Greg Woods

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The man who plunged the dagger in the New England Patriots, putting the finishing touches on the Seattle Seahawks’ ascent to football’s highest peak with a victory in Sunday’s Super Bowl 60, once toiled on the freshman football team.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Long before he turned his life over to football, Efton Chism III could really swing it. Playing baseball growing up, he found a niche in the outfield in the Monroe area, using his speed to patrol the green and his bat speed to rack up hits at the plate.

SAN FRANCISCO – Luther Elliss must have thought his phone was going to burst into flames. Moments after his son delivered one of the signature hits of the NFL season, laying out New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart with a vicious tackle along the sideline, he got texts from all kinds of people: friends, family, reporters, all of whom wanted his thoughts.

SAN FRANCISCO – The place where Kyle Williams’ dreams first began to blossom is no bigger than a city block. It’s called Rowley Park, a relatively small outfit in the north end of Gardena, one of the Los Angeles suburbs where Williams grew up.

Another signing day has arrived at Washington State, where they seem to be piling up by the bushel.

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Even with the gear Kyle Williams is rocking on opening night at Super Bowl 60, a chance for both his New England Patriots and opposing Seattle Seahawks to meet with fans and reporters in a sprawling ballroom in the heart of San Jose, it’s clear he’s thrilled. The rookie wide receiver is wearing a thick pair of white Oakley shades and a ballcap over a do-rag, but when he’s greeted by a pair of reporters from Washington state, where Williams authored a sparkling two-year career, he knows exactly what to do.

PULLMAN – About a month ago, in a circular arena just off Portland’s Willamette River, David Riley had to coach his you-know-what off. His Washington State team was down eight to Portland, and the more the Cougars scuffled on offense, the more their head coach looked like he was searching for answers his team didn’t have.

PULLMAN – ND Okafor does not exactly have the prettiest form on his jump shot. He doesn’t really need to, not as Washington State’s starting center, not when he’s making mincemeat of defenders around the basket and showing off an improved sense of touch from short range.

PULLMAN – Ace Glass keeps piling up the awards.

PULLMAN – A pall of nervous energy hung in the Beasley Coliseum air like a thick fog. It wasn’t just that Washington State was in a tight game, and it wasn’t even that this was against Pepperdine, one of the conference’s worst teams. It was also that on this Saturday afternoon, the Cougars were looking to end a four-game skid, the type that threatened to crater their season in coach David Riley’s second year.

PULLMAN – As the second half of Washington State’s latest contest unfolded, a road test against San Diego on Wednesday night, the Cougars began to score with ease.

PULLMAN – In September, when the gates open and the concession stands whir into action and the lights flip on at Gesa Field, Washington State fans won’t just be experiencing the beginning of the Kirby Moore era.

PULLMAN – Washington State is picking up an offensive lineman from its biggest rival.

PULLMAN – Normally, David Riley likes to let his guys play, and let his players attack a defense that hasn’t gotten a chance to get set.

PULLMAN – Some final reinforcements from the transfer portal are headed Washington State’s way.

PULLMAN – Braden Huff positioned himself at the far end of the playing surface at Beasley Coliseum. As Gonzaga players filed off the floor Thursday night, each passed right by Huff, who offered high fives, congratulatory handshakes and hugs before embarking on a slow trek via crutches to the visitor’s locker room.

PULLMAN – Whenever Washington State coaches and players head home after their last outing, an 86-65 defeat to No. 9 Gonzaga here on Thursday night, they will regret all manner of developments.

PULLMAN – David Riley has been around the Pacific Northwest basketball scene for too many years to count, enough to remember all the great post play that Gonzaga has put on display. Sitting in a chair courtside at Beasley Coliseum, the site of his Washington State team’s home matchup with the No. 9 Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Thursday, he begins to list off a couple names.

PULLMAN – Washington State has finally landed an offensive lineman from the transfer portal.

PULLMAN – Sometimes, Adria Rodriguez will make a strategic move at the dining center. He’ll be eating dinner at the Gray W, the room in the Cougar Football Complex where Washington State athletes eat meals, and he’ll pack another meal. He knows he’ll be hungry late at night.

PULLMAN — One of the top wide receivers in the California junior college system last fall is headed to Washington State.

PULLMAN — Washington State is getting one of the most decorated high school players in the state's history.

PULLMAN – Next fall, when Washington State coach Kirby Moore needs a tight end, he’ll have a few options to choose from.

PULLMAN – For a moment, Washington State appeared like they were about to stun everyone in the gym.