The Washington State Cougars will rely heavily on young players in the 2010 season, with true freshmen, redshirt freshmen, and junior college transfers seeing plenty of time for Washington State as they take the field against Oklahoma State to open the season.
Spokesman-Review reporter Vince Grippi has been following the team and wrote about the youth movement in the Palouse today.
The Cougars will take 20 freshmen to Stillwater, including nine fresh out of high school.
Besides Bucannon, who is backing up senior safety Chima Nwachukwu, other first-year freshman who will probably see significant action include right tackle John Fullington, wide receiver Marquess Wilson, cornerback Damante Horton, linebacker C.J. Mizell and running back Rickey Galvin, along with others on the special teams.
The amount of young players seeing action to start the season would usually worry Washington State fans, but the players Grippi lists have made quite the impression in camp so far. There’s no question coach Paul Wulff has the utmost confidence in his young players and feels they’re ready for the hostile environment that awaits them in Stillwater.
The Cougs kick off the season Saturday at 4 p.m. against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
For more on Washington State, check out SB Nation’s CougCenter.