Leaf can picture it

Ryan Leaf isn’t just peddling books this weekend in Pullman. He’s an alum doing the homecoming thing – in a personal way. On tour to promote “596 Switch,” his chronicle of the 1997 Rose Bowl season, the former Washington State quarterback will take timeout to fulfill an obligation. In leaving WSU in 1998 for the NFL before graduating, Leaf had promised his mother, Marcia, he’d return to finish his degree – and did, in 2005. “But I never went through a ceremony,” Leaf said, “so she stole Matty Kegel’s black graduation gown and cap and is making me put it on to take a picture, so she has one of all three of her boys.” Kegel, Leaf’s cousin, later followed him at quarterback, leading the Cougs over Texas in the 2003 Holiday Bowl as a senior. – John Blanchette