Cougars hang loose at tight end
PULLMAN – The football position with the most to work on this spring at Washington State University may learn the least, in some respects.
Gone from the Cougars locker room are the two most significant contributors to last year’s tight end corps: four-year starter Troy Bienemann, a team captain, and his coach, Robin Pflugrad, who has moved on to Oregon.
While the Cougars may have a lot to sort out, it’ll be tough to do so even with new coach Greg Peterson in place. That’s because the presumed No. 1 tight end, Cody Boyd, can’t practice after off-season surgery.
His primary backup, Jesse Taylor, is still in a no-contact jersey and probably will be for the rest of the spring after some nerve issues last season.
“There’s a lot of tight ends right now,” Taylor said. “It’ll be interesting to see how it all unfolds into the summer. The guys who are playing see this as a great opportunity because the two seniors aren’t playing.”
Those guys on the field are – in large part, at least – also new to the situation. Jed Collins has played linebacker, fullback and special teams for WSU, but he finds himself trying out at tight end.
Jason Price is a junior college transfer getting his first practices in as a Cougar. Ben Woodard and Bryan Baird are returning, but neither has seen the field. Walk-on Tony Thompson, son of Cougars great Jack, has made a positive impression as both a long snapper and a tight end.
Price has an injured hamstring, so even though Peterson said he likes Price’s athleticism, the attention for now may center on Collins.
A talented athlete, Collins has never found a home on the field, although he spoke optimistically about his chances of sticking at his newest position.
“The coaches, they seem to like me here,” Collins said. “Coach Peterson, Cody Boyd, Jesse Taylor, they help you coming out of every play. It’s tough not to learn.
“Obviously, I’m still screwing up a lot but I get three guys telling me after every play, so I learn pretty quick.”
“I like the path that he’s on,” Peterson said. “Here’s a young man that’s played probably every position but tight end.”
Regardless of what Peterson and the Cougars find out this spring, however, they have to be content with the knowledge that they probably won’t know much until Boyd and Taylor are both fully cleared, something they expect will be the case well before fall camp.
And then? Well, the learning process will have to start all over again.
“I think with the talent we have … with the depth that we have, we’ve got three or four guys who can really do it,” Taylor said. “I think we’ll be doing a lot more two-tight ends and a lot more rotating.”
Notes
Offensive lineman Dan Rowlands, a contender for a starting job this fall, had an MRI Friday afternoon on his left shoulder after X-rays came back negative. Rowlands injured the shoulder in practice Wednesday. … Kenny Alfred, another possibility on the offensive line, had his broken hand set in a cast after it was decided that surgery was unnecessary. He could return to practice Tuesday. … Cornerback Courtney Williams had an MRI as well after injuring a hip. … Middle linebackers Greg Trent and Jason Stripling were back in no-contact jerseys after missing time. … Wide receiver Brandon Gibson is out of his no-contact jersey and will likely be fully cleared for the rest of the spring. … Cornerback Tyron Branckenridge missed another practice with a balky hamstring and could miss another full week. … Defensive end Lance Broadus and wide receiver Finas Rabb are out with groin injuries, their return dates uncertain. … Another offensive lineman, Colin Donovan, has a broken hand.