New Cougars Big, Fast And Impressive
Normally, a college football coach doesn’t see much on the first day of rookie camp that translates into potential help for his season opener. But Washington State’s Mike Price, whose Cougars open Sept. 1 against Illinois in Chicago, said that wasn’t the case Monday after he watched 23 first-year players go through physical testing.
“Sometimes, all it takes is one guy and one play to change a game,” Price explained, “and I think there are a couple of guys out here - four or five, maybe - that can help us beat Illinois.
“I really do, and I don’t know if I’ve ever said that before.”
The source of Price’s optimism was the size and speed of his latest recruiting class, which boasts five playersmore than 300 pounds and four who have posted times of 10.5 seconds or better in the 100-meter dash.
“It’s by far the best overall group we’ve had since I’ve been here,” Price said.
Price would not say which players he thought would provide immediate help.
Among the most impressive results from Monday’s testing was the 35-inch vertical leap of Gary Holmes, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound tight end from Lacey, Wash., and the 4.4-second 40-yard dash time of Shaheed Evans, a transfer split end from Contra Costa (Calif.) Junior College.
Eleven rookies, including 6-6 freshman quarterback Ryan Leaf, had vertical leaps of better than 30 inches and five ran the 40 in 4.5 seconds or less.
Along with Evans, JC defensive back Brian Walker, freshman running back Jason Clayton, freshman linebacker Phillip Glover and Prop 48 sophomore wideout Shon Lewis all ran under 4.6.
“We’ve had some fast kids before,” Price said, “but we’ve never had five with that kind of speed.”
Veterans report tonight, photo day is Wednesday at 1 p.m. and two-a-days start Thursday.