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Football Signees: 2005
NEW COUGARS FOR 2005
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QUARTERBACK
ARKELON HALL: 6'2", 205; Fr., Fresno, Calif. (Edison); lettered twice in football and twice in baseball for the Edison Tigers; 2003 - Junior year threw for 2,604 yards and 34 touchdowns while completing over 60 percent of his passes, intercepted just five times, named first team All-County/Metro League, first team All-State underclass, CIF Central Section Junior of the Year, team most valuable player; 2004 - Senior year led Tigers to an 8-4 record and CIF Central Section quarterfinals, threw for 2,326 yards and 22 touchdowns, repeated as Edison most valuable player, named first team All-County/Metro League quarterback and the offensive player of the year, selected to Elite 11 quarterback camp for top 11 quarterback prospects nationally and first Washington State signee from Elite 11 camp, rated #8 pro-style QB nationally by Rivals.com, rated #81 prospect overall nationally by ESPN, U.S. Army preseason All-America nominee, PrepStar/CBS Sportsline postseason All-America nominee, named to the Tacoma News Tribune's "Western 100"; first quarterback in Edison High School's history to earn a Pac-10 scholarship at quarterback; career 4,930 passing yards and 56 touchdown passes both Edison High records; earned the nickname "The Big Back" at eight years old while playing tailback and carrying defenders on his back
COLE MORGAN: 6'2", 185; Fr., Seattle, WA (Ballard); position coach was Cougar quarterback legend Jack Thompson; 2002 - second team All-KingCo 4A after throwing for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns; 2003 - helped lead Ballard to first ever appearance in 4A title game, completed 128 of 217 passes for 1,816 yards and 26 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions; Seattle Times Red Chip selection; signed with WSU in February 2004 and enrolled in January 2005
CougZone Says: Morgan could end up as the odd man out at quarterback. With Josh Swogger (RJR), Alex Brink (RSO), and Gary Rogers (RFR) on campus, the additions of Hall and Morgan create a potential youth logjam. No surprise, the coaching staff is considering moving Morgan to a different position where he will have more opportunity to see the field. Hall has impressive credentials and is a very good addition to the roster. Hall has tremendous leadership, is a physical player at the position, has the arm to make all the throws, and enough athleticism to escape pressure. Hall will almost certainly redshirt, but after that could press for an early spot on the depth chart. The Cougars needed to add a good quarterback with this class, and Hall fits the bill perfectly. Grade: A
RUNNING BACK
DWIGHT TARDY: 5'10", 200, Fr., Santa Fe Springs, Calif. (St. Paul); 2003 - Junior year rushed for 837 yards and nine touchdowns while missing part of the season with injuries, helped St. Paul Swordsmen to a 10-3 overall record and a 5-0 Mission League record; 2004 - Senior year helped lead team to second round of CIF Southern Section Div. III playoffs with 2,272 yards and 34 touchdowns, during the regular season, eclipsed the 100-yard mark in eight of 10 games, topped the 200-yard mark three times during the regular season, including 309 yards against Alemany, 272 against St. Francis, and 225 against Chaminade, caught 14 passes for 153 yards and had 154 return yards, scored nine touchdowns in first round of the playoffs in 77-35 win over Crescenta Valley, scoring on runs of five, six, seven, nine, 15, 41, 46, and 62 yards, on defense had 33 tackles, two interceptions, and two fumbles recovered, named Los Angeles Times Southeast/South Coast All-Region first team at running back
DeMAUNDRAY WOOLRIDGE: 5'9", 215; ; Fr., Keller, Texas (Keller); 2004 - rushed for 834 yards on 136 carries, added 12 catches for 100 yards, scored a combined nine touchdowns on the year, named all area as both a junior and senior; familiar with Cougar offense which according to Woolridge is "almost exactly" like Keller offense
CougZone Says: Running back - the perennial chronic need on the Cougar roster. The Cougars absolutely had to add multiple running backs in this class or face very serious depth problems for the 2005 season and beyond. What's more, the Cougars needed running backs who could play early - as in right away this fall. Both Woolridge and Tardy are physical ballcarriers who are willing to take on defenders and run through and over tacklers. Tardy was on track to become a national level recruit after breaking onto the scene with a big sophomore year. An injury as a junior slowed his recruiting before he came back with a vengeance as a senior. Woolridge is a polished player and familiar with the Cougar offense. He's reminiscent of former Cougar running back Steve Broussard - not so tall, but fast with a blocky build. Both Tardy and Woolridge fit the profile the Cougars need and are players who can help right now. The coaches may yet add another running back to this class which would be a good thing. While Tardy and Woolridge are both talented, the roster demands more players as depth is still a concern. Two backs in this class is good, but three would've been better. Grade: B-
