The transfer portal has completely turned college football upside down, with schools across the country feeling the effects of its roster from year to year. WSU has not been immune to this and one of the positions the portal has impacted at WSU is linebacker.
 
Enter Ahmad McCullough.
 
McCullough, a product of Baltimore, joins the team after spending the past five years at the University of Maryland. One of two moves the Cougs made to shore up the linebacker position, Ahmad comes in to help a defense that is looking to replace veteran leadership lost to graduation.
 
The 6'2, 225-pound linebacker posted career high numbers across the board last season. Being asked to start some and come off the bench in others, McCullough finished the year with 45 tackles (three tackles-for-loss), one sack, and two fumble recoveries in 12 games. With a clear path to substantial playing time, McCullough looks to see another jump in his numbers this season.
 
We sat down with Ahmad, discussing his time at WSU so far, the move from Maryland to Washington State, and much more.
 
How has the transition to WSU this spring been so far?
"It's been a real smooth transition so far. I've been able to feel the love from the coaches and players and it's made the move that much easier."
 
Being from Baltimore, and going to school in Maryland, how different has it been coming to the small town in Pullman?
"Being a bit older and having gone through a similar transition to this before, the adjustment period isn't that bad. There are quite a few differences, notably how small and quiet the city of Pullman is. With there not being much to do around town, I feel that I have no choice but to keep my mind and body in top condition."
 
How was the transfer portal process for you? How many other schools were you in contact with?
"Crazy! The portal was madness. I would say I was in contact with about 20-25 other schools. There were a few I really considered: Auburn, Oregon, and UConn. The deciding factor came down to what each school had planned for me in my last year, and after conversations with each school, WSU seemed like the best fit."
 
With the three linebackers from last year departing via either the NFL or transfer portal, you're expected to come in and play a major role on this defense. As a new guy, how does it feel to come in being asked to lead, but also defer to others who have been on the team?
"I look at it as a great opportunity. Yes, I'm new here, but I also have valuable experience that others on the team don't. We have some young linebackers on the team, and I take pride in being able to guide them. I lead through my actions, and I wouldn't ask the guys to do anything I wouldn't do myself."
 
This is a very talented team. How do you plan on coming in and helping the team get over that hump?
"With my mentality, simple. I want to bring an aggressive mindset to the defense, no matter how the game is going. No matter how the offense is playing, we should be playing every play like it's our last, and I plan on implementing that mentality throughout the defense."
 
What are the expectations for the team this season?
"Undefeated season. We want to be playing for the conference championship and College Football Playoff come season's end. That's the expectation and we plan on doing just that."
 
What can Coug fans expect, on and off the field, from you?
"On the field, I play every play like it's my last. Where I come from you only get one opportunity to prove yourself, and I play like that every single down. Off the field, I'm striving to be the young man I was raised to be. I love to see others succeed, and will do anything to help put others in positions to succeed."
 
Last question, what artist do you have queued up before a game?
"I gotta get to Rod Wave at some point. Dark Clouds, Counted Steps, Dark Conversation, those are only a few. I listen to others but Rod is definitely at the top of the list."
 
Good luck on the season Ahmad, and Go Cougs!