ESPN College Football

The chances that Washington State linebacker Sekope Kaufusi might be reinstated to the team got better this week, as marijuana possession charges have been dropped.

Further, Kaufusi's attorney told Cougfan.com that "there were questions on both sides about the legality of the search of Kaufusi’s apartment by Pullman Police."

Kaufusi's arrest came after Pullman Police pursued an anonymous tip about the smell of marijuana smoke allegedly coming from Kaufusi's apartment. More than a few folks around the program immediately recalled the peculiar, controversial arrest by Pullman Police of former Cougars QB Marshall Lobbestael on Because We Can charges.

While new coach Mike Leach has taken a hard-line approach with discipline, the Cougs could really use Kaufusi. Leach previously booted linebacker C.J. Mizell after he was arrested on an assault charges on Feb. 5, and Alex Hoffman-Ellis graduated.

Therefore, the Cougars are trying to install a 3-4 defense this spring despite losing the three starting linebackers from 2011.

Kaufusi, a promising junior, recorded 42 tackles and two sacks in 11 games last year at strongside linebacker.

Mike Leach is not afraid of the weather in Pullman, Wash., which could be a bit nippy -- and perhaps snowy -- for the first day of Washington State's spring practices on Thursday.

Heck, it's not like his first spring practice leading the Cougars could be more inclement than his first leading Texas Tech in 2000.

Cold? Snow? Not as bad as hail.

"It's flying off their helmets like popcorn," Leach said recalling his first practice in Lubbock.

Or do you know what happens when a hard rain meets a dust storm?

"A couple of times a year there, it rains mud," he said.

Leach the raconteur took control of his chat with reporters Wednesday afternoon and was, as usual, highly entertaining. But getting specifics from him about what he sees with his personnel wasn't part of the plan, and it led to briefer answers. Of course, that makes sense because Leach isn't sure what he's got as he installs his "Air Raid" offense and a 3-4 defense.

Evaluation is obviously a top priority, but Leach used the terms "precise" and "efficient" repeatedly.

Or, as he said, "Getting as good as we possibly can at practicing."

The first order of business is finding a quarterback. Leach said reps will be split 50-50, at least during the early-going, between Jeff Tuel and Connor Halliday. When asked if Halliday, who suffered a lacerated liver against Utah on Nov. 19, was ready to practice full-go, Leach said, "I assume."

Leach said the top two priorities for his QBs will be decision-making and accuracy. "Those two you really can't compromise on," he said. Quick feet also help, particularly for a team that has some questions on the offensive line.

Leach pointed out that he didn't pursue a JC QB because he's pretty satisfied with what he's seen on tape of Tuel and Halliday. "It's not like you're starting from zero," he said.

He seemed intrigued by his talent at receiver, noting that the crew was taller than what he typically had at Texas Tech. And, yes, he's been impressed by Marquess Wilson.

"What I like about him is he always wants the ball," he said.

On the other side of the ball, it will be interesting to see how things develop, particularly if the Cougars want to make new coordinator's Mike Breske’s 3-4 alignment their base scheme. After dismissing both C.J. Mizell and Sekope Kaufusi from the team -- both returning starters -- there's a decided lack of depth at linebacker. Count on there being some position shuffling, both from the backhalf and the line. Leach, in particular, seemed intrigued with Travis Long, who has started the previous three years at end. The 6-foot-4, 256-pound senior might be athletic enough to play an outside linebacker spot.

"He can do a lot of things," Leach said. "Moving him around as a player is pretty tempting."

It's obvious there will be a lot going on this spring in Pullman, so the often-challenging weather is not a chief concern. Getting guys into the right spot is.

Said Leach, "There isn't anybody who's not being evaluated."

Wouldn't it be great if we could get to fall camp with no stories about off-field issues, other than perhaps a trip or two by players to the children's hospital?

Alas, with 18-to-25-year-olds there are going to be troubles, and players from Oregon and Washington State both have made news for the wrong reasons.

At Oregon, junior receiver Josh Huff was charged with DUI early Saturday morning. Huff is the Ducks second-leading returning receiver heading into 2012, though De'Anthony Thomas is a hybrid receiver-running back, so he could be considered the leading returning wideout. Huff caught 31 passes for 430 yards and two touchdowns last season as a sophomore.