RECEIVER
LORENZO BURSEY: 5'8", 175, Jr., Long Beach, Calif. (Poly/West Los Angeles College); originally signed with Oregon State out of high school; played running back in high school and JC but projects at receiver for WSU; attended Beverly Hills High before transferring to Poly High for his senior year; as HS sophomore, scored 12 touchdowns and rushed for over 1,110 yards with over 250 receiving yards, named co-offensive most valuable player in the Ocean League; as high school junior, rushed for school record 1,591 yards and 24 touchdowns, named league co-most valuable player; as a high school senior, transferred to Poly where he rushed for 880 yards and 17 touchdowns, added 300 receiving yards, on season scored 20 all-purpose touchdowns and was named first team All-Moore League and All-CIF, helped Poly to an 11-2 record and the CIF Southern Section Division I semifinals; as a freshman at West Los Angeles College, rushed for 1,025 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, added 260 receiving yards and 248 return yards for a total of 1,533 all-purpose yards on the season, named first team All-Western States; brother Bryan played football at Iowa State
BRANDON GIBSON: 6', 180, Fr., Puyallup, Wash. (Rogers); earned eight varsity letters, including three in basketball and three in football; 2003 - Junior year named honorable mention All-South Puget Sound League, all league as punt and kick returner, named second team All-South Puget Sound League in basketball; 2004 - Senior season had 946 all purpose yards, named first team All-South Puget Sound League, rated #38 athlete prospect nationally by Rivals.com, named to the Washington Prep all-league first team as a receiver and second team as a defensive back, Tacoma News Tribune "Northwest Nuggets" honorable mention, named a Seattle Times Red Chip prospect; uncle Vaughn Williams played in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts
BENNY WARD: 6'3", 175, Fr., Van Nuys, CA (Birmingham); 2003 - Senior year caught 27 passes for 642 yards and 10 touchdowns with a long of 95 yards for a score, helped team to a 7-4 record, including 5-0 in West Valley League play, second in West Valley League in receiving yardage; signed with WSU in February 2004 and enrolled in January 2005
CougZone Says: Wide receiver is a position that will be a big priority next class. This year, the Cougars wanted to address the position but it was not yet a primary need for the recruiting class. Bursey is a player to watch and could help right away. The coaches plan to switch him from running back to receiver, a move they had much success with several years ago with Kevin McKenzie - one of the Fab Five that helped WSU to the 1997 season Rose Bowl. Bursey is fast and surprisingly strong and physical for his size. Gibson is extremely athletic and has excellent hands. He has enough speed to go deep and is tough enough to go over the middle. As for Ward, he may be the sleeper of the group. The coaches like his size and speed, and you can't knock his averaging almost 24 yards per catch as a senior. Ward still somehow flew a bit beneath the recruiting radar before signing with the Cougars last year. All told, three talented players with one - Bursey - having the potential to make an impact right away. Grade: B+
OFFENSIVE LINE
KENNY ALFRED: 6'3", 285, Fr., Gig Harbor, Wash. (Gig Harbor); considered top line prospect in Washington senior year, lettered nine times during high school career, four times in football, three times in track & field, and twice in wrestling, team captain for both football and track & field as a senior; 2002 - Sophomore season named All-Narrows League on the defensive line, regional participant in both wrestling and track & field; 2003 - Junior year named first team Narrows League Bridge Division on both offense and defense, named first team All-Area by both the Tacoma News Tribune and Bremerton Sun, honorable mention All-State, took third place at the Class AAAA track & field meet in the shot put; 2004 - Senior season helped Gig Harbor to an 8-2 record, repeated as first team Narrows League Bridge Division on both sides of the ball, named first team All-Area by the Tacoma News Tribune, selected to the TNT's "Northwest Nuggets" and "Western 100" lists, named first team All-State honors on offense by the Tacoma News Tribune and the Associated Press, named honorable mention all state on defense by AP, rated #38 prospect nationally as defensive tackle by Rivals.com, named to the Seattle Times' All-State team and a Seattle Times Blue Chip prospect, named to the Washington Prep all-league first team on offense and defense, selected to play in the East-West All-Star game, Pierce County Scholar-Athlete nominee; father David played football at Western Washington University, while brother Matt currently plays for Eastern Washington
