Cougar Corner | WSU Senior Kenny Alfred on Rimington Award Watch List

Washington State Coach Paul Wulff learned today that senior Kenny Alfred, one of his top offensive linemen, has been named to the Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List.

The Rimington Trophy is awarded each year to the top center in all of college football.

This honor is nothing new for Alfred. He's one of just a dozen players making a repeat appearance on the Watch List which includes a total of 44 candidates representing schools across the nation.

Alfred is one of three Pac-10 in contention for the award. He's joined by junior Colin Baxter of Arizona and junior Kristofer O'Dowd of USC.

Dating back to his freshman year, Alfred has anchored the offensive line for Washington State. He's been the starter at the center position in 32 of the last 33 games.

Looking back to his freshman year, Kenny came out of the blocks as a standout player being selected Freshman All-American second team by Scout.com.

He had to sit out spring practice last month while recovering from off-season surgery, but should be ready to go when fall practice begins.

Like so many teams around the Pac-10, the success of Washington State football this coming season will depend on improved play by the offensive line.

WSU Offensive line Coach Harold Etheridge was pleased with the players who participated in spring ball.  Off-season strength and conditioning improved the physical aspect of his offensive linemen. That was evident in the way the offense ran the football.

Leadership.

For WSU to step up their offense, the OL will be counted on to lead the way for the no-huddle offense Coach Wulff ran all spring. Kenny Alfred will be a huge influence on the attitude of the men up front protecting the quarterback and blowing holes open for the running game.

Leadership.

Two words come to mind when talking about leadership of the offensive line.

Kenny Alfred.

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Cougar Basketball

Washington State men's basketball Coach Ken Bone was heard on the AM airwaves Wednesday morning on the west side of the Cascades. There was the usual sports radio banter being exchanged for several minutes. Then, with warning, things took a dark turn. Coach Bone was being asked to defend the academic issues with Portland State players. He calmly described what the situation was at PSU which contributed to student/athletes struggles. Frankly, if the interviewer read any of the numerous stories published on this topic, he would have kept his chat with Coach Bone on high ground.

For those who may be wary of Coach Bone's record with his student/athletes by focusing on the unique situation he found himself in at Portland State, consider the big picture. His record at Seattle Pacific, if measured only by the academic success of his players, was excellent. By the way, Coach Bone's teams won more than 70% of their games under his leadership.

Coach Bone will make every possible resource available to his student/athletes.

Perhaps a better question might be, how are things going on the recruiting trails?

Originally published on Examiner.com