Post Gazette]

*Athlon Sports released its first Pac-12 magazine for next season, publishing a different cover for each region of the conference.  Eleven teams made the cut.  Guess which inept team apparently didn’t deserve a cover spot.  [WSU Football Blog]

*Jake Rodrigues gained a ton of love over the past few months from the Pac-12 after an impressive Nike camp.  However, after a trip to Eugene over the long weekend, it appears that his mind is made up.  [Examiner]

*UCLA fans, tell us how you really feel about USC’s failed sanctions appeal [Bruins Nation]

*Former Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf underwent brain surgery over the weekend to remove a brain tumor.  Here’s to a speedy recovery! [Great Falls Tribune]

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.25.2011

*Four Pac-12 teams made Andy Staple's post-spring rankings.  The Utes continue to gain believers, breaking through at No. 25 [SI.com]


*Speaking of pre-season rankings, a Stanford writer says, begone rankings! I don't agree. The pre-season rankings and other spring/summer nonsense is the only way I can get through the College Football offseason. [Stanford Daily] 

*Utah fans are pumped for next season. 98% of their season ticket holders renewed their seat for 2011. Freaking amazing!  [Desert News]

*It's not a party without a bong rip and a bump. Just ask Washington State's linebacker Louis Bland. He was arrested on Tuesday after a noise complaint led to cops finding weed and a "white substance." I miss college. [Scout]

*Four-star tight end recruit Christo Kourtzidis recently received an offer from Arizona to add to his lengthly list of suitors. Although the Wildcats are not currently on the top of his list, his intrigue with successful Arizona TEs could turn the tide. [Rivals]

Daily Breakfast Links: 05.23.2011

*There has been discussions in Pullman about creating a signature entrance song/ceremony for Washington State.  Im not quite sure how this is going to help the on field product, but hey, pre-game traditions is what college football is all about.  [WSU Football Blog]

*Jeff Tedford chatted in a rare off-season interview about the state of California Golden Bears football.  While there is still a great deal of uncertainly for next season, Tedford does a great job subduing the situation. [Bay Area SB Nation]

*USC added running back Jahleel Pinner to its 2012 recruiting class.  Thanks to his size (6’0”, 225lbs), the recruit from Mission Viejo HS is projected to be a full back for the Trojans. [OC Varsity]  

*Stanford and Notre Dame continue their long-lived tradition for another eight years.  I gotta say, this is one of my favorite rivalries in college football.  It needs to continue for the next century  [San Jose Mercury]

*Colorado’s head coach Jon Embree attended his first meeting of Pac-12 Coaches early this month. He described how it feels being the new kid on the block and the different roles played by the coaches.  But, Dennis Erickson as the Godfather...Come on! [Daily Camera]

Washington State Football: Can Wazzu Win Five or More Games in 2011?

College football in Pullman has not been pretty the past few seasons. While the dedicated Cougars fans stick by their team, the continued football depression that surrounds this town is truly testing their loyalty.

In springs' past, Washington State’s chances at a successful season seemed to be dead before the start of July. However, Head Coach Paul Wulff has inserted a seed of hope in the minds of his beleaguered fan base.   After a lively spring, Wulff stated that these were the best offseason practices that he has witnessed since he joined the program.

While these semi-sweet words definitely appear promising, it is hard to forget the not-so-distant past.  It can be even harder to forget when the future is as bleak as those dreadful memories.

Although the Cougars are still several years away from contending for a North Division title, there is a light at the end of this long and dreary tunnel.

Ranking the Top Linebackers of the Conference

With the season creeping closer following each turning day, it is never too early to start ranking the players from the most intriguing conference in college football (at least to me!). 

Linebackers kick off my series of “The Pac-12’s Top 10 by position”.

Watching these linebackers patrol the line like a hungry velociraptors can send shivers directly to your soul.  It’s shame we have to wait so long to see these beast in action.

Let’s check out the list.   

