Riley Krenz grew up cheering for Washington State.
Now the Lake Stevens wide receiver is joining the Cougars – going from one incredibly successful passing offense to another.
Krenz committed Monday to walk on at Washington State, where the senior said he will get a chance to contribute right away.
“Wazzu has always just been my dream school,” Krenz said. “I grew up going to Cougar games. With (head coach Mike Leach) and the offense and how successful they’ve been it seemed like a no-brainer to me.”
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound Krenz had a strong senior campaign with 68 receptions for 1,146 yards and 15 touchdowns from University of Georgia commit Jacob Eason. Krenz said he will compete at slot receiver for Washington State, which features an Air Raid offense similar to the scheme run by Lake Stevens head coach Tom Tri.
“It’s a lot like Lake Stevens, when you think about it,” Krenz said. “Obviously, we had a bit more of a run game, but it was the same idea: spread it wide with four receivers and chuck the ball around. WSU seemed really like home. I know what they like to do and how they like to chuck the ball. For any receiver, it’s kind of a jaw dropper on how much they throw and it really gets you excited.
“I’m really familiar with all the routes and what they do in the slot at Wazzu is really similar to what we do at Lake Stevens.”
Tri envisions Krenz getting to Washington State and picking up right where he left off at Lake Stevens.
“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for him,” Tri said. “They’re going to throw the ball 40-50 times per game. He’s got the size. He can play in the slot at 190 pounds. I think he’ll be plenty big enough and physical enough. He’s savvy, smart and a hard worker. I see no reason why he won’t continue to have success.”
Tri, who coached at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January, saw some of the most heavily recruited receivers and said Krenz should be included in that group.
“I got to go coach at the All-American Bowl and I got to see the best wide receivers in the country,” Tri said, “and I have no doubt, after watching them run, that Riley can compete with any of those kids.”
Krenz picked WSU over a scholarship offer at Central Washington. One big contributing factor was the opportunity to contribute right away for the Cougars.
“They really will know once I get to fall camp and where they see me at,” Krenz said. “They give preferred walk-ons as great a shot as the scholarship players. The best Cougs are going to start and the best Cougs are going to play.”
Krenz and Eason aren’t the only Vikings who will continue their careers at the next level. Lake Stevens running back Andrew Grimes will sign with Idaho State and take his talents to the Big Sky Conference.
Grimes, a 6-foot-1, 205 pound back, finished his senior campaign 1,634 yards and 28 touchdowns.
“Their offense is putting up a lot of points, with a no-huddle, spread offense. Andrew’s used to that,” Tri said. “That’s what he did for three years here.”
Tri praised both Grimes and Krenz for their work ethic at Lake Stevens and was very excited that the pair gets to continue their careers at the next level.
“I’m just really glad that they both were offered because it just shows that hard work pays off,” Tri said. “Both of those kids earned the right to go play on Saturday. They’re talented, and good kids and get good grades, but it’s the hard work in the weight room, and practice and summer camp. Those kids have put the work in. To see those offers and opportunities, in my mind, is just the icing on the cake.”
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