At Washington State, junior linebacker Sekope Kaufusi was kicked off the team after his arrest last week for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. New coach Mike Leach is clearly setting strict standards for discipline, but his LB corps is paying for it. Leach previously booted C.J. Mizell after he was arrested on an assault charge on Feb. 5. Both Mizell and Kaufusi were returning starters at a position that now lacks any significant experience.

The Ducks also appear to be losing a backup running back, though Tra Carson is opting to transfer. A 227-pound true sophomore who rushed 254 yards and a touchdown last year, he was expected to give the Ducks a power back to compliment Thomas and Kenjon Barner.

His transfer could open the door for touted incoming freshman Byron Marshall.

Writing is hard — it's a form of punishment in schools, and rightly so — and so I stood paralyzed before all the different ways this simple message might be put.

• Hey, whatever happened to former Arizona coaches Mike Stoops and Tim Kish?
• What are the priorities at California?
• An early look at what Colorado has heading into spring practices.
• A look at Oregon's 2010 recruiting classes, its successes and its pratfalls.
• Some Oregon State football notes.
• Stanford will play its spring game in San Francisco's Kezar Stadium.
• New UCLA coach Jim Mora received high marks for his first recruiting effort -- and so do Arizona State's Todd Graham and Washington State's Mike Leach.
• Is Victor Blackwell going to be USC's No. 3 receiver?
• A position review for Washington: tight ends and receivers.
• It probably shouldn't be much of a surprise that Mike Leach gave LB C.J. Mizell the boot.

It appears that just as I was typing this post, this happened: Washington State coach Mike Leach announced that sophomore linebacker C.J. Mizell "is not being retained for violation of team policy," according to a statement from the school.

That "violation" was an arrest on misdemeanor charges of assault and trespassing after a fraternity fight.

Considering that Mizell is a talented player who likely would have started in 2012, this is an aggressive, unambiguous move. Leach is drawing a hard line on discipline from the get-go.

Considering Mike Ledgerwood, Mizell's backup at middle linebacker, as well as weakside LB Alex Hoffman-Ellis are also gone, the Cougars suddenly have some questions at linebacker heading into spring practices.

And, as some have noted, this isn't Leach's first discipline move. In January, he dismissed freshman defensive tackle T.J. Poloai for a violation of team rules.

Washington State coach Mike Leach has his first disciplinary issue, as starting sophomore linebacker C.J. Mizell was arrested after being involved in a weekend fight at a fraternity house party.

Mizell, a native of Tallahassee, Fla., was arrested on misdemeanor charges of assault and trespassing.

From the Spokesman Review:

Pullman Police Sergeant Dan Dornes said police were called at approximately 12:24 a.m. Sunday after Mizell allegedly tried to enter a party at the Delta Tau Delta fraternity house. When Mizell was denied entry, he allegedly “punched one of the guys several times,” Dornes said.

Mizell fled the scene but was arrested Sunday, cited, booked and released. Fourth-degree assault and second-degree criminal trespassing are both misdemeanors. A WSU spokesman said coaches are aware of the arrest and are still gathering facts.

First off: I hope it's not going to be one of those offseasons,with Stanford LB Shayne Skov getting arrested for DUI this past weekend and now Mizell.

Leach, while known for a quirky personality, isn't slack on discipline. A portion of his book "Swing Your Sword" includes his reaction to a fight involving multiple Texas Tech players as well as his list of team rules, which included "no fighting":

There's a different standard for you. I don't care if it's fair. I don't care what he said. I don't care what kind of names he called you or what he might have said about your family. It doesn't matter. You leave ... I warned them about fighting. It was one of the first things I'd talk about every year when I first addressed the team.

Of course, Mizell should have left. But fights at fraternity houses often have two sides to the story. Mizell has struggled at times with his discipline, and fell afoul of former coach Paul Wulff's staff several times, but he took some steps up the maturity ladder this past season. Leach has said players will get a clean slate with him, but this also gives Leach a chance to send a message to his team.

Also from his book: Leach is creative with punishments. He had the players involved in the brawl at Texas Tech go through a rigorous boxing conditioning session — "Fight Club" he called it.

