With the Washington State football season just right around the corner we take a look at who could be the breakout players for the Cougars for the 2014 season.
Last season running back Marcus Mason surprised a lot of people with the season he had. A lot of people had Mason at the 3rd string back but it was not long before Mason made his way to the top of the depth chart and surprised a lot of people and had a surprising ‘breakout season’ for the Cougars.
Who is going to have a breakout season for the Cougars this year?
Offense
For most people they would like to see a few offensive lineman have a breakout seasons and protect Connor Halliday back at quarterback. A lot of interceptions that Halliday threw last season were forced because he was being hurried by the defensive lineman and it would be nice to give him that protection back in the pocket to complete the passes he needs to.
Instead of an offensive lineman for the breakout player I see wide receiver Calvin Green being the breakout player for the Cougars offense this season.
Nov 16, 2013; Tucson, AZ, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Connor Halliday (12) looks for an open receiver to pass to during the first quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Green, who enrolled at Washington State early last school-year, is looking to be one of the Cougars best offensive players this year. He has the speed, hands, and head to be one of the Cougars biggest receivers for the coming year and it would be no surprise if Halliday has Green as his go-to receiver when Halliday and the Cougars are in need.
With the Cougars wide receivers all being experienced and the position being very deep it would not be surprising to see Green being a backup for the first part of the season. I see Green getting playing time early on and slowly (hopefully quickly though) moving his way up the depth chart and becoming the biggest receiver for the Cougars as a true freshman.
The Cougars are returning mostly all of their receivers from last season and are looking to improve on last season. With Green being behind those players since January and learning from them as well as being coached and in the weight room it would be no shock if Green sees playing time early.
I have been saying ever since I first watched Green’s film that he was going to be a huge player for the Cougars and he has done nothing but prove that I was right, with a great spring game and a great fall camp I see Green being the breakout player for the Cougars.