2006 Statistics

The hopes for Cougar success rest with QB Alex Brink, a fifth-year senior who earned all-Pac Ten honors in his second year as the starter. Brink stands and delivers with his size, but can also take off to get tough yards (near the goal line). The Eugene-native can carry the team, but reestablishing the running game to keep extra DBs off the field will be a key for this offense that throws as much as it runs out of its one-back sets. WSU has a different size RB for any/every occasion, and OC Mike Levenseller gets the most out of each one with his inventive schemes. The Cougars battled mammoth injuries in the spring with 15 players sidelined with either injuries or grade issues. Amoung the grade issues are RBs DeMaundray Woolridge and Derrell Hutsona. The duo has some work to do in the classroom before their eligibility can be determined. In their absence, Chris Ivory has been elevated on the depth chart. Tardy is capable of holding down the fort, but with very little faces backing him up, the start fall will be crucial for finding another qualified ball carrier. The receiving corps is rather strong with all-Pac Ten selection Michael Bumpus returning as a senior. Bumpus chips away at defenses, while junior Brandon Gibson is more likely to stretch defenses. Senior TE Jed Collins steps back into a starting role with extensive experience (finished fifth on team in receptions) but less size than now-departed Cody Boyd. The revamping of the line continues – the new center, soph Kenny Alfred, has starting experience, while depth at guard and a few position swaps should mean the inside will be fine. The new left tackle (likely JUCO transfer Vaughn Lesuma) looks like the only real need. He did not participate in contact drills this spring due to a wrist injury, but coaches saw enough to project him as the top guy. This line plays a little light, but they have the talent to be one of the conference’s better groups if they can gel. This offense started too slowly last year – they aggregately earned only 46 first quarter points, not a way to assure wins. Consistency in the running game will be a major measuring stick for team success given the desparity now at the position with new face(s). We know Brink can do the job, but too much weight on his shoulder will mean another (close to) break-even year.

After finishing ranked 31st in run defense, the Cougars return three of their four starters up front, and all are seniors. The inside of the line is strongest – Aaron Johnson and Ropati Pitoitua do more than take up room, though size is not an issue. End Lance Broadus does have size issues (as does the quality depth there), but who can argue with his effectiveness (leader with 7.5 sacks). Junior LB Cory Evans should have no problem as a first-time starter after he saw plenty of action there. MLB Greg Trent, always around the ball, is the linchpin of the defense and has been chosen as one of the team captains. Rising the charts fast is LB Jason Stripling, who sat out last season with a shoulder injury. His reputation for hard hits this spring has placed some expectations on his back. Mattingly and Hammill will compete for the playing time, and neither is green behind the ears. At corner, ex-JUCO senior Brian Williams looks like the most qualified after Wazzu loses its starting duo there. He has fallen somewhat this spring after missing the final two scrimmages due to injury. The good news is that some other youngsters received quality practice experience, giving the coaches a few more faces to work with. Senior free safety Husain Abdullah returns, but the starter has little developed around him. Issues on what was the 108th pass defense should also make the Cougar’s glass either half empty or half full – new faces might be just what the doctor ordered. The secondary, like the running game, will define the upcoming season in Pullman. The Pac Ten is an offensive league, so it is obvious what the Cougars need to do if they are to shake this stereotype and become a national power again. The defense was erratic to end 2006, losing three games to mundane conference rivals, to prove they have to step up before WSU will finish in the top 25.