WSU chat transcript
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Apr 21 2015, 11:58 AM srchat: Alright, let's get started. Thanks for joining our live chat. Fire away with your WSU questions and I'll do my best to answer them. Apr 21 2015, 11:59 AM BING (guest): How is the secondary looking? Apr 21 2015, 12:01 PM srchat: The starters looked better in Saturday's scrimmage than a week ago. Cornerback Marcellus Pippins' two interceptions were obviously the highlight, but more important was seeing the DBs much nearer the play. In the first scrimmage the receivers were wide open. The receivers are still ahead of the DBs, but it appears that DC Alex Grinch's hands-on coaching is paying off because the gap shrunk this week. Apr 21 2015, 12:03 PM Guest6387 (guest): What's the biggest difference you have noticed with Grinch at the helm of the defense? Apr 21 2015, 12:05 PM srchat: There is a lot more energy. The new coaches are pretty hyper on the practice field and that's particularly effective early on, since the players know that they have to impress their new coaches to earn spots. The overall effect is that the defense is a much louder unit than it used to be and that energy is starting to show up on the field, particularly in the pass rush. I'd also note that Grinch and Manning spend a lot more time working on technique one-on-one with an individual player. Apr 21 2015, 12:05 PM BING (guest): Do you see Bender's reads improving enough to beat out Falk? Apr 21 2015, 12:07 PM srchat: That's a good question, because Bender has played very well lately. I still think Falk will be the starter next season for a couple reasons. One, Bender's stats come down to earth a bit when he faces the starting defense, which is who Falk spends 75% of his snaps throwing against. Two, I still feel as if Falk makes the safer read most of the time -- Bender is just good enough to make a play out of the unsafe read while going against the twos. Apr 21 2015, 12:08 PM srchat: But you're right that Bender's reads are getting better and he's starting to finish more series clean, so it could happen. Apr 21 2015, 12:08 PM Guest4036 (guest): How is the competition looking at Y receiver? Is it true that Robert Lewis is the leader to start there? Apr 21 2015, 12:09 PM srchat: No, Robert Lewis is firmly entrenched at H receiver. While it can be easy to mix up the inside receivers, remember that the H is usually going to be on the left side and that it's usually the smaller, quicker receiver. Tyler Baker is playing well at Y, where he took over for River Cracraft last season. I still expect Cracraft to start at Y once he's healthy. Apr 21 2015, 12:09 PM georgeforman (guest): what do you expect to see this year in terms of run/pass ratio? Apr 21 2015, 12:11 PM srchat: Last year the Cougars finished with pretty close to a 3:1 pass-rush ratio. This year I think they'll run a little more, maybe 5:2 or so. Apr 21 2015, 12:11 PM Guest6387 (guest): How is Barry Ware doing? Apr 21 2015, 12:12 PM srchat: Ware has been running with the threes mostly. He's a good player with a lot of natural talent and some instincts, but he's still got a ways to go in terms or route-running and technique. I think a lot of fans have high expectations of Ware because he played so well during Thursday Night Football scrimmages last season. Apr 21 2015, 12:12 PM srchat: But you've got to remember: He was going up against freshman during those scrimmages, and the best freshmen defensive backs were starting at that point. Apr 21 2015, 12:12 PM Guest4036 (guest): Thanks, Jake. Guess some reporters know the personnel just a little better than others! Apr 21 2015, 12:13 PM BING (guest): Gabe Marks is so talented. Is he back to showing off that talent? Apr 21 2015, 12:13 PM srchat: Yes, Marks is the most dynamic player in just about every practice. Apr 21 2015, 12:13 PM Guest1292 (guest): How is Leniu looking ? Apr 21 2015, 12:14 PM srchat: Leniu has been solid, but hasn't stood out a whole lot. He's still just a freshman, however. I have been impressed by how well he's able to move at 255 pounds. Apr 21 2015, 12:14 PM Guest6420 (guest): What's your sense? Is the D going to better this year? Apr 21 2015, 12:15 PM srchat: My sense is that the defense is going to be deeper this year and better able to survive the injuries or setbacks that will undoubtedly happen, as they do with any team. I think the secondary will be better. But