Pac-12 Signing Day Recruiting Grades: Southern California Resurgence

Nov 29, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach gestures during a game against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Martin Stadium. Huskies won 31-13. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

10. Washington State Cougars

Rivals Class Rank: No. 56

This is Mike Leach we are talking about here, so he should not need a great recruiting class as long as he has the guys to fit his system. But unfortunately, the Cougars have not met expectations since his arrival yet.

Leach this time though got a couple of guys who could make an immediate impact. First, he nailed a 300-pound 4-star defensive tackle in Thomas Toki that has to be the perfect starting point for upgrading his terrible defense. Toki blowing up the line can change everything else.

Adding 4-star quarterback Tyler Hillinski is a huge boost as well, after all, this is an already good quarterback that gets to run his system, not some scrub he has to turn into a great quarterback. That could change things dramatically.

Leach loaded up the rest of his class with defensive players and offensive linemen, which is exactly what he needed more than anything else to cover up deficiencies in his air raid offense. This recruiting class is not great, but it solves the purposes it needs to for Leach.

And that is all you can ask for from this guy. Hopefully, it’ll be enough to get the Cougars winning the way Texas Tech won under him.

Grade B-

Next: No. 9 Ranked Pac-12 Recruiting Class