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Trash Talk and Turnovers Highlight Spirited Cougar Practice
2 Aug
Summary
- Cougars' safety Cale Reeder leads trash-talking charge in practice
- Freshman safeties Damarius Russell and Tyrone Cotton III make interceptions
- Defensive players shine, including DT Max Baloun and LB Gage Jones
On August 1st, the Washington State Cougars began their fall camp in preparation for the upcoming season. While the team's first two days of practice were split into two-a-days, the first full-team session on August 3rd was a lively affair, marked by intense trash talk and spirited play, particularly from the defensive side of the ball.
Leading the charge on the trash-talking front was senior safety Cale Reeder, who set the tone with sharp one-liners and biting invitations to his teammates in the secondary. Several other players, including redshirt freshman cornerback Kenny Worthy III and transfer defensive tackle Kaden Beatty, matched Reeder's energy, resulting in a practice that was far more spirited than the previous two.
The heightened intensity also led to a few scuffles breaking out, with players flexing after breaking up passes and chiding their matchups for failing to keep up. However, coach Jimmy Rogers saw this as a positive, indicating that the players were fired up to win position battles and earn playing time.
Amidst the trash talk, the Cougars' defense shone, with several standout performances. True freshman safety Damarius Russell intercepted a tipped pass and returned it for what would have been a touchdown, while fellow freshman cornerback Tyrone Cotton III paired an interception with a breakup of a deep pass. Defensive tackle Max Baloun, a transfer from South Dakota State, recorded a simulated sack, as did redshirt freshman linebacker Gage Jones.
On the offensive side, Rutgers transfer quarterback Ajani Sheppard continued to impress, connecting on several deep passes, including a 40-yard strike to wide receiver Tony Freeman and a contested catch by freshman wideout Noah Westbrook. However, the Cougars' receivers and tight ends struggled with some dropped passes in 7-on-7 drills, an issue that will need to be addressed as fall camp progresses.
Overall, the Cougars' first full-team practice of fall camp was a lively and promising affair, with the defense leading the way and setting the tone for the rest of the team.
