Washington State Football: Cougars hope to overcome tumultuous offseason
By Zach Bigalke
Offense
When dealing with a new starter at quarterback, the last thing an offensive coordinator wants to deal with is issues with the offensive line. Cole Madison and Cody O’Connell both graduated, leaving two big holes. Center Fred Mauigoa is tinkering with his technique after having issues with his consistency snapping the football all spring.
Whoever gets the quarterback job, he will be throwing to a cast of receivers that lost standout Tavares Martin after he left early for the NFL. Martin went undrafted, and the free agent is now waiting to see if he can land a deal with any NFL team. Ultimately, another year in Pullman could have bolstered Martin’s draft stock for 2019. Now he is left in the doldrums lingering between college and the pro game.
At least James Williams is back at running back. Williams led all offensive players with 71 receptions last year, playing a multifaceted role in Leach’s offense. Jamal Morrow‘s graduation and adjustments at quarterback will open up more opportunities for Williams to carry the football.
Focusing on the quarterback situation
But ultimately everything revolves around the quarterback position, especially in a Mike Leach offense. Luke Falk put up prolific numbers for years in Pullman. Tyler Hilinski looked poised to take the leap to top Pac-12 starter before he tragically took his own life. Now the Cougars enter the 2018 season at the position without a single snap of college experience.
Related Story: Luke Falk made right call leaving Senior Bowl for Hilinski funeral
Redshirt junior Trey Tinsley was the star of the spring game, completing 17 of his 19 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns. Incoming freshman Cammon Cooper, a four-star recruit, also had a great day at the spring game. The young southpaw from Utah led a scoring drive in the game, showcasing a strong arm and good vision and accuracy.
Washington State has several options at quarterback. What they don’t have, though, is any experience at the position. Tinsley, Cooper, or whoever ultimately emerges at quarterback are likely going to go through some growing pains this year. How quickly they get through those pains will determine how well the Cougars offense operates in 2018.