I also think the defense lost enough upperclassmen talent this offseason that it will be tough to take a huge leap forward in Grinch's first year. Apr 21 2015, 12:15 PM Guest6387 (guest): Have you had a chance to interview Manning or Grinch much? If so, how are they adjusting to Pullman? The team? Apr 21 2015, 12:17 PM srchat: Before practices began I sat down for about 45 minutes with Grinch to watch some film and talk about the defense and talk to him every few practice, and have had a few conversations with Manning. Those stories are available in our WSU coverage here at the S-R. I think Grinch has adjusted fine but is spending too much time working to really get to know Pullman. Manning raved to me about the weather the other day; I guess compared to Ann Arbor, Pullman is pretty temperate. Apr 21 2015, 12:18 PM srchat: I think the Rush linebackers have really taken to Manning; he seems to be a popular guy with the whole defense. I think Grinch has taken well to the team but recognizes that the talent level needs to be higher and that he's got to manufacture something until that happens. Apr 21 2015, 12:19 PM Guest1292 (guest): Will Brett B ever see the field again...and can you send us a picture of Wicks blowing up Shaq Thompson in last years Apple cup ! ? Apr 21 2015, 12:22 PM srchat: Bartolone has been limited all spring and I'd be surprised if he's able to see the field again, given how long it's been and the guys ahead of him. Here is our gallery from the Apple Cup Apr 21 2015, 12:22 PM srchat: http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/sportslink/2014/nov/29/apple-cup-2014/
Apple Cup 2014 | The Spokesman-Review Apr 21 2015, 12:22 PM chiveonjiveon: How have farrar and Singleton looked?? Apr 21 2015, 12:25 PM srchat: Farrar is one of the bigger, more physical defensive backs but has struggled in coverage. But I mentioned in a practice report last week that he's starting to do better in the man-to-man stuff, at least in drills. Still, I think he's swimming right now and needs to improve in coverage technique and understanding of responsibilities to see the field. Singleton is still shaking the rust off after not playing for a year but his athleticism is apparent and he's got good instincts. Again, I think he'll need some time to develop. Apr 21 2015, 12:25 PM georgeforman (guest): how is deion singleton doing? do you expect him to have an impact during his career? and how much do you see calvin green getting on the field? Apr 21 2015, 12:26 PM srchat: For Singleton, see above. I expect Green will see the field plenty this fall. I have him as a backup outside receiver on my projected two-deep. http://bit.ly/1b64M8G
Best guess at the 2015 WSU two-deep | The Spokesman-Review Apr 21 2015, 12:26 PM srchat: That would mean he plays quite a bit next year with a great chance to start the following year when Dom Williams -- and maybe Gabe Marks, honestly -- are gone. Apr 21 2015, 12:26 PM Guest6387 (guest): In terms of manufacturing something on defense, will they rely on blitzing and pressure to make up for a lack of talent? Apr 21 2015, 12:28 PM srchat: They have been bringing a lot of pressure and, without getting into scheme, have come up with some interesting packages to create pressure. I don't think that's making up for talent as much as experience. Pippins and White are talented enough to make plays on the ball when the quarterback gets it out quickly but they haven't seen everything yet, so they might struggle to cover Pac-12 receivers for an extended period. Apr 21 2015, 12:28 PM cubsfan7331: When the freshmen and JUCO transfers start arriving in June what can they do football related? Apr 21 2015, 12:29 PM srchat: The same as everyone else, they'll be able to go workout and do unofficial, non-mandatory stuff with their teammates and they'll be able to spend a few hours each week with the coaches. Apr 21 2015, 12:29 PM Guest1292 (guest): Can Destiny become an All Pac 12 performer.?..seems to have the size, speeed, toughness... Apr 21 2015, 12:29 PM srchat: I think he can be, and I think the coaches think he can be, too. Leach has singled out Destiny Vaeao in particular this spring as someone he expects to take on a leadership role for the defense. Apr 21 2015, 12:29 PM Guest6387 (guest): Can you offer three reasons for fans to be optimistic about making a bowl this season? Apr 21 2015, 12:31 PM srchat: 1: The Cougars return every starter on the offensive line. 2: WSU had the talent to win at least 5 games last season but didn't get the breaks. 