Defense takes offense to last week

PULLMAN — Even though nothing that happens in spring ball ends up in the record book, the Washington State University defense still feels it has a little pride on the line as the team takes the field today for its second full scrimmage.

Last weekend, Cougars offensive units scored nine touchdowns in the spring’s first scrimmage.

“It was like we weren’t awake or something,” linebacker Steve Dildine said Friday. “Everyone was slacking and we weren’t ready to go. (Today) we’ll get everybody hyped up and excited. We’ll play real aggressive football, come out there real physical and let everyone know what we’ve got.”

The Cougars are viewing this as a measuring stick for how much progress they have managed to make. Defensive coordinator Robb Akey is keeping a close eye on his young secondary as well as the thin linebacking corps.

While Akey doesn’t expect perfection, he said he does want to prove that the three practice sessions since the last scrimmage have paid off.

“I would like to see us flying around in our style,” he said. “I know there are going to be guys that get blocked and guys that get beat at points in time. I’d like to see the numbers work out in our favor. I’d like to see the level of consistency better than what it was a week ago.”

Hamstring strain sidelines Hill

Wide receiver Jason Hill, who set a school record with 12 touchdown receptions in 2004, has a grade two right hamstring strain as initially suspected. Hill pulled the muscle while reaching for a pass on Wednesday and trainer Bill Drake said he’s expected to be sidelined for 4-6 weeks.

Hill said he was still upset with himself for straining to reach the overthrown pass in a drill with no defense.

In Hill’s absence for the last week of spring practice, Greg Prator and Benny Ward could see extra playing time. But Hill said he already feels much better and plans to be fine in time for summer workouts and fall camp.

Notes

Kicker Graham Siderius nailed down the unofficial injury of the spring award. The rising senior slipped on concrete steps Thursday night and gashed the bottom of the big toe on his right kicking foot. Siderius is in a second year of competition with Loren Langley for WSU’s kicking duties. “I could have broken my arm and it would have been fine,” he joked, “but it had to be my kicking foot.” Siderius is listed as day-to-day. … Fullback Brandon Asuega-Stark missed another day with a high ankle sprain. Asuega-Stark, who is doubling as the team’s No. 2 tailback, may test the injury on Tuesday but still could miss the rest of spring ball. … Defensive end Adam West also sat out another day with an ankle sprain and is shooting for a Tuesday return. … Today’s scrimmage time has been moved back to 10 a.m., although players will warm up 30 minutes earlier. The Martin Stadium scrimmage is open to the public.