Derting probably out next two weeks of practices
PULLMAN – Washington State announced that middle linebacker Will Derting will probably miss the next two weeks of practices because of a left hamstring injury suffered Wednesday.
“Hamstrings, they heal at different rates. I promise you we won’t rush him,” head coach Bill Doba said after Saturday’s scrimmage, growing less serious. “As long as he can get back for the Washington game, I’ll be happy.”
Head trainer Bill Drake said X-rays on the senior captain were negative. The two-week window would extend into the practices directly leading up to the Sept. 1 season-opener against Idaho, but WSU has made no mention of Derting possibly being absent for that game.
Last season, Derting dislocated his wrist at about this time, but still managed to suit up for the opener with a cast over the injury. This is Derting’s first hamstring problem, though, leading in part to the school’s caution in bringing him back.
Ghostly performance
Senior running back Jerome Harrison lived up to his nickname – “Ghost” – once again on Saturday, rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown on just six carries.
In what became par for the course this spring, Harrison had a number of long runs including a 51-yarder late in the day.
The running back credited added strength over the off-season as a major aide this fall, though he joked that perhaps at 204 pounds he’s gotten too big for his own good.
“I think I’ve got to miss a couple of days (of eating), you know, do some running,” he said. “Because at the buffet there, they’re feeding us. Man, it’s ridiculous how much we eat. I’ve got to cut down on the Ding-Dongs and the Ho-Hos and the doughnuts.”
Position battles
At cornerback, senior Omowale Dada and junior Don Turner are fighting for playing time and both appeared effective in Saturday’s scrimmage. Dada had the advantage coming into camp, and Doba suggested that nothing so far has changed that.
“I think Dada won the job pretty much, almost won the job in the spring,” Doba said. “And it just kind of depends. Don’s been hurt a lot but he’s staying healthy and I think he’s improved each and every day. It’s good competition, and that’s a spot you can roll people in and out a little bit and keep them fresh.”
At kicker, Graham Siderius showed off a refined technique by drilling five kicks – one extra point and field goals from 21, 32, 36 and 49 yards. Loren Langley, who held the job as a freshman for nearly all of last season, had the same five attempts. He made all but the 49-yarder, which sailed just wide right.
The 10 kicks were all attempted with a strong breeze at their backs.
Notes
After running a number of tests, WSU has diagnosed tight end Cody Boyd with three benign bone cysts in his right ankle, perhaps causing a stress reaction. The junior will miss 4-6 weeks but will not need surgery for the time being. Boyd dropped out of practice during the fall’s first session when the ankle began causing significant pain. … Another tight end, Jacob McKinney, will miss three weeks because of a cartilage tear in his right knee. … Defensive end Adam West sustained a concussion Friday and will be re-evaluated today. … Freshmen running backs DeMaundray Woolridge and Dwight Tardy, both of whom could play this fall, struggled to gain yards but looked good at times in Saturday’s scrimmage. Woolridge ran for 7 yards on nine carries, Tardy 12 on eight. Doba did compliment the 5-foot-8 Woolridge’s running style and ability after the scrimmage. … Redshirt freshman quarterback Gary Rogers, who could see some playing time in non-conference action this season, threw a 54-yard touchdown pass to Benny Ward – most of it after the catch – against the first-team defense. Rogers was 5 of 10 for 64 yards, with one interception as well.