3: Falk showed last year he can win competitive Pac-12 games on the road. Apr 21 2015, 12:31 PM BING (guest): Heard a lot about Hercules and how strong he is and how well he played during TNF. Is that coming across this spring? Apr 21 2015, 12:32 PM srchat: Yes, Mata'afa has played primarily with the twos but I've been seeing him with the ones more and more. While he's not getting a sack every snap now that he's playing against starters, he's still a very impressive freshman. Apr 21 2015, 12:33 PM chiveonjiveon: Who, in your opinion, of the incoming freshman and JUCO guys has a legit chance of starting?? Apr 21 2015, 12:33 PM srchat: I'll use this as another opportunity to plug the mock depth chart I put together, which I believe has three JC guys on it Apr 21 2015, 12:33 PM
Best guess at the 2015 WSU two-deep | The Spokesman-Review Apr 21 2015, 12:34 PM cubsfan7331: From your articles it looks like Leach is going to have a "draft" to select the teams for Saturday's game. When might you be able to get your hands on the rosters and, if so publish it prior to Saturday. If not will there be some type of program available at the game? Apr 21 2015, 12:34 PM srchat: Last year I don't believe we got the rosters until the day before the game, so check here on Friday, maybe Thursday. I assume there will be rosters available at the game, but I'll put them up here when I have them so people can print them off to be safe. Apr 21 2015, 12:34 PM Guest9463 (guest): When does fall camp usually start and how long does it last? Apr 21 2015, 12:36 PM srchat: Fall camp typically starts right around the beginning of August and goes until the week before the first game. However, WSU's season-opener isn't until Sept. 5 this year (last year was Aug. 28), so maybe we'll get an extra week of summer, which would be JUST FINE COACH. Apr 21 2015, 12:37 PM BING (guest): Anyone not mentioned much to this point that you think is going to have a break out year? Apr 21 2015, 12:38 PM srchat: He's not a "new" player so I don't know if he's generated as much excitement as some of the young guys we've mentioned but I think Robert Lewis could certainly catch 60 passes this year and be a key player for WSU. Peyton Pelluer is playing really well. Apr 21 2015, 12:39 PM Guest6420 (guest): Falk and Bender who looks best under center running the O and who from the shotgun? Or, does it matter? Apr 21 2015, 12:40 PM srchat: Too small a sample size to really say that one looks better. I will say that Bender has exceptional feet and can really throw accurately on the run, so I would imagine he'll be pretty good at the play-action stuff. Apr 21 2015, 12:40 PM Guest9463 (guest): Do you think Peyton Pelluer is fast enough? I seem to remember him getting outran a bit last year. If so will the extra experience help? Apr 21 2015, 12:41 PM srchat: I don't think he's slow, but his strength is his ability to diagnose and react to plays quickly. If he gets in a footrace with a receiver or running back he's probably not going to win, but a faster linebacker would get in more of those footraces than he does. Apr 21 2015, 12:41 PM Guest1292 (guest): Brett B has the skills and already show he can perform at a high level. sounds like is is just plain hurt all of the time...Is Begg showing up much..?..cougs will go 6-6 0r 7-5 Rutgers and Cal will be key games to get there and of course the AC Apr 21 2015, 12:42 PM srchat: The injuries haven't helped, but I also think guys like River Cracraft simply passed him by when he was healthy. Begg has seen some action as a tight end but has been pretty limited this spring. Apr 21 2015, 12:42 PM cubsfan7331: Halliday seems he never met a pass play he didn't like and always checked out of runs for passes. Falk seems to actually seek run first and pass second, how does Bender look in this aspect of the game? Apr 21 2015, 12:43 PM srchat: Well, I can assure you none of them seek run first pass second and the numbers reflect that. But I do think Falk is a little quicker to check into runs than Bender is. Apr 21 2015, 12:43 PM Guest9463 (guest): Ok thanks! Could you see the QBs sharing snaps in games at all or is it likely one plays the vast majority of the time? Apr 21 2015, 12:43 PM srchat: No, I think Leach will pick one guy. If that guy gets injured or plays poorly he'll go to the other