WSU RB Williams won’t be ignored

Thursday: Washington State had its weekly underclass- man scrimmage this evening, and James Williams again stole the show.

The freshman running back had the day’s most impressive play when he knocked a linebacker to the ground, absorbing the would-be tackler’s hit, quickly collected himself and ran to the sideline to create space and then to the end zone for a 28-yard touchdown.

He topped that play later, taking a quick pass near the sideline and dancing around a defender, avoiding a second tackle attempt and racing to the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown reception. He also had some impressive intermediate runs throughout the practice and, as one practice observer said, it will be very interesting to watch him compete for carries with the older running backs in the spring – if he doesn’t play this year, that is.

• Washington State picked up its 15th commitment of the 2016 recruiting class Thursday afternoon.

Justus Rogers, the quarterback at perennial State 3A champion Bellevue High, announced on Twitter his decision to play for Washington State.

The recruit- tracking service Scout.com lists Rogers as an “athlete,” meaning the 6-foot-2, 215-pound high school senior is probably more likely to end up at safety, linebacker or wide receiver than quarterback.

Rogers is the fourth in-state player to commit to WSU in 2016. The Cougars did not sign any players from the state of Washington in the last recruiting cycle.

Jacob Thorpe