Mizell should expect to invest some sweat equity for this one.

The coaches announced their All-Pac-12 team here, and the Pac-12 blog followed shortly thereafter here.

We even created an All-Underrated Team.

Now we recognize our Most Improved Players on both offense and defense.

Defense (tie): Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

Jordan went from single-game starter in 2010 to first-team All-Pac-12 as a junior in 2011. Jordan had 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2010, when he showed promise after converting from tight end. He lived up to that promise in 2011 with 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Jordan figures to be a leading candidate for Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, particularly if he gets his skinny butt into the weight room and eats a lot of steak.

Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

Lotulelei started the final three games of the 2010 season and finished with 21 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. In 2011, he won the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12's best defensive lineman, as voted on by his peers -- the guys who had to block the 325-pounder. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors and was the lineman of the game in the Utes' Sun Bowl victory over Georgia Tech. He finished with 44 tackles, including nine for loss, but his main job was occupying two blockers so linebackers could make tackles. The Utes ranked third in the Pac-12 -- and 20th in the nation -- in run defense.

Honorable mention: Conroy Black, CB, Utah; Ben Gardner, DE, Stanford; Trevor Guyton, DE, California; D.J. Holt, LB, California; Josh Kaddu, LB, Oregon; C.J. Mizell, LB, Washington State; Nick Perry, DE, USC; Eddie Pleasant, S, Oregon; Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State; Nickell Robey, CB, USC; Trevin Wade, CB, Arizona

Offense: Gerell Robinson, WR, Arizona State

Robinson went from bust to bust-out in 2011. In 2010, the once-touted recruit caught just 29 passes for 387 yards. He was best known for inconsistent hands. And at the start of 2011, he also caught an early case -- or two -- of the dropsies. But Robinson caught fire just as the rest of the Sun Devils started to tank, hauling in more than 100 receiving yards in six of the final eight games, including 13 receptions for 241 yards in the Las Vegas Bowl loss to Boise State. He finished with 77 receptions for 1,397 yards and seven touchdowns. His 107.5 yards receiving per game ranked ninth in the nation, and his 18.1 yards per catch was tied for first in the Pac-12. His late-season surge earned him a spot in the Senior Bowl.

Honorable mention: Mark Asper, OG, Oregon; Matt Barkley, QB, USC; Matt Kalil, OT, USC; Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State; Isi Sofele, RB, California; Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State; Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State; Robert Woods, WR, USC

Happy Friday.

• Arizona cornerback Shaquille Richardson is trying to develop a short memory and thick skin. Wide receiver David Douglas waits his turn.
• Arizona State gets ready for another dual-threat quarterback. A scouting report.
• California coach Jeff Tedford moves toward a landmark. A practice update, including defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast talking about the defense, which got beaten up by Colorado.
• Colorado believes it will have its hands full with Colorado State. It didn't take long for Paul Richardson to announce himself as an elite wide receiver.
• The injury to Oregon linebacker Michael Clay, who looks very day-to-day, thins the Ducks' linebacker depth. O-lineman Carson York is a good player and a smart guy.
• Should Oregon State redshirt James Rodgers? Here's a column that says yes.
• Stanford's pass defense, which hasn't been great, gets ready for Arizona quarterback Nick Foles. This is the Cardinal's first big test.
• UCLA's Derrick Coleman isn't fancy but he's effective. It appears Kevin Prince will start at quarterback.
• A final decision on USC D-lineman Armond Armstead's status should come shortly. A true freshman is expected to start on the O-line.
• Does BYU have an edge over Utah? Does the rivalry need to cool down?
• Washington's receivers, shut down by Nebraska in the previous two meetings, are hoping for redemption. Some practice notes.
• Washington State linebacker C.J. Mizell has grown up as a player and person. The Cougars' starting center is doubtful at San Diego State.

There are two kinds of people in this world : those who believe there are two kinds of people in this world and those who are smart enough to know better.