Breakfast Links: 05.09.2011

*The spring has come and gone leaving several great nuggets for Pac-12 Football fans to chew on over the next few months.  Bud Withers does a great job summarizing the injuries and emergences for every team.  [Seattle Times]

* Trey Griffey, Ken Griffey Jr.’s son, is being courted by Oregon, UCLA, and Washington State. Standing large at 6’2”, 185 pound, Trey has the potential to be an extremely dangerous wide-out. Although his talent is still a bit raw, it is fun to imagine a Griffey making dazzling plays on the gridiron. [Lost Letterman, You Tube]

*Chip Kelly gave an inspirational speech to U.S. Soldiers after Oregon’s spring game.  The group singing of the Ducks fight song was a nice touch, too.  [Oregonian]

*The Pac-12’s 12-year, $3 billion rights deal with ESPN and FOX is eye-popping, but at the same time well deserving.  Pac-12 Football deserves some serious respect and this exponential increase in national exposure is definitely a huge step in the right direction. [Multi-Channel News]

*Arizona and Oklahoma State moved their game from Saturday, Sept. 10 to Thursday, Sept. 8.  Watching quarterbacks Nick Foles and Brandon Weeden command the authority of the skies in prime time should be a great way to kick of the second week of the season. [Arizona Daily Star]

Pac-12 Football Breakfast Links: 05.08.2011

*Arizona lands three-star recruit offensive lineman Beau Boyster.  Nothing screams exciting like an OL signing. [Arizona Daily Star, You Tube]

*According to a “source that has no authority to talk on the subject matter”(whatever that means), highly sought-after tight end Morrell Presely and fifth-year senior cornerback Courtney Viney will transfer out of UCLA.  Not sure if people need authority to talk about players that never see the field.  [Los Angeles Times]

*College Basketball play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson is expected to join FOX to call Pac-12 Football games.  Although he lost out to Brad Nessler for the NFL Network job, he should be a shoe-in for this position.  [Examiner.com]

*Four-star prospect linebacker Michael Barton commits to Cal, adding to a pile of East Bay recruits in the Bears' arsenal.  The De La Salle standout also received offers from Arizona State, Colorado, LSU, Oregon State, SMU, UCLA, Washington and Washington State. [Contra Costa Times, You Tube]

*It is no surprise that UCLA is having troubles figuring out which quarterback to go with next season.  It IS a surprise OC Mike Johnson still hopes that he is going to find “consistency, decision-making, and leadership” in one of his three candidates.  If these skills haven’t reared its head yet, he could be looking for a long time. [OC Register] 

Pac-12 Football Breakfast Links: 05.06.2011

*Oregon linebacker Kiko Alonso is suspended for a second straight season after his arrest on burglary and trespassing chargers. Perhaps Chip Kelly should cut his losses. This recruit from Los Gatos isn't going pan out as he expected. [Seattle Times]

*Speaking of the Seattle Times, Bob Condotta reminded us that the Pac-12 Bowl schedule pretty much blows.   Thanks Bob for ruining my Friday.  [Seattle Times]

*Colorado Coach Jon Embree talks about DE Forrest West's departure without really saying anything at all about what actually happened.  Great job coach.  [Denver Post]

* Steven Threet's decision to retire after a gnarly concussion last year could not have been easy.  He was a promising player and it just plain sucks that we wont get a chance to see him next year. [AZCentral.com]

*With its first real conference schedule staring them square in the face,  Utah's yearly rivalry game with BYU seems to be losing a bit of its luster.  Wait, did it have that much to begin with?  [Salt Lake Tribune]

Pac-12 Football: Washington State Cougars Spring Game Report Card

Spring Game Type: 1st Team (Crimson) vs. 2nd Team (Gray)

Final Score:  Crimson 38, Gray 3

Washington State’s woes seem to be never-ending.  However, according to Paul Wulff, this is the best spring he has witnessed since joining the program.  We will have to see about that.

Offense:

Against the second string defense, Washington’s potential starting lineup looked sublime.  Unfortunately, the Cougars will be facing defenses 100-times tougher than that through the year. 

