WSU Football: The Cougar Football Hour with Jake Dickert | Portland State Week | 8/29/24

here we go here we go here we go here we go here we go the following is a learfield presentation of the Washington State Sports Network this is the cougar football hour on the Washington State Sports network from learfield We're committed to being great here I'm proud to represent Washington State I know the people that wear that cubes all across this country they're proud to be a part of Washington state why not be here why not Sho on this team why not why not see this environment make it something special what an opportunity to show who we are as coups tonight's show is brought to you by US Bank US Bank is a proud supporter of cougar Athletics together there is nothing as powerful as the power of US US Bank Equal Housing lender member FDIC tonight's show is also brought to you by zeppos where the Poo comes to play and eat now live from zeppos alongside cougar head coach Jake Dicker here's the voice of the cougs Chris King good evening and welcome in to zeppos for the cougar football hour it's go time here we are with Coach Jake dickard we got Kyle thoron joining us tonight the season gets started on Saturday Portland State at Giza field noon kickoff who's ready for Saturday's game Chris I just got an alert on my watch that said alert heavy traffic in pman that must mean it's game day because there's nothing like it it took me 20 minutes to get out here to zeppos this is just incredible you can feel the sights and sounds the RVs were just was pulling in and I was leaving and let's get a little hand for our our new voice of the cougs Chris a I love it because he's the definition of coming back home okay WSU grad very congratulations excited to do this alongside of you every Thursday and it's going to be a fun Journey well I love it there is nowhere I'd rather be than right here wearing crimson and gray talking cougar football with you that's right well here we go great crowd we're out here on the patio enjoying this gorgeous night on the pooo at zeppos and it's game week so it's Thursday we're getting closer by the hour to that first game what's the feeling like uh on the practice field in the hallways right now as we're getting close to to getting things kicked off you know I think that's always the big question you get to this moment and I talked to the coaching staff today and it is months of preparation football is such a unique game and you know but I said from scouting to recruiting to strength to all the coaches were so invested in this football team and I think as a head coach you just get to this moment and you're ready to play a different color jersey you know I I think the captain said it in our Captain's meeting today they said coach we've been so much Crimson versus gray right iron sharpens iron practicing against each other that they're ready to be crimson and gray be on the same sideline represent Washington state they're so proud of the work that they've put in um because there's so many things that we've seen that is a byproduct of the success that you can have during a football season so to finally get that team to go out there and play through it vers and have some fun and let these guys do what they came here to do is a fun moment uh being a head coach well you talk about that work kind of take us through you know the summer through fall camp and now kind of it is game week what it has all been like building up to this point well it's kind of one of those like coaches like isms and talk about everyone's like ah The Season's starting that you know Saturday the season starts oh no you know that season started January 8th when we got back to to school uh these guys had a chip on their shoulder you know I think it's really important not to dwell on the past but learn from the past there was some disappointment there was some changes we needed to make um but we have a really competitive roster so it all started with you know that bubbles down we're building the brand new Taylor Sports Complex state-ofthe-art but that opens up in October right so every snowfall every rain in the in the winter and in the spring we were outside we were cating toughness uh we had one of our fourth quarter deals where we shoveled the field before we went out there and practiced these guys invested in ton not only uh in themselves but in each other cuz I think summer is one of those times where camaraderie of a team and makeup of a team when coaches are gone we actually get a little bit of a break uh and then obviously going through fall Camp you just see it's a competitive team that's just really excited to go out there and I think you're going to see these guys really do it for each other you know we talked about always us Chris uh no one can do it alone they're excited to represent this logo but even today I felt a little nervous energy and I told them guys that's good that means you're invested that means you care that means you put a lot into this thing so uh but when by the time we kick the ball off at noon these guys have done this a million times they'll be ready to go love hearing about that togetherness and you know I know there are new faces but there's a lot of continuity too I know on the coaching staff there's a lot of continuity a lot of continuity on the roster and that also means opportunities for guys too to step up and take on bigger roles I think that was part of it I mean everyone wants to talk about the transient nature of football and the portal and n and all this stuff and and that has reshaped I mean how we look at college football