Behind Enemy Lines: Washington State
Boone Pickens Stadium
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
It’s the return of Behind Enemy Lines!
Each week I will have a Q&A with a beat writer who covers Oklahoma State’s opponent on Saturday. This week, the Spokesman’s Vince Grippi has been kind enough to answer some questions. You can find Vince’s work at www.spokesman.com and you can follow him on Twitter @vinceg55.
What is the biggest reason for hope for WSU in 2010?
Would have to say the overall improvement in team speed and athleticism. The Cougars redshirted five freshmen on defense last year who can all run. They, along with a couple true freshmen, are all in the two-deep in the back seven. On offense, the two junior college offensive linemen who are starting, left tackle David Gonzales (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) and left guard Wade Jacobson (6-6, 304), are the two most athletic offensive linemen on the team.
Tell us more about DT Brandon Rankin.
Rankin, a North Carolina native, did not meet NCAA eligibility standards after playing at California’s Butte JC in 2008. The Cougars signed him anyway and he went home to North Carolina to finish his AA. While there, he reports a contact and subsequent scholarship offer from Alabama coach Nick Saban, who was in town to recruit a friend. But Rankin honored his commitment to WSU and enrolled last spring. At 6-5 and 281 pounds, Rankin was a defensive end in junior college, but has moved inside to the three-technique tackle in WSU’s scheme. He is by far the quickest Cougar off the ball.
What position is the strongest on offense?
The receiving group feature two seniors, a junior and a sophomore who all started last year. They are joined by two freshmen, including the standout of camp, Marquess Wilson, and a junior college transfer. The seven – six right now because freshman Kristoff Williams is out with turf toe – is, according to veteran receivers coach Mike Levenseller, as deep a group as he’s had ever. Remember, just four years ago the Cougars featured Jason Hill (49ers), Brandon Gibson (Rams) and Michael Bumpus (formerly with Seahawks).
What position is strongest on defense?
The front four. Rankin is joined on the strong side by sophomore Travis Long (6-4, 258), honorable mention All-Pac-10 as a true freshman. Senior end Kevin Kooyman (6-6, 262) is on the other side, with senior Bernard Wolfgramm, a 6-3, 285-pound run stopper who is finally healthy, at the tackle spot.
WSU dealt with several injuries in 2009, how are those players looking this season?
It’s a mixed bag. Senior running back James Montgomery, who almost lost a leg to a freak injury, is back and running well. Quarterback Jeff Tuel is showing no ill effects from his dislocated knee cap. But a trio of offensive linemen had to hang up their cleats due to multiple concussions. Kooyman has recovered from knee problems that cost him last season and the secondary members who broke legs – there were three – all returned, though sophomore safety LeAndre Daniels is now finished with football after suffering a broken neck in practice.
Who is the best player on the team?
It may sound funny, but punter Reid Forrest is probably the best player at his position. An honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection last year, Forrest averaged better than 43 yards a punt and has exceptional hang time. He’s also adept at putting the ball out inside the 20. Forrest, a senior, is also the holder on extra points and field goals.
Are any freshman expected to make an impact? Who?
Quite a few, including Wilson, who may start. Running back Rickey Galvin (5-8, 162) will play a lot, as will right tackle John Fullington, a 6-5, 285-pounder who coach Paul Wulff believes was the most talented offensive lineman on the West Coast last season. On defense, two true freshmen, Deone Bucannon and Damante Horton, should see action in the secondary.
How is this game viewed in Pullman? Winnable? An opportunity to see where the Cougars are?
I’m not so sure the Cougar faithful are willing to see any game as winnable just yet (except next week against FCS school Montana State). All they really want is a team that competes. And that’s what they are looking for from Saturday, a competitive game. They believe that is possible.
What changes have been made to improve the offense?
Not a lot and nothing major. More than anything the hope is this group, with a more experienced Tuel at quarterback, can execute the offense that has been in place the last two seasons. Mistakes have been so prevalent, the Cougars have never been able to consistent play its no-huddle, a staple of Wulff’s at his previous stop.
What changes have been made to improve the defense?
Besides the influx of new talent, the group is flying around more, hoping to take advantage of the increase in speed. The idea is to be more aggressive and force more turnovers.
Name to watch out for on offense?
Jared Karstetter. The 6-4, 208-pound junior wide out was an outstanding high school basketball player and uses his size and leaping ability to out battle cornerbacks for the ball. The All-Pac-10 honorable mention selection last year scored twice that way against Notre Dame but his highlight catch came at Arizona when he leaped above the cornerback, tipped the ball in the air and gathered it in one-handed, before shucking the defender and finishing a 64-yard touchdown reception.
Name to watch out for on defense?
We’ve already mentioned Rankin, so we’ll point out junior Alex Hoffman-Ellis, the 6-1, 241-pound weak side linebacker. As a freshman in junior college Hoffman-Ellis ran on the 4×100 meter relay team. He led WSU in tackles last season with 84 and returned an interception against SMU into a touchdown.
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Reid Forrest for Heisman!