With a souped-up offense and playmakers on defense, the Washington State Cougars will glimpse to make a assertion in 2022. Below are 10 Cougs to enjoy this season.
The Washington Condition Cougars underwent a coaching alter, with Jake Dickert getting around midway through final period. Washington State is returning to a edition of the Air Raid offense this calendar year with new offensive coordinator Eric Morris calling the plays.
There will be lots of fireworks on both of those sides of the ball this 12 months. Below are 10 players Washington Point out Cougars lovers should preserve an eye on in 2022.
Quarterback Cameron Ward
Quarterback Cameron Ward followed his head coach at Incarnate Term, Eric Morris, to Pullman. So he has familiarity with the new OC’s offensive system. In 2022, Ward threw for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns very last period.
He has even improved extensive receiver expertise to work with at Washington Point out than he did at UIW. Ward could make Cougs supporters forget all about his predecessor Jayden de Laura. It will be up to the offensive line to give the exciting quarterback time to go.
Cameron Ward, a genuine freshman, ran the triple-option in high college.
Now he threw for six landing passes and 407 yards, ran for another and led his @UIWFootball Cardinals (3-) to a different win. Here is all 7 of them right now.@Cameron7Ward pic.twitter.com/vflIGwY7VV
— Chase Shannon (@chase_shannon) March 20, 2021
Operating Back Nakia Watson
Using more than for the dynamic duo of Max Borghi and Deon McIntosh is no easy feat. But Nakia Watson is in that placement. He struggled in the Sun Bowl previous 12 months, rushing for 62 yards on 17 carries. Was it him or the rebuilt offensive line? A extensive-open passing video game need to open up some running lanes for him.
Extensive Receiver Renard Bell
Back for his sixth year on the Palouse, Renard Bell is WSU’s effects receiver. Bell has 147 profession receptions and ought to thrive in the Cougars’ offense. There will be loads of possibilities for Bell to capture passes. If he can continue to be balanced, it should really be a career calendar year.
Large Reciever De’Zhaun Stribling
Coming off a strong freshman time where by he caught 44 passes for 471 yards and 5 touchdowns, De’Zhaun Stribling ought to a massive element of the offense in 2022. The elusive receiver has a very good opportunity to guide Washington Condition in targets. With the new offense and a calendar year of encounter, don’t be stunned if he doubles his acquiring numbers.
.@jayden_delaura hits @Dezhaunthegreat in stride!
4th TD capture of the 12 months for De’Zhaun Stribling
Observe | https://t.co/npmBKDhSpC#GoCougs https://t.co/6vIhJ5qBwX pic.twitter.com/QtOQfavQUg
— Washington Point out Soccer (@WSUCougarFB) November 14, 2021
Restricted End Andre Dollar
Morris’ model of the Air Raid offense will characteristic a limited conclusion it could almost certainly be freshman Andre Greenback. It is been about a ten years due to the fact the Washington Condition Cougars made use of a tight end, so that will be pretty a change. Dollar is a heralded recruit, and it really should be enjoyable to maintain an eye on him in this procedure.
Edge Rusher Ron Stone
A first-crew All-Pac 12 choice in 2021, Ron Stone recorded 64 tackles, which includes 11 for reduction and 5 sacks. The fifth-calendar year senior returns to Pullman determined to make 2022 his finest 12 months. If there is a chief on Washington State’s protection, it is the veteran Stone. Also, with a good yr, he could complete his occupation in the Cougs all-time leading 10 for sacks.
PAC-12 Player Spotlight:
Ron Stone Jr
6-3 247 (@WSUCougarFB Edge)
– 2021 1st Crew All PAC-12
– 64 Tackles, 11.5 TFL & 5 sacks in 2021
— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) March 24, 2022
Edge Rusher Brennan Jackson
It is on Stone and spouse in criminal offense Brennan Jackson to present the outside strain in new defensive coordinator Brian Ward’s method. Previous calendar year Jackson was All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention following he posted 6.5 tackles for a decline, along with 4.5 sacks. Jackson also experienced one particular interception, alongside with two passes defended. If other teams double Stone, Jackson has plenty of talent to excel in 1-on-just one situations.
Linebacker Daiyan Henley
Nevada transfer Daiyan Henley will anchor the Cougars’ protection. Very last season Henley led the Wolfpack with 94 tackles, including two for a decline. The linebacker also had 4 interceptions (a single for a choose-six), proving he is powerful in go protection. With his talent set, Henley really should support stabilize Washington State’s defense and prevail over the losses of Justus Rogers and Jahad Woods.
Cornerbacks Derrick Langford Jr. and Armani Marsh
Previous season WSU led the Pac-12 in turnover margin. A great deal of that was due to their outstanding defensive backs. Two of them went to the NFL. Fortunately, they continue to have Derrick Langford Jr. and Armani Marsh to fight receivers. Each and every guy performs restricted protection, and as a duo, they accounted for five interceptions in 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/view?v=AkXQNeYcA4A
Are there any other Washington Condition Cougars that should really be on the observe record? Let us know in the responses portion underneath.