Washington State Football: Defense takes major hit with Jalen Thompson departure

Washington State football took a major hit on Saturday when Jalen Thompson revealed he would be entering the NFL Supplemental Draft.

The days of Alex Grinch are long gone, but the Washington State defense has still been above average, especially in terms of Pac-12 teams.

In fact, the Cougars finished 42nd nationally and fifth in the Pac-12 in scoring defense and 42nd in total defense — which was good for fourth in the conference. The secondary ranked fourth in the conference as well, allowing about 218 yards per game through the air.

That solid defense took a major hit on Saturday with the news of Jalen Thompson’s departure and entrance into the NFL’s supplemental draft.

The Cougars need some defensive back help after losing two starters from last year’s team and Thompson was projected as a first-team All-Pac-12 selection for 2019. He was an all-conference selection in 2018 and was expected to have a monster season for the Cougars.

Just how much does this hurt? He was one of the better tackling defensive backs in the conference and his name had already been floated around NFL circles for 2020.

Now that he’s entering the NFL a year early, for reportedly purchasing an over-the-counter supplement at a nutrition store, he should earn some solid interest. He will get selected in the supplemental draft and carve out a nice career for himself — but that was never in doubt.

Washington State is suffering big-time from this one.

Tracy Claeys will have to find a replacement for him and it could very well be freshman safety Tyrese Ross. He’ll have major shoes to fill and the defense will take some time to adjust.