Spring Ball Chaos: Four Cougs Out, QB Battle About to Get Wild
Washington State football is about to kick off spring drills Thursday, and head coach Kirby Moore just dropped some roster news that's going to shake things up on the field. Four key players are going to miss the entire spring with injuries, and yeah, that's going to create some serious position battles.
Here's who's sitting out: Jaylin Caldwell (offensive lineman, knee), Trey Leckner (offensive lineman, foot), Lolo Ta'aga (tight end, foot), and Kyle Peterson (safety, shoulder). That's a chunk of experience gone for the spring, which means opportunity is knocking loud for some young guys trying to prove themselves.
The Right Tackle Shuffle Is About to Get Messy
With Caldwell and Ta'aga out, the right tackle spot is suddenly wide open, and Moore's got a plan. Max McCree will get the starting reps at right tackle this spring, which is a big move since McCree has only played left tackle in college. He's shifting sides completely. Moore says McCree "has done some good things already" and his best football is still ahead of him.
But he won't be alone. Chris Lino, Xavier Thorpe, and Sone Falealo will all be getting reps at tackle, too. Falealo played guard late last season but looks like he's moving back to tackle for spring. The question everyone's asking: when Ta'aga gets healthy, does he slide to left tackle?
Tight End and Safety Get a Talent Infusion
Peterson's shoulder surgery opens the door for tight ends Jack Pedersen, Beau Baker, Hudson Cedarland, Peyton Read, Cash Landau, and Nathaniel Salmon to get real reps. That's a lot of snaps up for grabs.
At safety, more opportunities are coming for Jeremiah Bernard, Jaylen Thomas, Jshawn Frausto-Ramos, Kayo Patu, Gaylon McNeal, Jack Bal, and Trey Ridley.
The QB Battle Is Going to Be Intense
Here's the thing that's got everyone talking: Caden Pinnick, Julian Dugger, and Owen Eshelman are all going to get a ton of reps fighting for QB1. Moore's putting them in every situation imaginable. Two minute drill? Check. Third down? Check. Different receiver groups? Check. And they're going to feel pressure, just not live contact. Moore's going to call sacks to keep them sharp under pressure.
What's the deciding factor? Production. Completion percentage, taking care of the football, and explosive plays. Moore doesn't have a timeline for naming a starter yet. He learned this at Fresno State and carried it through Missouri: games are decided by situational football and how your QB performs when it matters most.
Spring ball starts Thursday. Buckle up.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.