• Arizona CB Trevin Wade is on the spot. Backup QB Matt Scott is hoping to redshirt but ready to play.
• Injuries are an issue for Arizona State. Some good and some bad from scrimmage.
• Zach Maynard is ready for his close-up as California's QB. A report from a full-contact practice.
• Suffice it to say, Colorado has a keen sense of urgency at cornerback. Tight end will be a position of emphasis.
• Oregon practice notes. If Kiko Alonso is suspended for LSU, this guy will step in.
• Some Oregon State practice notes, leading with hard-luck injury news. It appears the Beavers O-line has a leader.
• An optimistic review of Stanford's schedule. The Cardinal need to figure out who Andrew Luck's backup is.
• An injury knocks out a UCLA F-back. Where does the QB competition stand?
• Good news for USC's depth at RB. And good news for LB Chris Galippo. The D-line needs to step up.
• The Sporting News ranks Utah No. 21. Injuries are an issue for the Utes O-line. The football education of Thretton Palamo.
• A practice report from Washington.
• Things got wet and wild at Washington State. Is LB C.J. Mizell growing up?
• Oregon-LSU is big, but if you read this, you understand how it will play out as a home game for LSU.

Washington State has released its post-spring depth chart -- link here -- and there are a number of changes from the pre-spring depth chart worthy of note.

• Offensive linemen John Fullington and Wade Jacobson switched starting spots, with Fullington moving from right tackle to left guard and Jacobson replacing him at right tackle. Also on the offensive line, Rico Forbes moves from backup left tackle to backup right tackle.
• Andrei Lintz is No. 1 at tight end after Skylar Stormo moved from No. 1 tight end to backup defensive end behind Travis Long.
• Redshirt freshman Connor Halliday is now the No. 3 quarterback after starting spring at No. 4.
• Ricky Galvin is listed at backup running back behind Logwone Mitz.
• Toni Pole has move from No. 3 to starting left defensive tackle. Anthony Laurenzi is No. 1 at right defensive tackle, ahead of Brandon Rankin, who sat out spring due to injury.
• Mike Ledgerwood is now No. 1 at middle linebacker, ahead of C.J. Mizell, who started spring at No. 1.
• Damante Horton is No. 1 at one cornerback ahead of senior Aire Justin, a returning starter, though there might be a complicated explanation for that.

What jumps out of this depth chart? There's way more "maybe" here than in the previous three seasons under coach Paul Wulff.

For one, all five offensive linemen have starting experience and four are seniors. That's typically a good thing.

The Cougars have six receivers who can play, topped by Marquess Wilson, and a veteran quarterback in three-year starter Jeff Tuel. Another good thing.

The defensive depth chart is just that: There's some depth. There's far less "Who?" when reviewing the two-deep. Officially, eight starters are back, but there's plenty of playing experience. Big question will be if JC transfer Ian Knight, No. 1 at right defensive end, is ready for the grind of a Pac-12 schedule.

Does the cumulative effect of this mean the Cougars are a threat in the Pac-12 North? Probably not. But this is a roster that can compete and perhaps win a handful of games in the Pac-12.

Maybe.

Washington State's 31-14 win at Oregon State was impressive and significant in many ways, not the least of which was it ending a 16-game Pac-10 losing streak.

But let's face it: Planets often align in strange ways in the college football universe. Just in the past few years we've seen FCS teams win at powers such as Michigan and Virginia Tech. We saw Stanford, as a 41-point underdog, win at USC with its backup quarterback. We saw Alabama get physically manhandled by Utah in the Sugar Bowl.

This year, we've seen Kansas lose to North Dakota State in its opener, beat then-No. 15 Georgia Tech in Week 2, then lose to Baylor and Kansas State by a combined count of 114 to 14 on consecutive weekends, then score 35 consecutive fourth-quarter points to beat Colorado 52-45.

So freaky, unpredictable stuff happens all the time.

But nothing about the Cougars win feels "freaky." And this victory -- their first on the road since 2007 -- is about more than a long-awaited payoff for the Cougars. They have repeatedly played well into the second half and even the fourth quarter this season.

To me, the most significant reference point that highlights their improvement is the 42-0 loss at Arizona State on Oct. 30. That's the point in which many, including me, thought the Cougars were waving the white flag over coach Paul Wulff's tenure.

That game seemed to indicate exhaustion and malaise had set in. It seemed to say that Wulff's players had lost their faith and, subsequently, their will. On the Tuesday Pac-10 coaches conference call after that dreadful performance, Wulff said a number of things that could have been used to make a case against him.