JOEY EPPELE: 6'7", 290, Fr., Vancouver, British Columbia (Vancouver College); standout hammer thrower and shot putter ranked #1 in Canada in his age group in the hammer throw, placed fourth the 2004 Canadian Junior Nationals, won the shot put and placed third in the hammer throw at the 2004 Provincial High School Championships, placed eighth in the discus; 2003 - Junior year named Northern Conference All-Star for British Columbia's AAA Division; 2004 - Senior season helped block for Vancouver College running back who gained almost 1,500 yards, recorded 28 tackles and a sack on defense; third British Columbia native to sign with the Cougars the past four years, joining Jon Conlin and Adam Braidwood; Turned 17 in December 2004 and may greyshirt and enroll in January 2006
DEREK HUNTER: 6'4", 285, So., La Habra, Calif. (La Habra/Fullerton College); fell between recruiting cracks his senior year and took JC route, only played one year in Junior College and will have four years to play three at WSU; 2003 - Senior year named first team for Division IX, and second team all CIF Southern Section, selected to play in the Orange County All Star Game; 2004 - as JC Freshman, named all league after helping Fullerton lead the Mission League in rushing
CougZone Says: As a matter of principle, it's always a good idea to take at least three offensive linemen every year. When you need five on the field every play plus depth, the numbers demand it. Alfred is the star of this group and was one of the handful of in-state prospects dubbed a Blue Chip by the Seattle Times. Alfred was generally considered the top in-state lineman as a senior. After a redshirt, Alfred will likely challenge for an early spot on the depth chart. Hunter could play sooner than later, and the coaches think he may have the tools to push for game time this fall. Hunter took the JC route after losing out on the recruiting numbers game as a senior despite a strong year. He's a good package of tools, agility, and size and is a nice sleeper find for WSU. Eppele is generally considered a "project." Eppele is basically just a pup and could benefit very much from a greyshirt with possibly a redshirt year after that. He has a lot of potential, but is still young, raw, and physically maturing. Grade: B
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
FEVAEA'I AHMU: 6', 290, Fr., San Diego, Calif. (Serra); lettered three times in football and twice in track & field; 2002 - Sophomore year named second team All-Western League on offense and was Serra High's defensive player of the year, earned San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic honors; 2003 - Junior year as team captain recorded 100 tackles and 10 sacks, helping the Conquistadors to a 6-4-1 record, recorded double-digit tackles in five games, including a season-high 18 against Point Loma, had season-high three sacks against Mission Bay, scored a pair of defensive touchdowns and also intercepted a pass, named Western League defensive most valuable player, named first team All-CIF San Diego Section, first team All-State underclassmen, repeated on San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic team; 2004 - Senior year recorded 75 tackles and 12 sacks and recovered a fumble, had seven or more tackles in eight of 10 games and at least one sack in seven of 10 games, helped Serra Conquistadors to a 6-4 team record and the Western League title, named second team All-State, named SuperPrep All-American, rated the #22 defensive tackle nationally by Rivals.com, selected to play in the CaliFlorida Bowl where he recorded six tackles and a sack against a team of Florida All-Stars, voted to Long Beach Press Telegram Best in the West list; finished high school career with 235 tackles, 104 tackles for loss, and 27 sacks
BRYAN TARKINGTON: 6'3", 290, Jr., Woodland Hills, Calif. (Taft/Moorpark College); 2003 - freshman season named honorable mention all league for Moorpark; 2004 - Sophomore season helped Moorpark make a run for the conference title in 2004 before finishing 7-4 with a victory of College of the Desert in the U.S. Bank Beach Bowl, named first team all-Northern Division in the Western States Conference
