PULLMAN — Washington State's defensive unit is making its presence known on the field, with chants of "saaaack" breaking out during practice on Friday.
The energetic defense was on full display during the 11-on-11 team periods, where players like sophomore defensive end Ben Beatty and junior safety Jeremiah Bernard made standout plays. Beatty enjoyed a simulated sack, while Bernard got a little overzealous, popping a ball carrier to the ground and then helping him back up.
The offense is still in the process of installing various plays and concepts, but that doesn't mean there were no plays to be made. Toward the end of practice, quarterback Caden Pinnick let a cross-body throw fly toward the left boundary for sophomore wide receiver Tank Hawkins to haul in.
WSU coach Kirby Moore praised the quarterbacks for their efforts, saying, "I thought (they did a) better job taking those (vertical) shots… and the placement of the ball and being on the same page with the receivers."
The team's defensive unit is being recognized for its efforts, with five players named to the Pac-12's "Preseason Impact List." Idaho junior transfer defensive end Matyus McLain, San Jose State sophomore safety Jaylen Thomas, wide receiver Tony Freeman, offensive lineman Ashton Tripp, and running back Kirby Vorhees were all honored by the conference.
The recognition is a testament to the hard work of the players, with Thomas saying, "I'd say that is pretty cool… I hadn't heard that before today, so I mean, we'll take it as it is, and we'll keep working harder moving forward." Freeman, who was named the Pac-12 Conference Top Special Teams Performer last season, is no stranger to conference recognition.
The team will continue to practice throughout the week, with the next batch of players of the day to be announced soon. WSU coach Kirby Moore said, "Coming off the field, it's never as good, never as bad (as you might think)… So we want to make sure we see that all the same way, evaluate the tape offensively, defensively."
The first batch of players of the day included wide receiver Tony Freeman, linebacker Jack Ellison, linebacker Gavin Fugate, and offensive lineman Ashton Tripp. Day 2's players of the day were running back Kirby Vorhees, defensive end Linus Zunk, punter Max Dean, and defensive lineman Josh Wedel, who moved inside to play defensive tackle Friday.
The team will recognize four players from each practice, with honorees from the offense, defense, special teams, and a lineman. Moore said, "We have a staff meeting around 4 o'clock and talk through that." The team's fall camp will continue throughout the week, with the next practice scheduled for later today.
Source: Yahoo Sports
