Washington State football looks to carry momentum into Nick Rolovich era

Defense looks for drastic improvement under new leadership

While the Washington State offense finished among the 10 best in the nation last season, their defense finished among the worst in the Power Five. The Cougars finished 111th in the nation, seventh-worst among Power Five programs and only ahead of UCLA and Arizona in the Pac-12.

The unit allowed 452.5 yards per game, including allowing 50 points in the second half of a 67-63 loss to UCLA that saw the Cougars blow a three-touchdown lead and spoil a game that saw Anthony Gordon toss nine touchdown passes.

Just weeks after the loss, defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys resigned and this offseason, the Cougars hired Jake Dickert to be his replacement. Dickert comes to Pullman after spending the past three years as Wyoming’s defensive coordinator.

He will inherit a defense that, while struggled a year ago, does have plenty of experience that could help lead to some improvement.

At linebacker, the Cougars bring back leading tackler Jahad Woods who finished fourth in the nation and second in the Pac-12 with 141 total tackles with 10 coming for a loss and three being sacks. He will be joined by Justus Rogers and Dillon Sherman, who both bring in a load of experience.

In the secondary, Wazzu brings back safeties Skyler Thomas who led the team with four interceptions and second in total tackles with 72 and Bryce Beekman, who grabbed two interceptions and broke up two passes, also returns along with cornerbacks Derrick Langford and George Hicks III.

Up front, the Cougars return Will Rodgers III, who led the team with four sacks last season and also bring back 6-foot-6 defensive tackle Dallas Hobbs who made two sacks.

If Washington State’s defense is going to improve in 2020, continuity may play a huge role with much of their starters from a year ago set to return