JOSEPH TOWNSEND: 6'4", 265, Fr., San Jose, Calif. (Valley Christian); earned two varsity letters playing on the offensive and defensive line; 2003 - Junior year named first team All-West Catholic League on offense and defense, helped lead team to 11-2 record, the West Catholic League title and Central Coast Section Division IV championship; 2004 - Senior year repeated as a first team all-league selection on both sides of the ball, helped Valley Christian to a 12-1 record, another West Catholic League title, and the Central Coast Section Open Division championship; Father Larry played football for Nebraska
CougZone Says: Ahmu is a clone of former Cougar DT Tomasi Kongaika. Kongaika was a very effective component of the Cougar D-line after walking on from Alaska and immediately earning a scholarship. Ahmu enjoyed the benefits of more exposure from playing in San Diego, and has similar potential to play early. That's saying a lot considering that the Cougars are currently young, deep, and talented at defensive tackle. The coaches would like Tarkington to crack into the depth this year in order to add some maturity to the rotation. The Cougars want to see more inside pressure from the defensive tackles, and are hoping Tarkington can bring that to the team. Townsend looks headed for a redshirt. Agile, athletic, and still growing, Townsend will benefit from a year of weightroom and training table. Defensive tackle was not a huge need for this class, but what needs there were have been addressed. Grade: B
LINEBACKER
LAMAR BRUMFIELD; 6'3", 215, Fr., Carson, Calif. (Carson); 2003 - Junior season recorded 98 tackles, four interceptions, three sacks, and recovered a fumble in helping team to an 11-3 overall record, the Marine League title, and the Los Angeles City Section championship, named All-Marine League and All-City Section; 2004 - Senior season recorded 103 tackles, recovered four fumbles and forced two, recorded four sacks, helped team to a 7-5 overall record and the second round of the Los Angeles City Section playoffs, returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown, named starting linebacker in the 40th Annual Lions All-Star Game, repeated as All-Marine League
CORY EVANS: 6'2", 215, Fr., Lena, La. (Northwood); earned 10 varsity letters, including four in football, four in basketball, and two in track & field; 2001 - Freshman season as running back rushed for 460 yards, named second team all-district; 2002 - Sophomore year missed season due to broken foot; 2003 - Junior year rushed for over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns, recorded 88 tackles and seven interceptions on defense, named first team all-district on offense and defense, named first team All-State defense, first team All-Central Louisiana; 2004 - Senior year rushed for 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns, scored on eight two-point conversions, on defense recorded 125 tackles, repeated as first team all-district selection on both sides of the ball, named first team All-State on defense; played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and free safety during his four years at Northwood; basketball standout named all-district as a freshman, sophomore, and junior, and All-State honors as a junior; team captain for football and basketball at Northwood as a senior; has four brothers, Freddrick, Harold, Michael, and Ronald, and five sisters, Caroline, Melissa, Sharlene, Cynthia, and Sharon
JASON STRIPLING: 5'11", 215, Fr., Tyler, Texas (Robert E. Lee); played cornerback in high school but will get first look at linebacker for WSU; 2004 - Senior year named the District 12-5A defensive most valuable player, helped lead team to a 12-3 record and the Texas Class 5A Division I State title, picked off a pass in the state title game, returning it 69 yards for a touchdown, also scored defensive touchdown off interception in the state semifinal against Euless Trinity
GREG TRENT: 5'11", 215, Fr., Keller, Texas (Keller); 2003 - Junior year had huge season for Keller with 181 tackles, named all-district and District 5-5A Defensive Player of the Year; 2004 - Senior season slowed by injury but recorded 63 tackles and repeated as all district, named to the 5A all state second team
COURTNEY WILLIAMS: 6'1", 200, Fr., Los Angeles, Calif. (Dorsey); 2004 - helped team to 12-2 record and Los Angeles City Section finals, recorded school record 27 sacks, scored defensive touchdown on an 81-yard fumble recovery, named to the Los Angeles Times' All-Star team and the All-Central City team, named third team All-State selection by Cal-Hi Sports; standout sprinter on the Dorsey track team
