Cougars Running Low On Ball Carriers Two-Back Plan Derailed By Rash Of Early Injuries
Washington State University planned to stick with a two-back offense through the first two weeks of spring football practices. Ten days into camp, injuries are making that a more difficult proposition.
Jason Clayton, Alex Tinsley and Adam Hawkins are out with injuries, leaving most of the carries to first-string running back DeJuan Gilmore.
“Our depth has kind of dissipated over the last couple of days,” new running backs coach Kasey Dunn said. “But it’s OK. I put it all on DeJuan today, and he stepped up and took a ton of reps. He did a great job and never complained once.”
Clayton and Tinsley suffered hamstring injuries; Hawkins is out with a concussion.
The 5-foot-8, 204-pound Gilmore was out of shape when he entered fall camp last year, one reason he didn’t play much early in the season. But he’s in shape now, having run a 4.4-second 40-yard dash in recent testing.
Gilmore said he plans to stay in Pullman this summer. He spent last summer at home in Los Angeles, where he found time to do everything but stick to a conditioning program.
“That was my fault,” Gilmore said. “There won’t be any problems this year.”
The running back situation will remain murky until the arrival of junior-college All-American Kevin Brown in the fall. For now, Gilmore appears to be a clear No. 1, especially if Clayton can’t overcome his recurring hamstring problems.
Gilmore’s receiving skills have prompted coaches to try him at “A-back” - where the slot receiver normally lines up.
Gilmore had two receptions Wednesday, although neither compared to the spectacular 42-yard catch-and-run he made in the Rose Bowl.
Notes
Quarterback Paul Mencke continues to draw raves. “He’s really getting his rhythm down,” coach Mike Price said… . Freshman Erik Larson injured a shoulder Wednesday and may need surgery, leaving long-snapping duties to sophomore defensive end Austin Matson. The 6-3, 246-pound Matson moved to end after opening camp as a linebacker. Known for his relentlessness, Matson has even played tackle at times, using his quickness to get past WSU’s interior linemen.