Sep 28, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars running back Jeremiah Laufasa (43) carries the ball during the 2nd half against the Stanford Cardinal at CenturyLink Field. Stanford defeated Washington State 55-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Another casualty of the past two stellar Mike Leach recruiting cycles has hit the books, as walk-on power back Jeremiah Laufasa is heading to UTEP to play football for the Miners. Cougfan confirmed this information on Thursday (for more on Laufasa’s WSU stat-line click the link.
"Walk on RB Jeremiah Laufasa is UTEP-bound, he confirmed through text message to CF.C. It was unclear if Laufasa was already in El Paso, or if he would be going on scholarship at UTEP. Laufasa’s younger brother Darrin will be a second-year sophomore running back for the Miners this coming season."
In 2012, the Cougars signed two multi-dimensional running backs in Gerard Wicks out of Long Beach and Jamal Morrow out of Menifee, CA. Both of them redshirted, then this season the Cougars signed another one of the most versatile backs you could hope for in a Leach run Air Raid offense, highly touted Squally Canada of Milipitas, CA.
Much like Austin Apodaca, it would seem as if Laufasa just didn’t see any room remaining on the depth chart, especially after considering a diminished role towards the end of the 2013 season. On top of that, the opportunity to play with your brother (at the same position no less) is a pretty special thing to pass up. We think Jeremiah will do just fine for himself down in El Paso.
Nov 29, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars running back Teondray Caldwell (34) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, the move may or may not precede another move soon. I’m interested to see what happens (if anything) with junior to-be Teondray Caldwell as the Spring progresses. He has not taken his redshirt yet and therefore could opt to stick it out and battle to keep his spot on the depth chart or take that redshirt to transfer and still have two seasons with a school that would look at him similar as they would to a JC transfer to come in and help out immediately. The biggest factor here is the emergence of senior to-be Theron West at the end of the season and where he fits in to the rotation.
Chances are there’s not much room on a Pac-12 roster, but there are plenty of Mountain West teams that could use a kid like that. But don’t get me wrong, if he decides to stick it out he would be a valuable asset of experience to a young group of running backs. He would also bring what he always brings in burst-ability and toughness on the field when his number is called, not to mention even more solid competition, which could prove invaluable.
At any rate we’ll keep our eyes on Caldwell’s movements and hope for the best for Laufasa. Once a Coug…
Go Cougs!