Washington State Football: 2014 Class Has Early Playmaker Standout

Nov. 23, 2012; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach holds up the jersey of Travis Long after a game against Washington Huskies at Martin Stadium. The Cougars would go onto beat the Huskies by a final score of 31-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

So far the Cougars are winning the game of recruiting as six players have given a verbal commitment to don the Crimson and Gray for the class of 2014. It’s only the month of June and the Cougars have already pulled in a top 50 recruiting class, and with the signing deadline being months away, it gives WSU head football coach Mike Leach more time advance in rankings for recruiting. All six players that have given a verbal commitment to WSU have great potential to make a name for themselves here in Pullman, but there’s always that one standout player that catches everyone’s eye.

That player is three star running back, Calvin Green from Sacramento, Calif. who told Leach and the coaching staff two days ago he would be playing his college ball as a “Coug.” Green is ranked as the 94th best high school running back in the country for the 2014 class and holds 11 offers that included top schools such as Fresno State, Boise State, and Arizona State. His junior year at Burbank (Luther) High School, he rushed for 1,178 yards on only 57 carries and had 12 touchdowns. Green also caught 23 passes for 543 yards and six touchdowns.

What makes Green standout from the other five players  the Cougars have pulled in, is his play making ability and the ability to play multiple positions. “The Flash” is Green’s nickname because of his speed. Watching his highlight tape, Green is constantly outrunning multiple defenders and making defenders miss tackles. Green is the perfect player for the Air Raid offense because he can be used in so many ways. “The Flash” will be used as a slot wide receiver in the offense, but playing running back in high school will give Leach the ability to use Green for Jet Sweeps, and Read Options as well. Green is also a great kick off returner, which is another area Leach could use him for.

Even though Green is ranked as the 94th best running back in the country, people shouldn’t view him as an average player. Looking back at Leach’s past with recruiting, he’s not known for always bringing in the top recruits, but instead players that fit his system, and that is exactly the type of player Green is. Putting Green in the Air-Raid offense is a perfect fit, and will showcase his talents. Whether that be beating a defensive back off the snap of the ball, and catching a pass, or taking the ball out of the quarterback’s hand and running the ball. Either way “The Flash” will be put to good use in 2014.

–Evan Baron (Follow Me On Twitter: @BaselineBaron09)