but the fact that the majority of our rosters stayed here I think it speaks volumes to our coaching consistency one of the few programs head coach OC DC special teams head strength and conditioning coordinator is still here uh and those guys want to be developed by us so I think it says a lot about the makeup of this football team and what we're kind of putting together and you know to to be a coug it's chip on the shoulder it's blue collar like this team is going to represent you and I think that's what's kind of the most exciting part about my job we got the right people and when anytime you got the right people uh they're just willing to go wherever you tell them to and it's going to be a fun game day well I know there's been a lot of great competition just to know see who'll be out there on the field first and those things will shake out a little more as as those first games go along but uh what were those big kind of position battles those competitions that you were excited about to see unfold throughout Camp well if I had a nickel for every time someone ask me who's going to be the starting quarterback I mean I I have a lot of money right now you know so we we were it was kind of going through that for the first time as a coach and I know even going back to after the season you know we were very unwilling just to say bring in a transfer come be the quarterback here at Washington State we knew what John can be and guys I'm just telling you John Mater is a special talent okay it is give him a little leeway give him a little time but John has the it Factor you know I just the way he runs the way he processes the way he can deliver deep ball he's just really really special but zevi eous okay John mattier someday will really thank zevi for coming in being a professional challenging him every day showing him what it's like to be a leader you know zevi came in and was like man he integrated into our football team really quickly but that was obviously a really big decision uh running back we feel like we've elevated in every capacity with all four of those guys there's not many coaches in the country can say I might be able to roll out any one of four running backs and feel like we're going to get the same uh production and then obviously the secondary in the defense is the other major question you know we we're young we're talented we're athletic but there's a communication and an experience Factor you know in the back end of the defense that just needs to be you know together and and Saturday be be a big part of that it won't be perfect I know that I told those guys but just go out there have fun and and just play with your tail on fire really good things are going to happen and that was I know that was kind of a a theme I heard play Fast play free we'll get into the Portland State kind of the opponent and who the you know the team is that will be here coming in on Saturday but uh that's something you have pre-dried play Fast play free game one well I think especially in game one I don't we don't know exactly what they're going to do you know they're a very consistent coaching staff we feel pretty confident in what we're going to see um but hesitation kills high performance you know I'm a I'm a big sports psychologist and getting our guys to to Peak every week but that's one thing that you you got to play fast you got to play free most important you got to play present cuz if you're worried about that past you're worried about what might happen in the future just be in that moment and I think our guys are ready to excel in that uh we continue to coach them hard and they learn through everything but you know that'll lead to a lot of success if they're just in that moment being themselves because I said it the other day to the media like once game day comes you don't need to be Superman just be who you've been for the last nine months and that is good enough and we tell them that every day fired up so much good stuff to get to we'll take our first time outcoming here but a quick reminder cougar Nation each time you bring your Toyota vehicle to be serviced at a local and participating Toyota deal Toyota dealership you can receive a premium Washington State giveaway item as a member of the Toyota Rewards program stay tuned for more information on how to become a Rewards program member we are live here at zeppos for the cougar football hour talking with Coach Jake dickard Kyle thoron still to come we will get to listener and audience questions of course see some napkins ready to go we will have that all coming up after this timeout you were listening to the cougar football hour from learfield Jan from Toyota here at Toyota's National Sales Event there's still time to squeeze more fun out of Summer with a new Camry rad for Corolla and more so go on squeeze your extended family into a Highlander for a family reunion everybody in Tammy Teddy toony Tommy Toby Terry wait where's rex or stop for some fresh squeeze lemonade and a Prius ooh how much 15 bucks okay now that's a squeeze dealer in Victoria May you're participating Toyota dealer for details event end September 3rd Toyota Let's Go Places you may be eager to break ground on a new outdoor project but never just start digging buried electric and natural gas lines can be anywhere it's the law to call 811 at least two business days before you dig spray paint White Lines showing your dig Zone 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cougar football hour tonight's show is brought to you by US Bank US Bank is a proud supporter of cougar Athletics together there's nothing as powerful