After watching the victory by Washington State in the 2012 Apple Cup last weekend, Vince Mayle (LEFT), a Junior College Valley Conference MVP and 1st Team All Conference performer out of Sierra College in Rocklin, CA has committed to Washington State. Mayle stands 6’3, 220 and is a physically imposing receiver with really good speed and excellent hands. He benches 350 lbs and runs the 40 in 4.45 seconds. This is a very big commitment for Mike Leach and staff, as Mayle is highly regarded and was sought after nationally, including by Kentucky, Arizona State, West Virginia, Nevada and Houston.
I must say, I am thrilled at this commitment. In fact, I love this guy. Mayle reminds me SO MUCH of Marquess Wilson in his ability to catch the ball in traffic with his hands and make plays with his legs after the catch. But don’t trip, he is not MQW II. Mayle has what we call “Selflessness”. He is impressively strong and will stock-block downfield for his running backs, as well as run from across the field to get a block after one of his fellow receivers has made a catch and is fighting for extra yardage.
Speaking of getting blocks, this kid is very sticky once he gets his hands on DB’s, continuing to block for the duration of the plays and using terrific leverage in the process. He is also much more adept at beating press coverage than are any of the outside Cougar receivers at this point in their career due to his strength, and he will come in with experience and add immediate play making ability to the offense.
After looking at his Hudl Highlight film, imagine his presence over the next 2 seasons (if my calculations are correct he will be a RS Junior) in a 5-wide set, something Leach didn’t use too much this season with the lack of depth at O-line. Dominique Williams, Brett Bartolone, Bobby Ratliff and Gabe Marks are on the field with this kid and it’s a mismatch from one side of the field to the other. I imagine Connor Halliday and the rest of the Cougar QB’s are already dreaming about any variation of this combo on the field for them.
Go Cougs!