CougZone Says: This is an impressive group. The Cougars saw depth needs at linebacker in the not-so-distant future, and also wanted players who could come in and help right away on special teams. What stands out with this group is the speed. Brumfield is the slowest - if it can be called slow - with a reported 4.7 forty time. All the others have times of 4.6 or 4.5. Those are some fast linebackers. Evans could become the best of the group. An outstanding combination of size, speed, and athleticism, if Evans had played in a higher profile league he would have received lots more recruiting attention. As it was, the Cougars were able to sign him and in so doing have acquired a gem. Williams was possibly the fastest linebacker in California his senior year and was unstoppable blitzing. Trent physically resembles current Coug Scott Davis and would have been one of the top linebacker prospects in Texas had he been healthy his senior season. As a junior, he simply dominated his league. As for Stripling, in high school he played cornerback but with his added muscle is getting bumped up to linebacker without losing a step of speed. All signees could make an impact on special teams with their speed and ability to make the hit. Grade: A
CORNERBACK
JAMES BRADLEY: 5'9", 170, Fr., Garland, Texas (South Garland); 2004 - Senior year recorded 58 tackles, intercepted five passes and broke up eight others, recovered two fumbles, and blocked seven field goals and extra-point attempts, returned punts and kicks, helped team to a 9-2 overall record and a playoff berth, named first team all-district by Garland Online
SHELTON DANZY: 5'10", 185, Fr., Seattle, Wash. (Rainier Beach); four-year letterwinner, including freshman year at Franklin High; 2001 - Freshman year at Franklin started 10 games at cornerback, recorded 39 tackles and named All-KingCo on defense, played on offense in just five games and rushed for 200 yards and two touchdowns; 2002 - Sophomore year transferred to Rainier Beach High and played primarily on defense recording 44 tackles and four interceptions, offensively totaled 492 rushing and receiving yards with six touchdowns, named All-Metro league as a free safety and running back, helped team win Metro League Sound Division title; 2003 - Junior year rushed for 920 yards and seven touchdowns and recorded 58 tackles and three interceptions on defense, added 205 receiving yards on 12 receptions, repeated as All-Metro league at both running back and defensive back, helped team repeat as Metro League Sound Division champions; 2004 - Senior year rushed for 1,017 yards and 14 touchdowns, on defensive had 88 tackles and four interceptions on defense, helped team to a 9-2 overall record and third-straight Metro League Sound Division title, named first team All-State on defense by the Tacoma News Tribune and Associated Press, named to Seattle Times' All-Area team and first team All-State on defense, named a Seattle Times Red Chip prospect, repeated as All-Metro League on both sides of the ball, rated #22 cornerback prospect nationally by Rivals.com, named to the Washington Prep all-league first team on both sides of the ball, named to the "Western 100" by the Tacoma News Tribune and an honorable mention "Northwest Nugget"; finished Rainier Beach career with 2,461 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns, 460 yards receiving and four touchdowns, and 229 tackles, also scored six defensive touchdowns on interception and fumble returns
CougZone Says: Cornerback is a concern for WSU. The play of the defensive secondary hurt the Cougars on the field last season and played a big part in costing WSU a fourth consecutive bowl bid. The players coming back should improve the strength of the position, but future depth is an issue as graduation will take a serious toll in the next two seasons. Danzy has potential to make an early impact. Intelligent and an outstanding athlete, Danzy could push for a spot on the depth chart as a true freshman. Danzy's a good package of skills with plenty of strength and speed - plus he's plenty physical to make the hit. Bradley is physically in the mold of former Cougars Jason David and Greg Burns. Somewhat slender, Bradley has good speed and has very good cover skills. Bradley will likely redshirt before getting into the mix. This position could have used another player based on what the roster and depth chart say - and the coaches have indicated they may yet add one - but Danzy and Bradley both are good additions. Grade: B-
SAFETY
