Isaiah Hung Is Washington State's Linebacker Surprise, and the Crimson and Gray Game Will Show Why

Isaiah Hung is doing something most college football players never figure out: he's taking his development seriously. The Washington State linebacker has made serious noise over the past four weeks of spring practice, and now he's got one more chance to prove he belongs before the Cougars' Crimson and Gray game Saturday at Gesa Field.

Here's the thing that's wild about Hung's journey. A few months ago, he wasn't even sure he wanted to come back to Pullman. The Kansas City native had doubts. The playing time wasn't guaranteed, and Washington State is a long way from home. Then he sat down with head coach Kirby Moore and defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Trent Bray, who laid out a real plan for him. "It felt right," Hung said after Thursday's final spring practice. "It felt really good. He explained the plan for me, and it just all sounded right. I've always wanted to play in a pro-style defense like this, and I think this is gonna get me ready for the next level, for sure."

The Body Care That's Making the Difference

Hung's success isn't just about showing up to practice. He's implemented a 15-minute stretching routine before bed, complete with country music to slow him down and control his breathing. "I'm a big country music guy when I'm stretching," Hung explained. "I like country music because it slows me down. Slows my breathing down." He's also hitting the hot and cold tubs after practice. These small details add up when you're competing for meaningful reps.

The Cougars have experienced linebackers Keith Brown, DJ Warner, and Nylan Brown likely slated to start. But depth is thin beyond those three, and that's where Hung has stepped in. With Warner missing Thursday's practice for the second straight time, Hung filled the gap with strong work, stuffing runs with simulated tackles in the backfield and breaking up passes over the middle. When fall camp rolls around and Bray needs to call on someone from the second tier, Hung's name might be first on the list.

What Saturday Means for the QB Battle and the Cougars

The Crimson and Gray game kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday and represents practice No. 15 for WSU. Gates open at 1 p.m., and it won't be broadcast on TV or radio. WSU students get in free, as does anyone sitting in the lower bowl. There's a beer garden in the Crimzone section and concessions on the north concourse.

Moore said the team will use live tackling for about the first 40 plays, similar to how they've handled recent scrimmages. The quarterback battle between Caden Pinnick, Owen Eshleman, and Julian Dugger will continue, though it'll drag into fall camp. All three have avoided turnovers in recent practices, a key part of offensive coordinator Matt Miller's criteria, but accuracy has been an issue lately. Defensive end starters Matyus McLain and Linus Zunk, both transfers, will also show what they've built over the spring.

"Just let the players compete, right?" Moore said. "Keep it simple on both sides of the ball, let them play fast. Some situational football will naturally come up with fans in the stands, and that's awesome, for our guys to get a feel for that in the game day environment here at Gesa Field."

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.