WSU Football: 5 Things to Watch in Crimson and Gray Spring Game

Dec 21, 2013; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Washington State Cougars running back Theron West (24) celebrates a play in the first quarter against the Colorado State Rams during the Gildan New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2: Theron West and the Running Backs

This is truly a group to get excited about this preseason. Of course when you think “air-raid” you forget all about the running backs, but last year’s starter Marcus Mason had a huge second half of the season. Traditionally, Leach RB’s really do thrive in their ability to impact a football game and that should be the case again this season, but it may not be Mason doing the bulk of the damage.

Instead, redshirt senior Theron West has had an impressive stretch, starting in bowl-prep practices and moving all the way up from last-to-first on the depth chart. He has bulked up even more and impressed Leach in such a way that he has put himself head-and-shoulders above the rest, even coaxing the word “leader” out of WSU’s head coach this Spring. Behind him look for a fun battle between Mason and redshirt freshmen Gerard Wicks and Jamal Morrow, whom Cougar fans have been waiting anxiously to see live.

Last season’s opening-day starter Teondray Caldwell is also in the mix and he’ll need to really turn it on today and through the Summer or he may end up low on the depth chart. I’m sure he’ll be ready to show some improvement today as well.