Countdown to camp: What can we expect from WSU’s linebackers?

Jul. 28—PULLMAN — Here is the ninth installment of our countdown to Washington State fall camp, which starts on Wednesday. This issue covers the Cougars’ linebacker corps.

What can we expect from WSU’s linebackers?

There likely won’t be a ton of drama when it comes to the Cougars’ linebacker group, besides the race for the final starting spot.

The first two will likely go to the incumbents, redshirt sophomore Buddah Al-Uqdah and sixth-year senior Kyle Thornton, the veteran of all veterans on this team. Al-Uqdah jumped into the starting lineup midway through last season, establishing himself in that role, and Thornton led the team in tackles.

But in WSU defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding’s 4-3 defense, who will grab the third and final starting linebacker spot? The top candidates include two newcomers, Portland State transfer Parker McKenna and Louisville/Oregon transfer Keith Brown, plus redshirt sophomore Hudson Cedarland and true freshman Frank Cusano.

Cedarland might have the advantage of experience at WSU, heading into this third season as a Cougar, but players around him have logged more time on the field. Last season, McKenna led Portland State with 75 tackles and added an interception, making as many as 15 tackles in one game last fall. It’s possible he plays his way into meaningful snaps this season.

“Parker’s work ethic is off the charts,” Thornton said during spring practices. “The guy’s always putting in work because he’s got that mentality, and he’s gonna go out and attack anything we give them.”

What do we make of Brown and his fit? Formerly a consensus four-star recruit and a top 250 player nationally out of a small town in Oregon, Brown took his talents to the Ducks, where he played two seasons. He appeared in seven games as a true freshman and 12 as a sophomore, totaling 21 tackles in his second…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/countdown-camp-expect-wsus-linebackers-020200007.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-07-29 02:02:00

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