Cougs chat  WRAPUP

Christian Caple’s live chat on SportsLink gives readers more insight on the Washington State football team and the progress under new coach Mike Leach.

Caple, The Spokesman-Review beat writer living in Pullman, conducts the live chats every Wednesday from noon until 1. You can go to spokesman.com/sportslink to read the entire chat. Below is an excerpt from Wednesday’s chat.

Q (Ken): As a longtime Cougar fan – I am excited about the start of the Leach era. It seems like the lift he has to get the program back on track is quite heavy … and likely deals with more than just a new playbook. Do you get the sense that the team’s attitude is any different than it was under Wulff?

A (Caple): Everyone does seem a little re-energized. I think it was probably tough for some of the younger players at first because they lost the coach who recruited them – it’s not like Wulff had lost his team or anything like that – but the necessity to prove themselves over again has lit a fire under most of them, I think.

Adamndavis: First of all love the videos you put up. Second, what’s your biggest surprise so far from covering WSU athletics?

Caple: I don’t know that much has surprised me. I do appreciate how easy all the athletes have been to work with.

Criggs: A lot of talk this spring has been about (tight end) Andrei Lintz … Do you see him having a Rob Gronkowski like role in Leach’s Air Raid?

Caple: They certainly think he can have a big impact. I could see where his combination of size and speed could make him really tough to defend in that offense, especially if they can put so many other weapons out there alongside him.

Bud: What is your take on the D-line so far in spring camp?

Caple: They’re still figuring things out. The coaches want more out of Anthony Laurenzi. Toni Pole had a good practice yesterday, causing some problems in the backfield. There’s going to be some adjustment with the switch to the 3-4, using Travis Long as a rush LB instead of a true DE, all of that kind of stuff.

GoCougs!: Who is/are emerging as the vocal leaders of the team?

Caple: That’s a good question. I’d say the offense looks to Jeff Tuel. Tyree Toomer has matured into a similar role defensively. But the loudest voices so far have been from the coaches.

Criggs: Who do you see as the starting LBs come Sept. 1?

Caple: Too early to say with any kind of conviction, but the No. 1 unit right now appears to be Travis Long (buck), Darryl Monroe (mike), Chester Su’a (will) and Eric Oertel (sam). Darren Markle has seen plenty of time on the inside, as well. But again, tough to project that kind of thing with so many moving parts.

McClanaFan: Assuming you have your ear to the ground on all things football in Pullman … any word on how Coach Leach and family are adapting to life in Pullman. I love the place – but, understand it is an acquired taste for many … and am hoping they like it.

Caple: Everything I’ve heard is that he loves it. Said the weather intrigues him because it’s always changing, and it’s never as cold outside as it looks. Don’t know that I agree with him there, but …

Jim: I’d like to echo the other sentiments that have said you’re doing a good job as beat reporter so far. I’ve been impressed with the quality of reporting and insights … so ya keep up the good work

Caple: Thanks Jim.