Cougars Ready for 2019 Spring Practice

March 19, 2019 | Football

By: Washington State Athletic Communications

PULLMAN, Wash. - The Washington State University football team will begin its spring practice schedule, Thursday, March 21, the first of 15 practice dates that conclude April 23. The annual Crimson and Gray Game will be April 20 at Martin Stadium at 1 p.m. as part of Gameday for Mental Health. The game will be televised by the Pac-12 Networks.

This spring marks the eighth under head coach Mike Leach as the Cougars return 46 lettermen from last season's Alamo Bowl-winning team, 21 on offense, 22 on the defense and three on special teams.

Offensively, the Cougars return seven starters from 2018, including four on the offensive line. For the sixth time in seven years under Leach, the Cougars led the Pac-12 in passing offense at 380.0 ypg in 2017, which also led the nation. WSU also led the nation in receptions with 478.

Another strength of the offense will be the returning depth at wide receiver, where nine of the 13 receivers who caught a pass last year return. That group combined for 323 receptions, 3,590 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2018. Running back Max Borghi, who posted 705 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns in his freshman campaign, will lead a running back unit that saw James Williams leave early for the NFL Draft. At quarterback, the Cougars will have a host of arms competing for time, led by seniors Anthony Gordon and Trey Tinsley, graduate transfer Gage Gubrud, sophomore John Bledsoe and freshmen Cammon Cooper and Gunner Cruz.

Defensively, the Cougars look to replace five starters from last year's squad, including linebacker and defensive leader Peyton Pelluer, who led the team in tackles with 87. Last season under first-year defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys, the Cougars held opponents to 23.1 ppg, fourth in the Pac-12 and 39th nationally. The WSU defense also ranked in the top 50 nationally and top 5 in the Pac-12 in rushing, passing and total defense, and tied for the Pac-12 lead in sacks with 35.

Senior safety Jalen Thompson, a two-time All-Pac-12 honoree, and redshirt junior linebacker Jahad Woods return to lead the Cougar defense. Woods finished second on the team in tackles last season with 73 while Thompson added 62 tackles and seven pass breakups.

The special teams units see all three kickers return with redshirt-junior punter Oscar Dragucevich III, who led the Pac-12 in punting average last season, joining redshirt-junior kickers Jack Crane and redshirt-sophomore kicker Blake Mazza. Crane accounted for 37 touchbacks on kickoffs last season while Mazza connected on 10 field goals.

The Cougars will practice Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Martin Stadium and Rogers Field with the Crimson and Gray Game set for Saturday, April 20 at Martin Stadium. Media availability will be after each practice.

2019 Washington State Football Spring Practice Schedule:
Day                     Date                        Time
Thursday            March 21                2:45 p.m.
Saturday             March 23                11 a.m.
Tuesday              March 26                2:45 p.m.
Thursday            March 28                2:45 p.m.
Saturday             March 30                11 a.m.
Tuesday              April 2                     2:45 p.m.
Thursday            April 4                     2:45 p.m.
Saturday             April 6                     11 a.m.
Tuesday              April 9                     2:45 p.m.
Thursday            April 11                   2:45 p.m.
Saturday             April 13                   11 a.m.
Tuesday              April 16                   2:45 p.m.
Thursday            April 18                   2:45 p.m.
Saturday             April 20                   1 p.m.*
Tuesday              April 23                   2:45 p.m.

*Crimson & Gray Game (Martin Stadium)
Practice times subject to change