PULLMAN, Wash. — The Cougars ditched the t-shirts and put on the shoulder pads to finish up the first week of fall camp.
That means no more light practices.
The hits are going to be harder and the intensity is going to be greater. However, the players welcome the physicality. In fact, they’ve been looking forward to it for a long time.
“For me, it’s like, oh we got pads on? I can finally put you in the ground and not get yelled at,” defensive lineman David Gusta said.
In just two days in pads, the players and coaches are already noticing a difference.
“I think you’d like to say the intensity is the same all the time, but it’s not,” head coach Jake Dickert said. “When you get that helmet and shoulder pads, it’s elevated.”
It’s not just the linemen. Other players are also feeling the extra bumps and bruises. Wide receiver Josh Meredith says the guys who tough it out will determine who plays during the season.
“I’m going to have twelve plays back-to-back, but I’m going to win back-to-back,” Meredith said. “It’s tiring but we got to get ready. Once the season comes don’t sub me out mid-drive. I’ll be mad. I want to play. I’m going to make the play for you guys. So just get in shape.”
Next week the team will work on more in-game situational drills as the season opener against Portland State is just four weeks away.
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