Teondray Caldwell No Longer With Cougars

Once starting running back and starting safety, Teondray Caldwell, is no longer with the team according to multiple sources. Caldwell, who started the season opener at safety left the team before Saturday’s game against Portland State.

Near the end of last season Caldwell was relieved of his starting duties by Marcus Mason and slipped deep into the running back depth chart during the off-season. The coaching staff and Caldwell got together and decided that a move to Safety was in order as he would see more playing time there. Caldwell fell behind Morrow and Gerard Wicks during the off-season and Theron West was also in the mix.

Caldwell rushed for 271 yards on 50 carries and scored once last season for the Cougars. In 2012 he rushed for 269 carries on 56 carries but did not score a touchdown. Through the air he was used in both season as he had 36 yards on 14 catches in 2012 and 130 yards on 26 catches last season.

After being the second leading rusher for the Cougars in each of his first two seasons, Caldwell then moved to safety prior to the season opener against Rutgers. After struggling against the Scarlet Knights, Caldwell was moved back in the depth chart behind Darius Lemora. He slid even further in the depth chart after week 2 and apparently was not happy with the way things were going for him this season.

The Cougars needed to replace Deone Bucannon this season and thought that he could do a decent enough job at replacing one of the best Cougars to come through the program. That vision quickly went out the window after Rutgers opened up the season on a 78 yard touchdown pass.

There really is no information on why Caldwell left the team but it is assumed that it was due to lack of playing time. There could have been more to it and stuff that was happening internally but I believe that for the most part, if not the whole part, was due to him seeing that there would be more time on the field at a different school. It would be nice to see him find a home somewhere to play his final season of college football.

It should also be noted that Caldwell is still listed on the Washington State depth chart.

We here at All Coug’d Up wish Caldwell the best on the rest of his journey.