Mike Leach era begins in Pullman as practice kicks off

PULLMAN - The Washington State football team begins its spring practice schedule today, the first of 15 practice dates that conclude April 24. The annual Crimson and Gray Game will be held April 21 at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane at 1 p.m.

Under first-year head coach Mike Leach, WSU enters spring ball with 47 returning lettermen from last year's squad and an entirely new coaching staff led by Leach, who was named the Cougars' 32nd head coach last November.

Offensively, Washington State returns six starters from last season, including All-American wide receiver Marquess Wilson. Three starters from the offensive line - juniors John Fullington and Matt Goetz, and senior Dan Spitz - return, along with redshirt senior Wade Jacobson, who missed much of last season after starting 11 games in 2010. Senior Carl Winston and redshirt sophomore Rickey Galvin, each of whom started six or more games last year, return at running back.

On defense, seven starters from last season return. Senior defensive ends Travis Long and Lenard Williams, and senior defensive tackle Anthony Laurenzi, anchor the front line. All three of the starting linebackers from 2011 have departed though the secondary returns all four starters - junior cornerbacks Damante Horton and Nolan Washington, senior safety Tyree Toomer and junior safety Deone Bucannon.

The Cougars will practice Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Rogers Field, with the exception of the Crimson and Gray Game at Albi.