Freshman has play of the day for Cougars

PULLMAN — True freshman receiver Gabriel Marks, in just his second practice for Washington State, made perhaps the play of the day when he streaked down the middle and hauled in a touchdown pass of about 45 yards from Connor Halliday.

Marks, rated a four-star recruit by Scout.com, pulled the ball in and away from first-string safety Deone Bucannon and starting cornerback Damante Horton.

"He's got sharp, efficient skills," coach Mike Leach said, adding that the freshmen who adjust the quickest are the ones who wind up playing. "He's got talent on top of it, no question, but he's one of those guys that plays older than he is."

Outside receivers coach Dennis Simmons added: "If he's able to duplicate that once we get the pads on, I don't see why he shouldn't get an opportunity to play this fall."

Notes

• Defensive back Raymond Ford, who originally signed with California, is in Pullman and will join WSU, Leach said.

• Offensive lineman Wade Jacobson wasn't at practice. No reason was given.

By Christian Caple Spokesman-Review

By Christian Caple
Spokesman-Review