With a souped-up offense and playmakers on defense, the Washington Condition Cougars will glance to make a statement in 2022. In this article are 10 Cougs to watch this season.
The Washington Point out Cougars underwent a coaching improve, with Jake Dickert having over halfway as a result of previous period. Washington State is returning to a model of the Air Raid offense this yr with new offensive coordinator Eric Morris calling the plays.
There will be loads of fireworks on each sides of the ball this 12 months. In this article are 10 gamers Washington Point out Cougars fans need to continue to keep an eye on in 2022.
Quarterback Cameron Ward
Quarterback Cameron Ward adopted his head coach at Incarnate Phrase, Eric Morris, to Pullman. So he has familiarity with the new OC’s offensive process. In 2022, Ward threw for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns last season.
He has even far better huge receiver expertise to get the job done with at Washington Condition than he did at UIW. Ward could make Cougs enthusiasts forget about all about his predecessor Jayden de Laura. It will be up to the offensive line to give the enjoyable quarterback time to move.
Cameron Ward, a real freshman, ran the triple-selection in superior school.
Nowadays he threw for six touchdown passes and 407 yards, ran for yet another and led his @UIWFootball Cardinals (3-) to an additional win. Here is all 7 of them nowadays.@Cameron7Ward pic.twitter.com/vflIGwY7VV
— Chase Shannon (@chase_shannon) March 20, 2021
Functioning Back Nakia Watson
Using around for the dynamic duo of Max Borghi and Deon McIntosh is no quick feat. But Nakia Watson is in that posture. He struggled in the Sun Bowl past calendar year, speeding for 62 yards on 17 carries. Was it him or the rebuilt offensive line? A vast-open passing activity should really open up some managing lanes for him.
Broad Receiver Renard Bell
Back again for his sixth season on the Palouse, Renard Bell is WSU’s affect receiver. Bell has 147 profession receptions and must thrive in the Cougars’ offense. There will be a lot of alternatives for Bell to catch passes. If he can remain healthy, it need to be a career year.
Vast Reciever De’Zhaun Stribling
Coming off a solid freshman season exactly where he caught 44 passes for 471 yards and 5 touchdowns, De’Zhaun Stribling really should a significant aspect of the offense in 2022. The elusive receiver has a good likelihood to guide Washington Point out in targets. With the new offense and a yr of expertise, really do not be amazed if he doubles his receiving numbers.
.@jayden_delaura hits @Dezhaunthegreat in stride!
4th TD catch of the calendar year for De’Zhaun Stribling
Watch | https://t.co/npmBKDhSpC#GoCougs https://t.co/6vIhJ5qBwX pic.twitter.com/QtOQfavQUg
— Washington Condition Football (@WSUCougarFB) November 14, 2021
Limited Finish Andre Greenback
Morris’ edition of the Air Raid offense will element a tight conclusion it could possibly be freshman Andre Dollar. It is been in excess of a 10 years given that the Washington Condition Cougars applied a restricted conclusion, so that will be very a improve. Greenback is a heralded recruit, and it must be enjoyment to continue to keep an eye on him in this method.
Edge Rusher Ron Stone
A initial-workforce All-Pac 12 variety in 2021, Ron Stone recorded 64 tackles, including 11 for loss and 5 sacks. The fifth-year senior returns to Pullman determined to make 2022 his greatest calendar year. If there is a chief on Washington State’s protection, it is the veteran Stone. Also, with a excellent calendar year, he could complete his job in the Cougs all-time top rated 10 for sacks.
PAC-12 Participant Highlight:
Ron Stone Jr
6-3 247 (@WSUCougarFB Edge)
– 2021 1st Workforce All PAC-12
– 64 Tackles, 11.5 TFL & 5 sacks in 2021
— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) March 24, 2022
Edge Rusher Brennan Jackson
It’s on Stone and partner in criminal offense Brennan Jackson to offer the outside the house tension in new defensive coordinator Brian Ward’s process. Past calendar year Jackson was All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention after he posted 6.5 tackles for a loss, alongside with 4.5 sacks. Jackson also experienced 1 interception, along with two passes defended. If other groups double Stone, Jackson has plenty of talent to excel in one particular-on-a single situations.
Linebacker Daiyan Henley
Nevada transfer Daiyan Henley will anchor the Cougars’ protection. Very last year Henley led the Wolfpack with 94 tackles, such as two for a reduction. The linebacker also experienced four interceptions (one particular for a choose-six), proving he is helpful in move protection. With his ability established, Henley must help stabilize Washington State’s defense and defeat the losses of Justus Rogers and Jahad Woods.
Cornerbacks Derrick Langford Jr. and Armani Marsh
Previous time WSU led the Pac-12 in turnover margin. A lot of that was because of to their excellent defensive backs. Two of them went to the NFL. The good thing is, they however have Derrick Langford Jr. and Armani Marsh to struggle receivers. Every person plays restricted protection, and as a duo, they accounted for 5 interceptions in 2021.
https://www.youtube.com/check out?v=AkXQNeYcA4A
Are there any other Washington State Cougars that must be on the watch checklist? Let us know in the responses portion under.