Washington State commit Greg Hoyd is a player who has the capabilities and traits to be a leader on this Cougar squad that is in its’ rebuilding stages. The 6-2, 215-pound outside linebacker from Vista Murrieta High School in Murrieta, California is an all-around football player that is a big pick up for Mike Leach and company.
In Hoyd’s film he plays inside linebacker most of the time but is being recruited as an outside linebacker and has the skill to play both inside and outside at a division-1 level.
When watching Hoyd’s film the first thing I noticed was how easily he was able to make a play. On a run play Hoyd was able to see where the play was going, adjust, shed the block, and make the play often times behind or near the line of scrimmage. With the size and power that Hoyd had it makes it really hard to block him and run through him. If he was able to get an arm on him it often led to the player go off balance.
During a passing play I noticed Hoyd was able to stay low, keep his hips loose, and his head on a swivel. It was clear that he watches the quarterbacks eyes as he is able to see where the play is going before it happens and is able to break up the play or come out with an interception. The ability to see where the play is going as a junior is something that surprised me when watching Hoyd. With more coaching and being surrounded by other talent it is going to be fun watching Hoyd turn into an even better player.
The level that Hoyd plays at is going to be a huge addition to a linebacker group that is mainly full of upperclassmen. 7 of the 14 linebackers are going to be seniors this year. Because of the age that WSU has, Hoyd is going to be able to sit a year and learn a lot from the upperclassmen and come out his second year ready to play.
Besides Washington State, Hoyd also had offers from Fresno State, Georgia Tech, Utah, and Duke among others.
Below you will find Hoyd’s junior year highlights.
https://allcougdup.com/hub/wsu-commit-greg-hoyd-highlight-film/