WSU links: Another commitment for the Cougs

COUGARS

FROM PULLMAN — As we fight off a cold, we also prepare to fight off the cold weather that’s fallen over the Palouse in the last 24 hours. Friday’s links bring news of a possible new Cougar, so read on.

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As recruiting guru Braulio Perez reported last night, WSU picked up a verbal commitment from a junior college receiver, Vince Mayle of Sierra College. It’s a general rule of thumb that schools don’t recruit JC players who won’t be able to contribute right away. And watching Mayle’s tape (above), it doesn’t look like that should be a problem. He’s big — 6-foot-3, 220 pounds — and is having a big season, too. Plus, according to Scout.com, he has offers from West Virginia, Kentucky and Houston. So this seems like a good get for the Cougars. … In today’s newspaper, we have a story about WSU’s youth movement at receiver, which will be especially apparent this week with Marquess Wilson out. That story also has a note about WSU replacing BYU with Southern Utah on next season’s schedule. On the blog yesterday, we had some notes and quotes from WSU’s practice. … A UCLA fan site previews Saturday’s game. … Bud Withers has his WSU basketball season preview . … From UCLA: A Bruins linebacker is piling up some tackles. Their running back could make his way onto a ballot some day.

Around the Pac-12 … Night games are the new normal for Washington (and everyone else), something Huskies fans don’t like — especially when Neil Young is playing in Seattle (a problem a former teacher of mine ran into, as well). … Arizona is leaning on some underclassmen this season. … An Arizona State basketball preview focusing on the Sun Devils’ Jahii Carson. ASU’s football team is searching for a signature win. … Stanford’s new quarterback will enhance the Cardinal’s run game. … California will likely be starting a different quarterback this week. … Oregon’s Nick Cody is a cancer survivor with an inspirational mustache. … An Oregon State running back is seizing the moment . … Utah seems to have found a go-to third-down receiver . Washington’s tight end will be a big test for the Utes. … Colorado’s basketball team will open its season before a big crowd. Tough decisions await the Buffs’ football coach this offseason. … A USC student manager was fired for deflating footballs during the Trojans’ game against Oregon last week, and he like , totally acted on his own. Yep. All on his own .

Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com . Twitter: @ChristianCaple