Five to watch: Keep an eye on these players during Washington State’s Crimson and Gray Game

Every year, spring scrimmages across the country have the ability to unearth future stars. Previously unheralded players are given a chance to demonstrate why they’re deserving of a more prominent role in the fall and depth-chart decisions are often made based on who shows up in intrasquad scrimmages designed to test players in a game-like setting.

Here are five Washington State players for fans to keep an eye on during Saturday’s Crimson and Gray Game (1 p.m., Pac-12 Networks) at Martin Stadium.

Anthony Gordon/Trey Tinsley, quarterbacks: If either of these two is going to truly separate from the other, now is as good a time as any. Gordon was better in the first scrimmage, but Tinsley was better in the second. Both need to be better than graduate transfer Gage Gubrud in August, but the Crimson and Gray game is an important step.

Lamonte McDougle, nose tackle: Unless you’ve taken in a spring practice, you still haven’t seen the powerhouse nose tackle who redshirted in 2018 after transferring from West Virginia, where he was an ESPN Freshman All-American.

Brandon Arconado, wide receiver: A crisp route runner who’s tougher than he looks, Arconado has been as steady as any receiver this spring and seems to thrive in scrimmage scenario. With a rotation spot open at “Y” receiver, a good Crimson and Gray game could go a long way for the former walk-on.

Bryce Beekman, free safety: Skyler Thomas’ move to nickel made room for the former junior college star and Louisiana native. Each of the three early enrollee defensive backs has been impressive this spring, but Beekman seems to have the best chance at earning a starting spot.

Clay Markoff, fullback: A fullback is about as common as a tight end in the Air Raid, but Markoff dropped 25 pounds in the offseason and WSU’s thin backfield could lead to some meaningful reps for the redshirt junior from Olympia.