Running backs

position breakdown

Starters returning: 1

Starters lost: 0

Expected starter: RB Jerome Harrison (Sr.)

Outlook: Jerome Harrison is the Cougars’ backfield and the Cougars’ backfield is Jerome Harrison this year. Top recruit Jonathan Stewart spurned WSU for Oregon; last year’s backup, Allen Thompson, left the team because of shoulder injuries; and this year’s backup, Kevin McCall, is suspended and soon to be on trial for third-degree rape. As a result, Harrison currently stands by himself on the depth chart. The good news is that he appears to be this team’s most impressive player, making one impressive run after another. Harrison picked up 900 yards last season to lead the Cougars despite not getting the bulk of the carries until well into the year. More than 1,000 this year would seem a foregone conclusion, barring injury. Washington State will continue to use an I-formation from time to time this year, and that’s where Brandon Asuega-Stark and Jed Collins will also factor in at fullback. Collins, a true sophomore, has had a nice spring.

Coming Friday: Quarterbacks