5 Players to Watch in the 2013 Washington State Spring Game

Nov. 23, 2012; Pullman, WA, USA; The Washington State Cougars football team takes the field before a game against the Washington Huskies at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Whether you are firing up the ol’ Pac-12 network or making the trip to Spokane to watch the Crimson and the Gray, here are 5 players to keep an eye on this weekend.

Left Tackle Gunnar Eklund

Gunnar is a redshirt sophomore and by all accounts looks to have the starting job anchored down again this season after starting 7 games before suffering an injury in 2012. Though Eklund has experience, he needs to take his game to the next level to help solidify a Cougar line that ranked last in the country for sacks allowed last season.

Quarterback Austin Apodaca

It appears that Connor Halliday will win the starting job before the season starts. However as we know this doesn’t mean too much for Cougar QB’s.  Connor has had a hard time staying both consistent and healthy. This pattern could open the door for playing time in 2013 for Austin. Seeing confidence and knowledge of the Air Raid on Saturday would be very reassuring.

Linebacker Darryl Monroe

Darryl is another redshirt sophomore who started in 2012. Can he continue to improve upon his early success in 2013? We hope so! Having Monroe continue to prowl the middle of the Cougar’s 3-4 defense is imperative for the defense to continue to make gains.

Running Back/Wide Receiver Rickey Galvin

When Leach took over last year he moved the 5’8” running back out to wide receiver and early on it looked like the right move. Unfortunately Galvin suffered a broken arm and missed all but three games. It looks like Leach and company may try a hybrid approach with Rickey this year. Look for him to play both in the backfield and split out on Saturday.

Wide Receivers

I know it is supposed to be player, but to just pick one wide receiver to watch on Saturday just wouldn’t be fair. Gabe Marks has been living up to his hype once again this Spring. Bobby Ratliff is pushing everyone for playing time and potential starters Williams and Bartolone have improved as well.

There you have it, 5 people/positions to watch on Saturday. So with that, sit back and enjoy the Crimson and Gray game. Go Cougs!