Cougars to emphasize the run this season?

  • By Jacob Thorpe The Spokesman-Review
  • Thursday, August 27, 2015 9:24pm
  • SportsSports

PULLMAN — Washington State’s running backs would not do well to be greedy this season, although the prize they share is not as small as commonly thought.

Last season, the running backs touched the ball during about 40 percent of WSU’s offensive plays and that number is expected go grow significantly in 2015. The Cougars have been running the ball in practice more than at any other time during Mike Leach’s tenure and offensive plays spent out of shotgun in a more traditional look seem a nod toward a renewed emphasis on the ground game.

Gerard Wicks, Jamal Morrow and Keith Harrington will each get their turn in WSU’s offensive backfield, so none are likely to turn in a 1,000-yard rushing season. Any of the three was likely to turn in the best performance during a given day of preseason camp.

Such parity makes it tough for the coaches to know who will have the hot hand, but they’ll gladly trade that for the aspects of competition it brews.

“It’s sort of like a chain reaction,” Wicks said. “When Keith makes a long run, I make a long run. Kind of like an anything you can do, I can do better, kind of thing.”

Wicks is the strongest of the three and has a physical running style that can bruise defenses that will frequently use smaller, quicker players to defend WSU’s numerous receivers. Morrow was WSU’s fourth-leading receiver last season and Harrington was originally recruited to catch passes.

Harrington redshirted last season, while Morrow and Wicks split the bulk of the carries despite being only redshirt freshmen themselves.

“People don’t realize those two were freshmen last year,” said running backs coach Jim Mastro. “In this conference that’s tough cooking.”

Rather than celebrate their unique talents, however, Mastro would rather the backs improve the weak parts of their particular games in order to become similar players. Much of the reason for that is WSU’s offensive style, in which the quarterback declares a running play at the line of scrimmage, so it would be impossible (and a tip to the defense) to substitute based on an individual situation.

The Cougars frequently have two running backs on the field at the same time, and either one could be blocking for the other depending on what play the quarterback checks into.

Blocking, in particular, is an area in which the returning backs hope to show growth.

“We definitely improved in pass-protection and run blocking,” Morrow said. “We’re trying to not be selfish but to help the other running backs out. If I’m blocking, I want Gerard to get a big run in.”

Freshman James Williams provides a fourth option, although Mastro admits he would prefer to redshirt the newcomer, who sustained a season-ending leg injury his senior year of high school.

But if Williams is good enough to play, he will, and indications from the preseason scrimmages and practices are that he is at least good enough to force the established trio to keep improving or risk having the rushes and receptions divvied up even further.

“That’s what you want to get your program to in recruiting is that level where it’s competition every day in practice,” Mastro said. “We have that now, we have three guys, James Williams is a fourth guy, that you have competition every day. And that’s going to make them better and make our team better.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.