Grading Rickey Galvin’s 2013 Season for the Washington State Cougars
By George Means
Oct 12, 2013; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver Rickey Galvin (5) is tackled by Oregon State Beavers cornerback Sean Martin (6) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
When a small, quick running back from Berkeley arrived in Pullman in 2010 he was full of hope. Prophetically given #5 by the Wulff regime, his promise was made apparent with immediate playing time. That immediate playing time resulted in an immediate broken arm, leading to a redshirt season after one carry. His RS Fr year saw him become the Cougs’ leading rusher, adding 28 grabs out of the backfield. Then came Leach . . . and an dynamic and entertaining WR migrated from the backfield. Again, after three games an arm injury left Rickey Galvin sidelined, leaving him to study the Air Raid for the next 11 months.
In 2013 Rickey Galvin began to look like the last WR to wear #5 for the Cougs, Michael Bumpus. Quick, “undersized”, and prone to explosive plays. We love when he gets the ball in his hands, fun things tend to happen. TDs against Washington and CSU at the end of the season give us fond memories and his kick return work will only improve.
That being said, lets remember that with his size, he still has significant room for improvement as a WR. Getting open at 5’8″ requires more work than at 6’3″, and his season stats reflect that. If Galvin can make the most of his touches in 2014, especially on kick offs, he will be a wildcard that the Pac-12 will fear by the end of the year.
He made strides toward the end of 2013, and for that extra effort, we will give extra credit; additional consideration given because he has been a WR for all of 17 or so months. Final Grade B-