Said Wulff, "It felt like we played with a tank that was empty with emotion."

Said Wulff, "We just didn't get a response."

Said Wulff, "That ultimately comes back on me. I've got to get us ready emotionally."

Said Wulff, "I try not to gauge the state of the program on one game."

Said Wulff, "I'm not really worried about retaining for next year. We're in year three of a major rebuilding project. I don't know if I'd state it we have to win these games. Were playing in a lot of ways to our potential and what we are capable of doing. We're close."

All of that could could easily fall into a column about why Wulff shouldn't be back in Year 4. Wulff was being himself -- an honest, stand-up guy -- but it wasn't hard to construe "ultimate defeat" from his words.

But, instead, this is a column about why the only sensible decision is to retain Wulff.

In a nutshell, he got the feckless team that lost 42-zip at Arizona State to become the team that won at Oregon State 31-14 two weeks later. One word: leadership. Wulff got his players, who had fought hard all year -- until the Arizona State game -- to reinvest after they'd hit an emotional nadir. If you've ever been in charge of a group of people, you know how hard that is. Wulff could offer them little incentive; a bowl game wasn't a possibility. His players probably were aware his job status was shaky, so if they quit on him, they'd get a fresh start in 2011 with a new coach.

All Wulff could say was, "We're in this together. Let's show some pride and compete." And guess what happened? The message stuck and then resonated in what was produced in Reser Stadium.

According to the Sagarin Ratings, Washington State has played the second-toughest schedule in the nation, one that has included No. 1 Oregon, No. 6 Stanford, No. 10 Oklahoma State, No. 20 USC (AP) and No. 22 Arizona. Moreover, they've played 11 consecutive weeks without a bye.

That's at tough road, period. But the Cougars have done it playing a bevy of young players. Of the 60 Cougars who played at Oklahoma State in the season-opener, 24 were making their college football debuts. The Cougars have played 10 true freshman this season. Of the 113 players on the Cougar roster, only 17 have been in the program more than three years, or prior to head coach Wulff’s arrival in December of 2007. On defense alone, 14 of the 22 players on the current depth chart are freshmen or sophomores.

Oh, and that defense, which is statistically terrible based on the entire season, held Oregon, Arizona and Stanford below their season averages for both points and yards. It held California to just 20 points. And it completely stuffed Oregon State.

In other words, maybe we should have seen the Corvallis Cougars Crusade coming.

Wulff inherited a disaster -- things were much worse than the average fan realized -- and his first two seasons ended up exactly that way. But the black smoke is clearing, and a program appears to be reemerging.

Every coach in the Pac-10 has remarked that the Cougars are different this year -- faster, more physical and less sloppy. The list of young talent coming back in 2011 is impressive: quarterback Jeff Tuel, wide receiver Marquess Wilson, Safety Deone Bucannon, defensive end Travis Long, defensive tackle Brandon Rankin, linebacker C.J. Mizell, etc.

We're not ready to proclaim a return to the run from 2001-2003 when Washington State finished ranked in the the final top-10 three consecutive seasons. The Cougars in a bowl game in 2011, in fact, probably will be seen as a longshot.

But you saw what just happened, didn't you? We just typed "Cougars" and "bowl game" in the same sentence and you read it without flinching or doubling over in laughter.

Who deserves a sticker on his helmet for a job well-done?

Mike Mohamed, California: Mohamed led a strong Bears defensive effort in a 52-7 victory over Colorado with 14 tackles and a pick-6 interception for a TD.

Darron Thomas, Oregon: How did Thomas handle his first road start in front of 100,000-plus in Neyland Stadium? He completed 17 of 32 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns in a 48-13 win over Tennessee.

C.J. Mizell, Washington State: Mizell, a freshman linebacker, returned an interception 62 yards and had a key fourth-down sack in the fourth quarter of the Cougars 23-22 comeback win over Montana State.

Jake Locker, Washington: A week after a middling performance at BYU, Locker completed 22 of 33 passes for 289 yards with four TDs and no interceptions in a 41-20 win over Syracuse.

Stanford's defense: The Cardinal pitched a road shutout for the first time since 1974, holding UCLA to just 233 yards.

