Five Cougars prove worth watching during scrimmages

PULLMAN – With seven practices down, and seven more to go not including the Crimson in Gray Game in Spokane, the Washington State Cougars have essentially reached the midpoint of their spring practice period.

Over the last couple of weeks, The Spokesman-Review has profiled a few spring standouts, such as receiver Tavares Martin and running back James Williams. But with WSU scrimmaging in Martin Stadium for the first time this spring on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., it’s worth taking a look at five other players who are worth keeping an eye on during scrimmages and the spring game on April 23 at Albi Stadium.

Garrett McBroom, defensive end – WSU’s coaches wouldn’t have taken a junior college transfer if they did not think would get on the field soon, but even they have been impressed how quickly McBroom has figured out the rhythms of the WSU defense. McBroom has practiced primarily with the starting defense and has held his own thanks to his strength and his quickness off the ball. Because McBroom has picked up the defense quickly and has not had to stand around learning what the coaches want, he’s going to get plenty of valuable reps by the time he plays his first NCAA game.

Kyle Sweet, wide receiver – Sweet was thrust into a prominent role as a true freshman last season, starting two games and playing key roles in wins over Arizona State and UCLA. The inside receiver has built on that early experience and become one of the team’s most prolific receivers this spring. Both of WSU’s presumptive starting inside receivers will be seniors this season, so Sweet should figure prominently in the offense this year, and be one of the team’s primary playmakers as an upperclassman.

Charleston White, defensive back – The former starting cornerback has spent some time this spring working as the starting strong safety, in addition to running with the ones at corner. He’s played well in both roles thanks to prodigious speed and long arms that allow him to get a hand on passes even when a receiver appears to be open. If White can play physical enough to hold on at safety, he can be a sort of utility player in WSU’s secondary, giving the Cougars experienced depth at two positions.

Jalen Thompson, safety – There was a good reason White spent some time back at cornerback. The coaches wanted to give Thompson a chance to play with the starting unit at safety, alongside Shalom Luani. Thompson, who graduated early from Downey High in California to enroll at WSU and participate in spring practices, has played well in coverage and displayed a hitting ability that belies his age. He seems likely to see the field early in his college career.

Cody O’Connell, offensive guard – The team’s tallest player, O’Connell is hard to miss. The redshirt junior has had three years to develop and is set to start for the Cougars at left guard. At 6-foot-8, 351 pounds, O’Connell is an imposing obstacle to opposing pass rushers, but he has especially impressed this spring is with his speed and footwork. The offensive coaches have emphasized that they want the offensive linemen to run downfield and block more this season, and O’Connell is adept at escorting skill players on explosive plays.