Washington State Football: How Will Cougars Replace the Legend?

There will be plenty of new looks for the Washington State Cougar football program this coming season.

Until the opening kickoff against Oklahoma State at the end of August, most of the stories about Cougar football will be covering the new sheriff in town, Coach Paul Wulff.  No problem here with regards to that. 

But flying under most writers' radar is a terrific story—the one about replacing a legend.

The legend referred to is the gifted Cougar quarterback for the past three seasons. Alex Brink graduated from WSU and has hopes to hook up with an NFL team this summer. He left quite a mark on Cougar football.

He quietly broke virtually every passing record at a school that produced some outstanding players at the quarterback position.  Names like Jack Thompson, Mark Rypien, and Drew Bledsoe are synonymous with Washington State football and lighting up scoreboards.

Though Brink had the numbers to warrant the label "legend," Alex was the complete student/athlete. There was no campaign to tout him as a Heisman candidate.  Brink's legendary credentials?  He was a leader both on and off the field, and he will always be part of the pride of Cougar Nation.

A legend and a class act. How the heck do you follow in those footsteps?

Enter Gary Rogers.

Here comes a guy who has been waiting very patiently to get his chance.  Rogers has the arm, the size, and the leadership to enjoy a solid senior season running a new "no huddle" offense.

Sure, he's going to have to play in a completely revamped offense.  Sure, running back looks like it might be the weakest position for the Cougs this coming season.  Sure, WSU is picked to finish dead last in the Pac-10 by most "experts."

But here's the deal—Gary Rogers is a competitor.  Period.

Even Cougar Nation folks with poor memories should recall a similar situation just a few years back.  That time around, Jason Gesser was the legend who graduated.  Coach Bill Doba was the newly promoted sheriff in town. 

Who was trying to do what Rogers is taking on?  None other than a tall kid with a great pedigree, an excellent arm, and pretty good mobility.  He stood about 6'6".  His name?  Matt Kegel.

Kegel and Doba teamed up to put together a dream season that culminated in a Holiday Bowl victory over Texas.

Could that happen again?  Not likely.  But there are some good reasons to expect better than a last place finish in the Pac-10.

Rogers brings new energy and enthusiasm to the huddle.  He will be blessed with a terrific group of receivers, led by All Pac-10 honoree Brandon Gibson.

So, to answer the question, "How do you replace a legend?"  You don't.

On August 30, a new era will begin for Cougar football.  It won't all be about the new head coach.

By the end of the season, people are going to be talking about how patient Gary Rogers was, and how thankful they are he waited for his turn under center.

Or could this be a season in which no legend unfolds?