Oh-kay, here's the situation
My parents went away on a week's vacation and
They left the keys to the brand new Porsche
Would they mind?
Umm, well, of course not.

• Justin Washington's Arizona career began with a figurative false start but his 2010 season began with a literal sack.
• Arizona State gets a starting receiver back. LB Vontaze Burfict still has some maturing to do.
• California's freshman receiver Keenan Allen is suddenly very popular.
• Oregon will probably see a lot of power-running from Tennessee. Chip Kelly has some thoughts on Cliff Harris, who returned two punts for TDs vs. New Mexico. The Vols D-coordinator will be familiar to Oregon in a variety of ways.
• Oregon State is focusing on itself during the bye week. A Beavers grayshirt allegedly does something dim.
• Stanford's surprise starter at tight end is now out for the season.
• UCLA quarterback Kevin Prince is now nursing a sore shoulder. Talking points on UCLA-Stanford.
• Monte Kiffin talks about the struggling USC defense. Running back Dillon Baxter has tons of talent, but it's clear he still needs to grow up. Talking points: USC-Virginia.
• Washington needs to improve its pass rush vs. Syracuse.
• There are good reasons why talented freshman linebacker C.J. Mizell isn't starting for Washington State.

The ink dries on the national letters of intent and the recruiting class rankings are handed out, then the real business begins: Which true freshmen are ready to play right now?

Here's an early list for every Pac-10 team.

A caveat: This is hardly a scientific survey, evaluations are still in their early stages and I've only personally seen a handful of these guys play. These names are here because of news reports and comments from coaches and other observers (sports information directors also chipped in).

Further, some schools will start or play a lot of freshmen -- USC and UCLA for example -- while that doesn't appear likely for other schools (Oregon State may only use freshmen on special teams).

So here we go.

Arizona
CB Shaquille Richardson, S Marquis Flowers

Note: Frosh will bolster the Wildcats secondary. Richardson was kicked off UCLA's team for being one of three freshmen who allegedly tried to steal a purse. Coach Mike Stoops told the Arizona Daily Star that Richardson is "as good a corner as I've coached at this young stage."

Arizona State
RB Deantre Lewis, WR Kyle Middlebrooks

Note: Lewis turned in a good scrimmage over the weekend for an offense that needs playmakers. Middlebrooks should at least get into the rotation and may return punts.

California
WR Keenan Allen, WR Kaelin Clay, WR Tevin Carter, LB David Wilkerson

Note: Receiver is a need position for the Bears -- not all of the passing game struggles can be hung on QB Kevin Riley. All three likely will be in the rotation, with Allen a candidate to start. Wilkerson is pushing for time at OLB.

Oregon
DT Ricky Heimuli, K Alejandro Maldonado

Note: The 320-pound Heimuli offers a big body in the middle of the D-line. Maldonado is in the thick of the race to start at kicker. (The two touted frosh RBs could get into the mix, but No. 3 is deeper than we want to go).

Oregon State
WR Kevin Cummings, LB Michael Doctor

Notes: No true freshman has cracked the Beavers two-deep and both of these guys are grayshirts. Cummings could get into the rotation at flanker behind James Rodgers. Both are expected to play special teams.

Stanford
CB Barry Browning, S Devon Carrington

Note: Browning is the highest true freshman on the depth chart at present, though he's not with the first-team, according to Jim Harbaugh. He and Carrington could provide help in a questionable secondary.

UCLA
SS Dietrich Riley, F Anthony Barr, OG Chris Ward, DT Cassius Marsh, DE Owa Odighizuwa

Notes: This list, by the way, could have been much longer. The Bruins signed a strong recruiting class last February and a lot of those guys will play this fall. Riley, Barr and Ward are in the mix to start.

USC
WR Robert Woods, RB Dillon Baxter, WR Markeith Ambles, CB Nickell Robey

Notes: Woods may end up starting, and Baxter has been a spectacular playmaker since he showed up during spring drills, though he's suspended for the opener. Robey is the leading candidate to be the nickelback.

Washington
RB Jesse Callier, S Sean Parker, DE Hau'oli Jamora, TE Michael Hartvigson

Note: It doesn't appear at this point that any of these four will start, but they each are expected to play. Callier steps to the fore with Deontae Cooper out with a knee injury. Jamora and Hartvigson provide depth at need positions.

