Washington State Football: Cougs Look to Youthful Ambition for Success in 2013 and Beyond

Sept. 8, 2012; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Brett Bartolone, wide receiver Isiah Myers, and running back Teondray Caldwell (L to R) celebrate a touchdown against the Eastern Washington Eagles during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

“Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings” – Salvador Dali

With the football season drawing near we have heard from some of the new comers and younger players of Washington State University through various interviews.  One this is clear watching each of these interviews, these birds definitely have their wings.

All the freshmen arrived to Pullman at the same time and have been experiencing Wazzu together which will create a unique bond for all these guys in the long haul and make them more comfortable by the time the season starts this year.  Tyler Bruggman (QB) is already being viewed as a leader by his fellow classmates and says he is going to be ready to play at the seasons’ start if he’s needed.  Daquawn Brown has his sights set on substantial playing time as a true freshman this year believing that he can help the team be successful.  Daniel Ekuale (DL) obviously hadn’t been interviewed a lot as a high school D-Lineman but you have to love that his goal in his career at WSU is to become the best defensive lineman to play the game.

The freshmen aren’t the only ambitious players on this team however.  Listening to the second year players talk about what they want to accomplish this year is inspiring.  Every interview has to do with getting to a bowl this year and working hard in the offseason to get there.

Although the ambition of these young players is great, this team needs it’s leadership to get to a bowl and this team has plenty of it.  You have guys like Deone Bucannon who has seen this team go through deep lows and face adversity and also played a part in helping this team overcome adversity. Connor Halliday, who has been challenged and been an underdog since he first stepped foot in Martin Stadium, will now have to channel the Connor who set a record for passing as a freshman when he came in and helped this team beat Arizona State in the 2011 season.

These types of leaders will have to step up and show these young kids how to take that ambition and combine it with hard work and most of all perseverance.  I believe this will happen, I believe there’s something special happening at Washington State. Now if we can just get this season started right!  Go Cougs!