Sep 14, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington State Cougars offensive linesman John Fullington (77) during warm-ups before a game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Gabe Marks
We all know Gabe had a huge first half of 2012, we all know he needs a huge 2013. Most importantly though, Dominique, Kristoff and Mayle will not become all they need to be down field without Gabe’s help. He’s the key player in the Cougars’ passing game this season as he should make it impossible for defenses to throw double teams over the top of the big boys. That is, if he lives up to his tremendous potential.
John Fullington
The offensive line lost Jake Rodgers earlier this Spring to lost interest, leaving Elliot Bosch and Fullington as the only real experience coming back. The problem was that Fullington may have got out-performed this Spring and thus ended up with the 2’s going into the Summer. His importance (and ultimately effort to earn his spot back) to the continuity of the line is brutally vital.
Connor Halliday
We’ve probably over-discussed Halliday, so I won’t spend much time on his importance to this team. I will say that the reason he makes this list is far more than that I think he’ll have a big season. Rather, if he doesn’t come through Washington State will not even come close to fulfilling their full team potential. That’s not to say that Austin Apodaca isn’t potentially going to become the best man for the job at some point, just that Halliday is the key to this team’s success. If Apodaca does become the guy, this team is doomed to struggle, again.