Peyton Pelluer felt comfortable in Pullman. The Skyline High School linebacker built a strong relationship with the Washington State football coaching staff. He found plenty of potential in the program.

So, he thought to himself, "Why not get another Coug in the household?" and decided to give new coach Mike Leach and his staff a verbal commitment Monday.

"I felt super comfortable there," said Pelluer, who also had Pac-12 offers from Arizona State and Colorado.

"I felt comfortable around the coaches, they're awesome and I built a strong relationship with them. That was key in my decision. But, really, I saw a lot of potential in the program. They need a lot of players to come in there and help the program get back to its old glory."

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound all-state standout — he had 122 solo tackles as a junior last season — will follow in the footsteps of his father, Scott, who was a four-year starter at outside linebacker during his playing career at Washington State.

Pelluer's commitment to the Cougars came one day after Eastside Catholic defensive back Markell Sanders announced he will also be playing in Pullman.

"I thought it was a great place for me to fit in," Sanders said. "I see a lot of great things that they're putting together."