Washington State football: Jayden de Laura’s path to Cougs return
Spring has sprung; with it comes NCAA spring football practice. For the Washington State Cougars, in addition to the return of colorful flowers, the change in seasons also brings the return of Jayden de Laura.
Washington State Head Coach Nick Rolovich‘s brief tenure leading the Cougars football program has been tumultuous, to say the least. Between arrivals, departures, discipline, a near conference-wide player revolt, and the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a wonder Rolovich has any time for actual “X’s and O’s.”
As if his job wasn’t challenging enough, Rolovich suspended last season’s starting quarterback Jayden de Laura after the QB’s DUI arrest in February. As spring practice began this week, sophomore Cammon Cooper and grad transfer Jarrett Guarantano were getting the majority of snaps under center.
Questions
Because de Laura isn’t practicing and hasn’t transferred, Wazzu fans have plenty of questions about the rising sophomore signal-caller. So where is de Laura? Will he be back? If so, when?
First of all, de Laura is still on campus and remains a member of the team. At the outset of practice, Rolovich addressed the quarterback’s status when he spoke to the media. “I’m incredibly proud of his approach, growing and maturing as a young man. So far, I’m pleased with his growth as a young man in a lot of areas.”
While the head coach didn’t confirm a return date, it sounds like de Laura will rejoin the team. “I think in my head I have (made that decision). I’m anticipating. I’ll continue to monitor that.”
Further, he should be back much sooner rather than later. That puts de Laura back on the field sometime within the Cougs spring practice window, which is between now and the Crimson and Gray Game on April 24.
That’s almost good news. If anyone on the Cougars could use more reps, it’s de Laura. He won the starting job in 2020 as a true freshman. However, the 18-year-old struggled a bit which opened the door for Cooper and Gunner Cruz to see action in the final two games.
Balance
It’s a balancing act, for Rolovich, between keeping discipline and setting the Cougars up to be successful in 2021. Due to the pandemic, practice time was extremely limited last fall. WSU wasn’t able to install the entire offense. They need their number one quarterback practicing with the team.
Aside from shaking off some rust, de Laura needs the confidence boost that comes from familiarity with both the offensive system and his teammates.
How do you feel about Jayden de Laura rejoining the Washington State football program? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.