Washington State Cougars Football – 10 Players to Watch in 2022
With a souped-up offense and playmakers on defense, the Washington State Cougars will look to make a statement in 2022. Here are 10 Cougs to watch this season.
The Washington State Cougars underwent a coaching change, with Jake Dickert taking over midway through last season. Washington State is returning to a version of the Air Raid offense this year with new offensive coordinator Eric Morris calling the plays.
There will be plenty of fireworks on both sides of the ball this year. Here are 10 players Washington State Cougars fans should keep an eye on in 2022.
Quarterback Cameron Ward
Quarterback Cameron Ward followed his head coach at Incarnate Word, Eric Morris, to Pullman. So he has familiarity with the new OC’s offensive system. In 2022, Ward threw for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns last season.
He has even better wide receiver talent to work with at Washington State than he did at UIW. Ward could make Cougs fans forget all about his predecessor Jayden de Laura. It will be up to the offensive line to give the exciting quarterback time to pass.
Cameron Ward, a true freshman, ran the triple-option in high school.
Today he threw for six touchdown passes and 407 yards, ran for another and led his @UIWFootball Cardinals (3-0) to another win. Here's all 7 of them today.@Cameron7Ward pic.twitter.com/vflIGwY7VV
— Chase Shannon (@chase_shannon) March 20, 2021
Running Back Nakia Watson
Taking over for the dynamic duo of Max Borghi and Deon McIntosh is no easy feat. But Nakia Watson is in that position. He struggled in the Sun Bowl last year, rushing for 62 yards on 17 carries. Was it him or the rebuilt offensive line? A wide-open passing game should open up some running lanes for him.
Wide Receiver Renard Bell
Back for his sixth season on the Palouse, Renard Bell is WSU’s impact receiver. Bell has 147 career receptions and should thrive in the Cougars’ offense. There will be plenty of opportunities for Bell to catch passes. If he can stay healthy, it should be a career year.
Wide Reciever De’Zhaun Stribling
Coming off a solid freshman season where he caught 44 passes for 471 yards and 5 touchdowns, De’Zhaun Stribling should a big part of the offense in 2022. The elusive receiver has a good chance to lead Washington State in targets. With the new offense and a year of experience, don’t be surprised if he doubles his receiving numbers.
.@jayden_delaura hits @Dezhaunthegreat in stride!
4th TD catch of the year for De'Zhaun Stribling
WATCH | https://t.co/npmBKDhSpC#GoCougs https://t.co/6vIhJ5qBwX pic.twitter.com/QtOQfavQUg
— Washington State Football (@WSUCougarFB) November 14, 2021
Tight End Andre Dollar
Morris’ version of the Air Raid offense will feature a tight end; it could probably be freshman Andre Dollar. It’s been over a decade since the Washington State Cougars used a tight end, so that will be quite a change. Dollar is a heralded recruit, and it should be fun to keep an eye on him in this system.
Edge Rusher Ron Stone
A first-team All-Pac 12 selection in 2021, Ron Stone recorded 64 tackles, including 11 for loss and 5 sacks. The fifth-year senior returns to Pullman determined to make 2022 his best year. If there is a leader on Washington State’s defense, it’s the veteran Stone. Also, with a good year, he could finish his career in the Cougs all-time top 10 for sacks.
PAC-12 Player Spotlight:
Ron Stone Jr
6-3 247 (@WSUCougarFB Edge)
– 2021 1st Team All PAC-12
– 64 Tackles, 11.5 TFL & 5 sacks in 2021
— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) March 24, 2022
Edge Rusher Brennan Jackson
It’s on Stone and partner in crime Brennan Jackson to provide the outside pressure in new defensive coordinator Brian Ward’s system. Last year Jackson was All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention after he posted 6.5 tackles for a loss, along with 4.5 sacks. Jackson also had one interception, along with two passes defended. If other teams double Stone, Jackson has enough talent to excel in one-on-one situations.
Linebacker Daiyan Henley
Nevada transfer Daiyan Henley will anchor the Cougars’ defense. Last season Henley led the Wolfpack with 94 tackles, including two for a loss. The linebacker also had four interceptions (one for a pick-six), proving he is effective in pass coverage. With his skill set, Henley should help stabilize Washington State’s defense and overcome the losses of Justus Rogers and Jahad Woods.
Cornerbacks Derrick Langford Jr. and Armani Marsh
Last season WSU led the Pac-12 in turnover margin. Much of that was due to their outstanding defensive backs. Two of them went to the NFL. Fortunately, they still have Derrick Langford Jr. and Armani Marsh to battle receivers. Each man plays tight coverage, and as a duo, they accounted for five interceptions in 2021.
Are there any other Washington State Cougars that should be on the watch list? Let us know in the comments section below.