XAVIER HICKS: 6', 185, Fr., Fullerton, Calif. (Fullerton); earned letters in four different sports; 2001 - Freshman year named Fullerton most valuable player for both football and basketbal, leading both to league titles; 2002 - Sophomore year named first team all-league at All-State underclass at defensive back; 2003 - Junior year played quarterback throwing for 1,922 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushing for 455 yards and three touchdowns, as a safety recorded eight interceptions, named first team all-league at safety, named second team All-CIF underclass as a utility player; 2004 - Senior year as quarterback completed 117 of 203 passes for 1,661 yards and 16 touchdowns and added 809 yards and three touchdowns rushing with an eight yards per carry average, on defense recorded five interceptions including three in season-opene, served as Fullerton's punter, named Freeway League most valuable player, named All-Orange County on defense by Orange County Register, named Los Angeles Times Orange County All-Region first team at defensive back, rated the #43 safety nationally by Rivals.com, named CIF Division IX defensive player of the year, named to the All-State team as a utility player, voted to Long Beach Press Telegram Best in the West list; nephew of former Washington State running back Kevin Hicks, a Cougar letterwinner in 1993 and 1994
DeWAYNE PATTERSON: 6'2", 195, Jr., , Redlands, Calif. (Redlands/Chaffey College); in high school lettered three times in football, three times in track, and once in basketball; 2000 - Sophomore year for Redlands High named second team all-league and team's best defensive back; 2001 - Junior year repeated as second team all-league, named second team all-county, helped team playoffs; 2002 - Senior year named first team all-league and all-county, helped lead team to 11-1 record, the league title and a No. 2 state ranking, recorded 85 tackles and two interceptions, team captain for both football and track & field squad, took league title in the long jump; 2003 - as Freshman at Chaffey College, helped team to an 8-3 record and a trip to the Verizon Southern California Bowl, recorded 50 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and two interceptions; 2004 - as Sophomore at Chaffey College, named first team All-Foothill Conference after being a preseason All-American, recorded 90 tackles and three interceptions, helped team to a 9-2 record and a repeat trip to the Verizon Southern California Bowl.
MICHAEL WILLIS: 6'3", 205, Fr., Tacoma, WA (Lincoln); 2001 - named first team All-Narrows League at wide receiver; 2002 - as a receiver, had 8 touchdowns and 600 yards receiving, named by the Tacoma News Tribune as a "Nugget in Waiting"; 2003 - helped the Abes reach the state playoffs and earned first team All-State honors from the Seattle Times and Tacoma News Tribune, named to TNT All-Area team and was named the Narrows League Bay Division most valuable player, on offense racked up 1,207 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns to help Lincoln to a 9-3 record, served as team captain, member of the Tacoma News Tribune's Western 100, described by Todd Milles of the TNT as a "fierce player, feared hitter."; signed with WSU in February 2004 and enrolled in January 2005
CougZone Says: Safety - like cornerback - is a position that hurt the Cougars on the field last season. The coaches were looking to find early help in this class not only to upgrade the depth chart but also to remedy a lack of players at the position. Help at safety was a definite priority for this class. Patterson, Hicks, and Willis will all have the opportunity to play early. The coaches hope Patterson stakes a claim to a spot on the depth chart right away. Patterson has good size and speed, and had strong performances both in high school and junior college. Patterson is reputed to be a big hitter, is fast, and can make the pick. The coaches have been waiting for Willis since he signed in 2004. Like Patterson, Willis could stake a claim to a depth spot immediately. Willis was something of a sleeper until late in the recruiting game when schools were coming from everywhere trying to lure him away from his commit to WSU. Various recruiting gurus have commented that had Willis played his high school ball in Southern California with the attendant increased exposure, he could easily have been rated one of the top safety prospects nationally as a senior. Hicks is extremely athletic and was dominant in his league. Having played quarterback, Hicks brings an understanding of offense that will serve him well in college on defense. The Cougars needed talent and potential immediate help at this position in this class. They got it. Grade: A
SIGNING DAY PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
HEAD COACH Bill Doba
Class of 2005... "We improved the speed of our team with some very athletic guys. We got a group of kids that want to be here. They play hard and they are good character people. They will be a big asset to our program."
