Countdown to camp: Which WSU newcomers could make a splash right away?

Jul. 24—PULLMAN — Here is the fifth installment of our countdown to Washington State fall camp, which starts on Wednesday. This issue covers the Cougars’ newcomers.

Which WSU newcomers could make a splash right away?

Much of what is changing around Washington State’s program this season is fairly obvious — the road matchup with rival Washington and the eight Mountain West Conference opponents on the schedule, for starters — but many of the playmakers will be, too.

In this series, we’ve covered some of the newcomers who might make an immediate impact, from wide receivers such as Kris Hutson and Tre Shackelford to edge rusher Syrus Webster.

But there are more candidates. Let’s start with safety Tyson Durant.

Durant, a transfer from Akron, made easily the best impression of all the team’s newcomers during spring ball. If he hasn’t secured a starting spot in WSU’s secondary, he’s close to it. He made a number of plays during spring practices, nabbing interceptions left and right, and it’s clear he’s picked up the defensive playbook in ways that have impressed his coaches.

Look for him to take the field on the Cougars’ first defensive possession of their season opener, a home game against FCS Portland State on Aug. 31. Barring an unforeseen development in fall camp, he’ll likely start at one of the safety spots.

“That’s what we brought him in to do,” WSU coach Jake Dickert said during spring ball. “Him, Boogie (Adrian Wilson) and Layton (Smithson) out there. I think he’s done a good job being a playmaker through the first three days. The biggest thing I look for — because we had a huge install today, he could handle it mentally. And I think that’s the first step in allowing yourself to go play fast and free.”

There’s also wide receiver Tony Freeman, a transfer from the College of San Mateo in California.

During spring…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/countdown-camp-wsu-newcomers-could-020200648.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-07-25 02:02:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.