EV grad Roof will start for Cougs
PULLMAN – One of Spokane’s own will almost certainly be in the starting lineup when Washington State University travels to Auburn in September for its season-opener.
Andy Roof, an offensive lineman out of East Valley, has cemented a spot at right guard for the Cougars this spring, and the sophomore will have the chance to be a centerpiece of the WSU line of the future as well.
“It’s very exciting,” Roof said. “The chance to start is all I can ask for as an opportunity. And they gave me that opportunity and everything worked out.”
Going into the spring, Roof was one of four linemen getting a look at two open spots. But the Cougars gave Roof the first crack at the open guard position, and he hasn’t been anywhere but on the first team in all 13 practices and scrimmages thus far.
Offensive line coach George Yarno confirmed that the position is Roof’s to lose, and the coach said he’s more than happy to have Roof filling the void left by Norvell Holmes’ graduation.
“His work ethic, his toughness, his size, his maturity,” Yarno said, listing Roof’s attributes. “All of those things, I think he kind of earned that position through everything he’s done the first two years he’s been here. So I gave him the first shot at it, and he does well with it.
“I’ve got a soft spot for those Spokane kids because I was one myself.”
Roof has earned accolades within the WSU program for his off-season weightlifting, and it appears that strength is also helping the 315-pounder on the field.
The sophomore said he’d like to develop into a powerful one-on-one blocker who can aid the Cougars’ ground game.
“I love to run block. You line someone up, toes up with me, and that’s my game,” he said. “This is going to be very special for me. The first time I take the field at Auburn will probably be the biggest thrill of my life.”
Yarno also praised Roof’s athleticism, which could come in handy if the Cougars ask him to do any pulling on outside run plays. Last season, center Nick Mihlhauser pulled on a number of sweeps and tosses, but with his graduation and the starting center battle continuing into the fall, it may become more likely that Roof will have to get to the edges.
“I think he can be a dominating player by the time he’s a senior,” Yarno said. “He’s had a great spring. He was put in the starting position. I told him, ‘Someone’s going to have to beat you out.’ And he’s really taken off with it, working hard. He needs to trust people around him a little bit more, which will come with time.”