Senior Logwone Mitz stampeded for 106 yard and two touchdowns, leading the Crimson to a blowout victory against a much-overmatched Gray squad. 

Jeff Tuel also displayed promise for the Cougars.  He was fairly accurate with the ball (12-of-17) and laced a beautiful touchdown pass to Andrei Lintz in the back left corner of the endzone.

However, it is hard to tell how these performances will translate into success in 2011.

Grade: C+

Defense:

Again, with the Cougars’ first team playing against the second squad, the tilt on the scoreboard can be a little misleading.

Shining bright for Washington State on that line in the spring game was defensive tackle Brandon Rankin.  He collected two sacks against the Cougars’ spotty second tier offensive line.    

The Cougars defensive line should be one of their brightest spots all season.

Grade: C+

Pac-12 College Football: Quarterback Spring Report Card

The success of most teams lie solely in the hands of the player taking the snaps.

While an excellent defense can certainly take teams to the glory land, the quarterback is the one player than can completely change the makeup of a team. 

The Pac-10 produced several outstanding quarterbacks during its existence and things should not be any different with the addition of Colorado and Utah.

With Andrew Luck returning for another season and several other gunslingers looking to make their mark in 2011, the quarterbacks of the Pac-12 will be as dangerous as ever.

Let’s hand out grades to the possible starting quarterback of the Pac-12.    

Andrew Luck, Stanford

Stanford fans should send the Carolina Panthers a Thank You note for helping Andrew Luck to decide to stay another year. 

Luck’s success last season was fun to watch and it is great that college football fans get to ride the experience one more time.

As a red shirt sophomore, Luck dazzled the nation.  Not only did he lead the Pac-10 in yards (3,332), completion percentage (70.7), and touchdowns (32), but he helped Stanford to its largest single season win total (12) and marched the Cardinal to its first ever BCS bowl victory.    

Although Stanford losses a chunk of his stout offensive line, Luck’s unbelievable talent should shine the brightest in the Pac-12.

Grade: A+

Darron Thomas, Oregon

Darron Thomas dazzled the Pac-10 last season, ranking 11th in the nation with 30 passing touchdowns and coming just shy of a National Championship.

Thomas’s explosive dual-threat ability makes him a dangerous weapon again in 2011.  Add LeMichael James to the equation and Thomas is primed for another outstanding season.

Grade: A

Matt Barkley, USC
Matt Barkley showed extreme improvement in his sophomore campaign, ranking third in the Pac-10 in passing touchdown (26), yards per game (232.6), and completion percentage (62.6).

USC’s offense will be fun to watch in 2011 with Barkley hounding the calls to his troops.  His talent is quickly falling in line with the many other successful USC quarterbacks. 

Grade: A

Nick Foles, Arizona

Despite his horrendous performance in the Alamo Bowl, Nick Foles should flash several signs of brilliance throughout his senior season. 

Foles seems to be on track early. He sparkled in Arizona’s spring game, connecting on 11 of 16 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. 

Grade: B+

Brock Osweiler, Arizona State

Steven Threet’s unexpected departure from the sport due to post-concussion symptoms opened the gates wide open for Brock Osweiler to retake the starting job in 2011.

Oswieler didn’t waste any time getting the fans back on his side either.  In Arizona State’s spring game, he hammered home five touchdowns and collected 237 yards on 22 attempts.

If Arizona State wants to be a serious South Division title contender this season, they will need Oswieler to become one of the top passers in a conference with a gaggle of golden arms.

Grade: B+

Zach Maynard, California

With the departure of Kevin Riley, the Bears’ list of possible successors is widely uncertain. 

While the competition between Zach Maynard, Allen Bridgford, and Brock Mansion will stay tight throughout the summer, the money of most people around the Bay Area is on Maynard. 

Maynard has had an impressive spring, and with a new quarterback coach guiding him, this could be a surprising weapon in Jeff Tedford's shed.

Grade:  B-

Jordan Wynn, Utah

Shoulder surgery has sidelined Jordon Wynn this offseason.  After a stagnant spring game without him, it appears that Utah definitely needs Wynn to make a full recovery in order to stay competitive in the much deeper Pac-12.

