Spring Summary

Heading into spring, WSU’s biggest question marks were at quarterback and along the offensive line. Following the end of spring football, the Cougars still have major questions at both positions.

From all accounts, however, WSU did get some good work in this spring. Mike Leach seems to think the team is well ahead of where they were last season, which is obviously a good thing. A number of players missed time with injuries, but it appears all will be healthy in time for fall camp.

Name a few players who could have breakout seasons

When you think of a Mike Leach team, you probably think offense, but I think the Cougars’ defense is the more talented side of the ball right now. Defensive end Xavier Cooper and linebacker Darryl Monroe are known among WSU fans, but I think both have the potential to break out as all-conference types of players.

Both are just sophomores, but they are the two leaders of the defense and flashed very high potential last season.

Position group grades

Teondray Caldwell (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)

QB – C+    Connor Halliday will likely open the season as the starter and redshirt freshman Austin Apodaca appears to have some potential, but both seem to have a long way to go to be the next prolific Mike Leach quarterback.

RB – C   I think Teondray Caldwell is going to be a very good player, but he was injury-plagued during his freshman season and the rest of the depth chart is either unknown or lacking.

WR – B   WSU has a lot of talent at wide receiver, but it’s young talent. There isn’t really a proven guy and drops were a huge issue during spring.

OL – D+  There are more bodies along the offensive line this season and some are talented, but there is also a lot of youth and inexperience. Until they prove they are no longer among the worst offensive lines in the country, the D+ is probably generous.

DL – A-   The Cougars have the makings of a very talented defensive line. The group was among the best units on the team last season and all of the key pieces return. A few key guys were injured during spring, but the Cougars should be solid here.

LB – B+  WSU loses Travis Long, but there is a lot of talent and depth at linebacker. Monroe leads the group, but he’s just one of about six linebackers who should play a key role next season.

CB – C-   Depth is a huge issue here, as has been the case for a few seasons. The top two guys are experienced, but the two best players may be a pair of redshirt freshman who were converted from wide receiver last season. How quickly the depth develops will be the key.

S – B-   Deone Buccannon is a great piece, but there are a lot of unknowns around him. There are enough players that I tend to think WSU will be OK at safety when it’s all said and done, but there is work to do.

ST – A   Andrew Furney is one of the best kickers in the Pac-12 and possibly all of college football while Michael Bowlin is at least an adequate punter. The Cougars were also solid on coverage units last season.

What “surprises” can we expect from this team?

The defense is the biggest surprise as not only are the Cougars shaping up to be average on defense, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they finished in the top part of the Pac-12. The front seven looks very good and while there are issues in the secondary, I think there are enough young, talented players that WSU will ultimately be very solid on defense.

As for the team itself, the season will go how the offensive line and quarterback go and right now both have significant work to do.

Mark Sandritter of Coug Center provided the information for our Washington State Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up. For more WSU football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Mark on Twitter @MarkSandritter.