Instant impact... "Lorenzo Bursey can come in and play right away. We are excited about Courtney Williams from Dorsey High School. He plays outside linebacker and had 26 sacks last year. I don't care what league you are in, that's a bunch of sacks. We have two running backs that will run hard. DeMaundray Woolridge is quick and might be able to help us. Dwight Tardy is a very intense, tough kid.
"All of the defensive backs could play right away. Bursey could play receiver or corner. We would like to play him at receiver. Gibson played corner, safety and receiver and could have the ability to play other spots if somebody went down and we needed him."
Grading the class... "We have recruited under the radar for a long time. As far as what we wanted, this class is an A or a B in terms of number of kids. We only had one kid who de-committed. They are good character kids. They gave us their word and they followed through."
Advantages and disadvantages of not making bowl game... "I was in the homes of most of these kids before Christmas break, and that was a big advantage. After the break, we had seven assistant coaches out on the road to keep turning over those rocks and looking behind bushes for players."
Holiday Bowl still paying off... "We signed four kids from Texas. I don't think we would have if we hadn't beat Texas a year ago. I think that carried over to some degree."
Lack of in-state signees... "We offered more than three kids from the state of Washington, but some of them chose to go to other schools. We had a lot of tough decisions to make. There were some good kids in this state, and in California and Texas, that were very close to being offered. We think we offered the right ones and got the group that we needed."
Under the radar signees... "Courtney Williams is a kid that we stumbled on late that has great potential. Lorenzo Bursey has a chance to be an excellent football player and wasn't highly recruited. He will have three years to play. We may grayshirt Joe Eppele, but he is about 6-8 and 275 pounds. He is one of the top hammer throwers up in Canada and just turned 17. He is just a puppy. He is athletic and can run. Brandon Gibson is an excellent receiver that was at our camp and I think has a chance to be a very good player."
Arkelon Hall... "He is a great leader and a good kid. Last spring we looked at quarterbacks throughout the country and decided to offer four kids. One in Indiana, one in Chicago, and two in California. He (Arkelon) called right before our camp and decided this was where he wanted to be. I encouraged him to wait, take a look around, and see if he wants to be here. He said that he was a man of his words and he would be here. We are excited about his leadership. He is a good one. Not only can he throw the football around, but he is a great leader and a good kid."
Fevaea'i AhMu... "Fevaea'i AhMu was a really good find. He will develop and could play next year. He is a great kid and comes from a great family."
Derek Hunter... "Derek Hunter played one season in junior college. He is a good student, is interested in engineering, and I think he can help us this year."
Shelton Danzy... "He was in our camp this summer. He is a good hitter and a good athlete. He can play running back, wide receiver, a-back, or cornerback. We fell in love with him at camp."
RECRUITING COORDINATOR Robin Pflugrad
Leon Burtnett in Texas... "Leon Burtnett has a great reputation in the state of Texas, and also Louisiana. He lost a player that had made a verbal commitment and I think that it motivated him shift into fourth gear and do a great job. He has more miles than just about any recruiter in the country this year. He did a great job and was really motivated to get some linebackers. I think we outworked some people and I think that's what we need to continue to do here."
Cory Evans... "He will be able to play linebacker or safety. We are really looking at him as a linebacker first. He is a great looking player. He can come up and really force the run. It will be fun to show his highlight tape to people because he can really come up and hit."
Shelton Danzy... "He is excited about being a Cougar. He was a big asset in helping put together this class and he should be able to do some things on the field for us when he gets his opportunity."
athlete
position
stars
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- DE
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- IOL
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football
8 - 5
Overall Record
0 - 1
Conference Record
2025 schedule not available.