Wynn threw 17 touchdowns and 2,334 yards in the WAC last year.  With the increase of talented defenses slated for this season, it might be difficult for him to improve on these numbers. 

Grade: B-

Keith Price, Washington

Although Keith Price will have to fight off the son of a quarterback legend to be Washington’s starting quarterback, he definitely made a convincing case of his worthiness in this spring.  In the annual game, he aired out three passing touchdowns and used his mobility to collect another one on the ground.  

Nick Montana also showed off signs of promise in the game, making sure this stays a competition until the end.

However, Steve Sarkisian contends that the quarterback position will be a group effort between the two to start off the season.   

Grade: B-

Tyler Hansen, Colorado

Tyler Hansen dazzled onlookers in Colorado’s spring game, looking very fluent in Jon Embree’s new offense.

This was Colorado’s first glimpse of the senior since he was knocked out for the season in late October, and he certainly provided fans with a glimmer of hope. 

Unless something dramatic occurs from now until August, expect to see Hansen calling signals at least to start off the season.     

Grade: C+

Jeff Tuel, Washington State

In an off-season that Coach Paul Wulff is calling the best he has seen since he took over in 2008, Jeff Tuel will be the key to truly changing the tide for Washington State.

Tuel looked sharp in the Cougar’s spring game, connecting on 11 of 16 passes with a touchdown.  His continued consistency this spring has given him a decent edge over junior Marshall Lobbestael, making him a favorite to start on opening day.

Last year, Tuel ranked fourth in the Pac-10 in passing yards per game (231.7), but threw the second most interceptions (12).

Grade: C+

Ryan Katz, Oregon State

Wrist surgery in January is keeping Ryan Katz from seeing that much field time this spring.

Katz experienced a turbulent season in 2010 and things will not get any easier this year with Jacquizz Rodgers making the leap to the pros. 

While Oregon State searches for an identity, Katz will be an easy scapegoat if things go awry fast.

Grade: C

Kevin Prince, UCLA

UCLA’s problems at quarterback have yet to be answered and expect this trend to continue through the fall.

As the incumbent, Kevin Prince has a slight edge in the starting quarterback race. However, Rick Neuheisel insists that he has not been impressed by any of the candidates and that the competition is wide open.

Although Prince is still recovering from a knee injury, expect him to rise to the top by the time opening day comes around.    

Grade: C-

One Outrageous Prediction for Each Pac-12 Football Team

In the off season, it is always fun to take a far look ahead and try to make predictions.  Even though the makeup of some teams might completely change from now until the spring, let’s make one outlandish predictions about every team in the Pac-12.

Arizona: Nick Foles and Juron Criner will combine for more touchdown passes than any other quarterback/wide receiver.

Arizona State: The Sun Devils manage to survive South Division play with only one loss, take the first division title.

California: Because of the competition nipping at his heels, Brock Mansion finally transforms into the talented quarterback that scouts saw in him five years ago.

 

Colorado:  Running back Rodney Stewart makes a name for himself and the Buffaloes, rushes for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Oregon: The Ducks lose three or more games in 2011 because their defense struggles to hold the leads provided by LaMichael James and Darron Thomas.

Oregon State: The Beavers will post back-to-back losing season for the first time since 1997-1998.

Stanford: Corner Back Delano Howell will lead the conference in interceptions and linebacker Shayne Skov will win Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

UCLA:  Mere minutes after losing to USC in the final game of the 2011 season, Rick Neuheisel will get fired walking to his car in the parking lot.

USC:  The Trojans’ defense finally “gets” what they are supposed to do when they are on the field, helps USC to a 10-win season.

Utah: The Utes will win five or less Pac-12 conference games in 2011.

Washington: Running back Chris Polk blazes the trail for the Huskies the entire year, finishes the season as the Pac-12’s leading rusher.

Washington State:  The Cougars win two Conference games this season…hey, it could happen!