Washington State
WR Marquiss Wilson, WR Kristoff Williams, OT John Fullington, LB C.J. Mizell, DT Kalafitoni Pole

Notes: All five of these guys will play. Fullington has seen some action with the first-team. Mizell might be the Cougars fastest LB.

Will have lots more from my visit to Washington State, which starts spring practices Thursday, but here are some notes from a conversation with coach Paul Wulff.

• The Cougars are much healthier this spring than last: 24 players missed offseason workouts last year. This year, just four will sit out spring practices: running back James Montgomery (knee, calf), defensive tackle Josh Luapo (knee), linebacker Louis Bland (knee) and cornerback Anthony Houston (knee).
• As for Montgomery, he had knee surgery in addition to his scary episode with "acute compartment syndrome" with his calf. Wulff said he won't be cleared to start full-speed running until June. As for the depth at running back Wulff listed Marcus Richmond, Chantz Staden, Logwone Mitz, Carl Winston and Leon Brooks, a walk-on who's made a positive impression.
• Wulff said there's no hope for receiver Johnny Forzani returning to the program: "He's going to try to play in the CFL." The Cougars have four receivers back who caught at least 20 passes: Jared Karstetter, Gino Simone, Jeffrey Solomon and Daniel Blackledge. Wulff said he expects JC transfer Isiah Barton and perhaps a couple of the four incoming freshmen receivers to contribute, most particularly Marquess Wilson. "Most everybody in the Pac-10 was trying to go on him," Wulff said. "He's a big-time, big-time player."
• Offensive lineman Brian Danaher, a 12-game starter over the past three seasons, won't be back because of recurrent concussions.
• Starting defensive tackle Toby Turpin's status is questionable due to an academic dispute, which Wulff said should be resolved -- positively or negatively -- within the next week or two. Turpin will be allowed to practice until his case is resolved.
• Wulff, perhaps surprisingly, said he believes the offensive line will be the strength off the offense. Andrew Roxas, who missed all of last season due to illness, will step in to fill the void at center due to the departure of stalwart Kenny Alfred. B.J. Guerra, Zack Williams and Steven Ayers will compete at guard. At tackle, two JC transfers will be in the mix this spring -- David Gonzales and Wade Jacobson -- along with Micah Hannam, Tyson Pencer and Alex Reitnouer. Wulff also said the he thinks incoming true freshman John Fullington might be ready to immediately contribute. "I think he was one of the best [high school] offensive linemen in the country," he said.
• Tight end Zach Tatman was granted a sixth year of eligibility, which means the Cougs will have three experienced tight ends with Skylar Stormo and Andrei Lintz.
• Redshirt freshman Sekope Kaufusi will see time as a hybrid outside linebacker-defensive end. Wulff said he's been impressed by redshirt freshman end Jordan Pu'u Robinson during the off-season.
• Touted JC transfer Brandon Rankin -- he was offered a scholarship by Alabama -- will play both end and tackle.
• Defensive tackle Bernard Wolfgramm continues to struggle with back problems, but Wulff said he was "moving around and participating in drills better since his back surgery. So that's promising." Still, it's likely his action will be limited this spring.
• Depth at defensive tackle is a question, but sophomore Dan Spitz, who started five games at tackle and end last year, redshirt freshman Justin Clayton and sophomore Anthony Laurenzi are promising prospects.
• Wulff said the defense will be much faster at linebacker. When he's healthy in the fall, Bland will move to middle linebacker. Mike Ledgerwood also is a top candidate in the middle, along with redshirt freshman Darren Markle. Alex Hoffman-Ellis will move from middle to weakside linebacker. Arthur Burns will move from running back to "Will" linebacker. Myron Beck and Andre Barrington will man the strongside. Incoming recruit C.J. Mizell also could be in the mix.
• The secondary, hit hard by injuries a year ago, should be much improved with LeAndre Daniels, Tyree Toomer, Chima Nwachukwu, Jay Matthews and redshirt freshman Anthony Carpenter, Casey Locker -- Jake's cousin -- and Jamal Atofau competing at safety and Daniel Simmons, Aire Justin, Terrance Hayward and promising redshirt freshman Nolan Washington at corner.