Price Finds Time To Be Someone For Everyone WSU Coach Devotes Time To Evaluation With His Son Coaching Qbs

When he isn’t sneaking a word with defensive backs coach Craig Bray, he might be comparing notes with Mike Levenseller, who coaches receivers.

When he isn’t sharing advice with quarterback Bryan Paul, he might be watching Billy Newman’s progress since moving from running back to cornerback.

Mike Price is doing a little bit of everything these days.

Washington State’s 10th-year football coach, who once focused on quarterbacks and the offense, has taken a more active role in evaluating talent this spring as WSU replaces 16 lost starters from last year’s Rose Bowl team.

“When he had to consume himself with the offense and the quarterbacks, he didn’t have a chance to stand back there and watch the young kids work,” Bray said Wednesday, as WSU completed its 10th practice of the spring. “Now, when we talk about players, he has seen them.”

Players like Newman, the 5-foot-10, 196-pound freshman. Or Cory DeSanti, a 6-4, 212-pound freshman receiver who is getting a look at tight end.

In the past, Price might have been only vaguely familiar with their progress. This year, he’s in the know.

“It’s a good deal,” Bray said, “and I think the players realize he’s more of a guy that’s there with everybody, rather than just getting consumed by a position.”

The change was facilitated by the addition of Price’s older son, 31-year-old Eric, as quarterbacks coach. Mike Price still has input with the quarterbacks, but not at the expense of the big picture.

That’s the idea, anyway.

“Every now and then I put my nose in there and butt in, but I think it’s really important that I evaluate personnel as a team, what we need,” Price said.

Leaf vs. Montana, the early years

Ryan Leaf’s disdain for his Montana roots was evident long before his recent comments in a national magazine.

One of the earliest indicators surfaced the first time Leaf took the field in a WSU uniform. It was Sept. 9, 1995, and the Cougars were playing Montana in Martin Stadium.

As Leaf trotted onto the field during the game’s final minutes, the remaining Montana fans booed loudly. Leaf made sure he had the last laugh.

WSU led 31-21 and had the ball in Montana territory. Price, eager to run out the clock, sent in a running play, but Leaf audibled into a deep pass.

The 31-yard completion to Kearney Adams set up WSU’s final touchdown, turning the game into a blowout.

Notes

WSU will scrimmage Saturday at 9 a.m. With Torry Hollimon injured and starters Lamont Thompson and Dee Moronkola tending to academics, the Cougars are short-handed in the secondary. That’s one reason Newman is being tried at cornerback… . Redshirt Early Riley has emerged as the probable starter at strong safety.