10 Key WSU Football Players to Watch

Trey Leckner (TE) 

Leckner spent last season as the backup TE and flashed a lot of signs of potential. While the TE room got a lot deeper this offseason I still think Trey Leckner will slot in as the top TE. During the spring game he lined up in a lot of different formations including coming out of the backfield. I believe his versatility and athleticism will be a big strength for the new look WSU offense. 


Kayo Patu (S)

Kayo Patu redshirted last year as a 4 star recruit and the number 7 ranked player in California. He flashed a lot of potential during the spring and there should be plenty of opportunities for him to find his way on to the field this season. 


Tucker Large (S)

Tucker Large is arguably the best player Jimmy Rogers is bringing to Pullman from South Dakota State. In 11 games last season Large had 34 tackles, 7 pass breakups and 3 interceptions. I expect Large to be the leader of the defense and hopefully help to lead a turnaround on that side of the ball.   


Angel Johnson (RB)

Angel Johnson projects to be the Cougs RB1 heading into the season, Johnson had many explosive running plays during his time at South Dakota State and also showed the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. The University of Tennessee came in to try to swoop Johnson from the transfer portal but he decided to follow the staff and commit to WSU. 


Leon Neal Jr. (WR)

I believe that former walk on Leon Neal Jr. could find himself in the WR mix and have a really good season. He was a favorite target of Zevi Eckhaus throughout spring ball and he looks like a good fit in the new offense. He looks comfortable creating space and separation and I think he could be a big surprise to people heading into the season 


Keith Brown (LB)

Keith Brown joined the Cougs last season after stops at Louisville and Oregon. Brown started the season with a small role but his role seemed to grow bigger as each went by. He was a key player in the win at Fresno State last year and I think he will play an even bigger role on the defense this season.  


Bryson Lamb (DT)

Bryson Lamb was a player that I was very excited that the Cougs were able to retain. The redshirt junior made 18 tackles and recovered one fumble last season. I think Lamb has the potential to take a big leap from last year with a bigger opportunity and figures to be one of the key pieces on the defensive side of the ball this season. 



Matt Durrance (S)

Matt Durrance comes in as a safety transfer from South Dakota State with one year of eligibility remaining. He has started every game for South Dakota State the last two seasons and is a two time FCS national champion. As someone who knows the new system I expect him to play a big role in the secondary next season. The defensive side of the ball is an area to improve from last year for the Cougs and I expect Durrance to help lead the charge. 



Josh Meredith (WR)

Josh Meredith looks primed to be the Cougs WR1 this season. He finished last season 3rd in receptions and receiving yards. Meredith has taken a step forward during each of the last few seasons and I am hoping that he can step into the big shoes that Kyle Williams has left. Wake Forest and others tried to convince him to leave WSU but he decided to stay in Pullman for his senior season. 


Christian Hilborn (OL) 

Christian Hilborn played every position along the OL except for center. He is a vital part of the OL and it was huge for the new staff to retain him this season. His leadership and experience will be vital for an offense that will be looking to run the ball more in 2025. 



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