Washington State Cougars
The Skinny: The Cougars finished the 2010 season with a record of 2-10 (1-8 Pac-10), and won their first conference game since the end of the 2008 campaign. It was also their first conference road win in more than 3 years. With that being said, they still finished at the bottom of the league in record, and almost every statistical category. In time's like these for football programs, sometimes the best measurement of success comes in the progress the program is making. This will be head coach Paul Wulff's 4th spring leading the Coug's, and many are saying now is the time for a significant leap in progress. He has an outstanding signal caller, Junior quarterback Jeff Tuel, and linemen on both sides of the ball that have experience under their belts. It could all come together at the perfect time for Wulff. If not, he could be looking for a new job next year.
What We Already Know: Quarterback Jeff Tuel looks like he has the potential to become very special. He has a fantastic arm, a high football IQ, and the athletic ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs. He showed flashes of brilliance last season. With a young, and talented, crop of wide receivers, Cougar fans should be excited about the outlook of their offense. Sophomore Marquess Wilson had an outstanding Freshman campaign, and he will look to continue that success as he heads into his 2nd year. Also, incoming freshman Rahmel Dockery will look to make an immediate impact. He is the highest in-state recruit the Coug's got a commitment from. Dockery is a versatile wide-reciever/returner, who has breakaway speed and elite athleticism. With an improved supporting cast, and better protection, this offensive unit could be very potent the next two years.
What We Want to Know: Will any of this progress eventually make an impact in the win-loss column? After Wulff's third season as head coach came to an end with a loss to in state rival Washington in the Apple Cup, many fans were calling for his firing. The improvement is visible from year one until now, but it has not shown where it matters most; the standings. Washington State will never have a top ten recruiting class, and they will never get the big name guys. But you can win in Pullman. It has been done before, and the fan base has much higher expectations than what they have been given. All good football teams begin with a top-notch man at the helm. Jeff Tuel can be that guy. He has two years left. Now is the time for the Cougars to follow the team from across the state and rise up from the doldrums. With the addition of Utah and Colorado this year, the league is not going to be getting any easier. If it doesn't happen in 2011, they might be starting all over again.
Potential Spring Star: WR Henry Eaddy. Eaddy is one of five recruits in the 2011 class from Florida. Already enrolled and taking classes on campus, he will be full-go for Spring ball. Cougar fans haven't seen fast until they see this kid. He has had a 40-time of 4.39 and a vertical jump of 42 inches. Cougar coaches envision him as a slot-receiver. With his versatility, they may use him in the run game and return game as well.
Spring Dates: March 7th-April 16th.
Spring game- April 16th
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