guy. Apr 21 2015, 12:43 PM Guest1292 (guest): River is a much better player, more athletic, faster than Brett..Brett is great on his routes..good hands..too bad, he had a bright future Apr 21 2015, 12:45 PM Guest1292 (guest): besides Dahl...which ol has the best bet to be a all Pac 12 performer ? Apr 21 2015, 12:46 PM srchat: Riley Sorenson. He's got pretty unique size/athleticism for a center and he'll be a three-year starter at the position. Apr 21 2015, 12:47 PM cubsfan7331: During practice what % of time does Harrell spend with the QB's or is most of that interaction done after practice. By the way I think he was a great hire.Head coach in training. Apr 21 2015, 12:48 PM srchat: Out of a 2.5-3 hour practice he probably spends around 15-20 minutes, usually when the rest of the team is working on special teams. Typically he's working on throwing mechanics while the quarterbacks throw a football into a trash can or having them do footwork drills while he uses a stick to try and punch the ball out. Apr 21 2015, 12:48 PM Guest3947 (guest): Are there packages with McClennan and Palachio playing together? Seems like both could have big years Apr 21 2015, 12:48 PM srchat: I would not be surprised if such a package existed. Apr 21 2015, 12:48 PM Guest1292 (guest): Interesting, thought it might be Cole Apr 21 2015, 12:49 PM srchat: Madison could be a four-year starter at right tackle or they might move him to the left side once Dahl graduates, so that's certainly a possibility as well. Apr 21 2015, 12:50 PM Guest9463 (guest): Are Ekuale and Paulo big enough on the D-line. I know Paulo did well in limited action last year, but they are both under 290 Apr 21 2015, 12:51 PM srchat: I think they're both big enough for how Grinch wants the defense. He's been pretty open about sacrificing size for speed. Apr 21 2015, 12:51 PM Guest1292 (guest): WR depth/skills seem to be a concern, seeing a lot of DJ Thomson and Dan Post, how will they fare in the regular season ?..hard to imagine the 6'6 JC kid being a mjor contributor other goal line Apr 21 2015, 12:52 PM srchat: I think both have shown enough that they could go into a game and contribute, and maybe make the top 8. I do think the depth will look a little better once Cracraft is back. Also, Gabe Marks, River Cracraft, Calvin Green ... Leach isn't shy about playing freshman wide receivers, so don't be shocked if, say, Kyle Sweet comes in and contributes at inside receiver. Apr 21 2015, 12:53 PM Guest9463 (guest): Do you know if Grinch plans to change the nickel package when playing a run heavy team like Stanford? Apr 21 2015, 12:53 PM srchat: I think that will probably be the case. Apr 21 2015, 12:53 PM Guest6420 (guest): 2nd and goal. Do you throw a slant for a score or run a dive? Falk and Bender choices? Apr 21 2015, 12:53 PM srchat: I give Marshawn the ball and get the heck out of the way. Falk can give it to him. Apr 21 2015, 12:55 PM cubsfan7331: Anybody that might have been in Breske's doghouse getting a second look and if so who's seizing the opportunity? Apr 21 2015, 12:56 PM srchat: I don't know if he was in Breske's doghouse but I think David Bucannon has certainly taken advantage of the fresh slate. Apr 21 2015, 12:56 PM Guest1292 (guest): Tyler looking like a future Pac 12 qb? Apr 21 2015, 12:56 PM srchat: Too soon to tell on Tyler Hilinski, but he's certainly playing really well in scrimmages for someone who is not only younger than every other person on the field, but should really be getting ready for prom. Apr 21 2015, 12:57 PM Guest106 (guest): More than very little has been discussed about our punting and kickoff teams...call it "not so special". What's going on? Do we have anyone or 2 anyone's coming in latter...a sleeper player? Apr 21 2015, 12:58 PM srchat: I covered a lot of that in this story I wrote early in fall camp about special teams and how the Cougars are handing punting in particular. http://bit.ly/1CxOY4J The Cougars did sign a punter/kicker in Matt Abramo and I expect they'll add a couple walk-on punters in the fall
WSU spring football: Cougars find punting alternatives - Spokesman.com - April 10, 2015 Apr 21 2015, 12:59 PM Guest9463 (guest): Who do you think leads the team in interceptions this year? Apr 21 2015, 12:59 PM srchat: Charleston White. Apr 21 2015, 1:00 PM srchat: Well that's the hour, folks. As always, thanks for joining our live chat. I'll get the transcript posted ASAP. |