as the power of us here's the voice of the cougs Chris King back here with Jake Dicker talking about the season opener for the cougs on the cougar football hour here at zeppos and Coach let's just Dive Right into one of these uh listener questions and audience questions before they throw me out here because I came as soon as I got here it was made clear hey we got we got questions for you they want to hear from you so we were kind of talking about this one a little bit during the break you talked about John mattier well John mattier uh uh background where his dad's a swimming coach and I know you mix in some fun when it comes to to fall camp and there's there's belly flop day the one of the questions was how is how was belly flop day which coach which player performed uh had the highest grade on belly flop day it is we do a lot of unique and interesting things and sometimes coming up with these ideas aren't easy I don't know if anyone caught our our jousting match in practice I I won that one uh but we take the guys to the pool and you should see what these guys can do off of the low dive off of the high dive and they're very talented John is not one of those guys it's amazing as dad's a swim coach I'm like John did you ever swim he's like no you know so it's it's very interesting but we've had some good guys I'm old for two in my belly flops if I'm being honest the last two years I like to lead the way you know show like coach can do it and I just I turned my head at the last second um but Coach Cal kryer I've never seen the guy get that much air and just straight down and hit it coach Caster cuz we made all the new coaches do it as well it's an old line tradition like you got to be great at the belly flop so those guys really kind of set the bar high high Jackson Cowgill you know he was fantastic at it and two years ago khil laau did one off of the high dive like I've never seen before that that's what it takes and I think our own Dean Janikowski I gotta give him a shout out he did one from the high dive in years past I mean it's a kind of one of those fun Traditions you can still have fun uh so we we make our guys do that a little bit and we just enjoy the time together so K has he been able to match that in the year six no say once you're the champion you just kind of you know fade off into the distance right you already got your trophy you don't need to you know go back to back on the old belly flop so it's been fun well we got the full belly flop breakdown but we heard about the jousting so you you really did I mean you you thrived at the jousting see some ideas just they happen out of thin air and Magic so we were having a staff party and we got one of those in flatable for the kids to bounce on and I was looking with our operations guy and I said what is that and it was a ring with two jousting and if you're an American Gladiators guy like me like you know what I mean like Tower and like whatever they call those guys they get up there and joust so I'm like our guys are going to love this I was worried about popping it and not getting my uh you know down payment back uh we had two 300 Pounders up there and they're going at it and the jousting those guys got in a little shoving match they didn't know the art of the joust uh but I took down coach Kramer in my match and one best out of two out of three and it was a a big victory so it it we do all those different things we come to zeppos often and we bowl we do team golfing we do a lot of different things and it's just about creating Connection in your team you should see how competitive these guys are right every Friday nights the first thing we do in our team meeting is just have some fun competition and I have to be the ref it's the hardest thing in my job description I'm being honest with you these guys you get worked pretty hard oh man thank God Ron Stone's gone cuz like this Ron he would this guy would never let me Breathe Right with with the rules and the technicalities and I appreciate his competitive nature that's funny that's one of our questions was the soccer games are a lot quieter since he graduated is there anyone who could take his place or is he he's kind of one of a kind he is one of a kind and we talk I talk about energy a lot you know it's big to me and I think every team has a unique kind of energy and Vibe I think ours this year is a little bit more focused energy but R.J is one of those guys that could just light up a room and make any tense situation kind of funny and relaxed guys and I think there's a unique part of him and his leadership and ability to do that I know this place means so much to him you know our guys love being out there and supporting other teams just like the soccer team and program so but RJ is one of a kind and and he'll be back uh you know before before this all said and done because he's a just a unique guy and loves being a coug well a little bit earlier we talked about kind of continuity for the team but I know there's a lot of newcomers that you're excited about who are those newcomers that you're expecting to hit the ground running making impact and I know there's some freshmen too true freshmen that have a chance to uh to be household names for everyone here at zeppos there like two different buckets a little bit I mean you know you live in the transfer world and I like to say you know we're out there doing Moneyball right we got to find the guy that's a little under the radar the biggest one is cus Webster you know if I could give everyone a comp for who Cyrus is it's like RJ and BJ not combined forces but a blend of each right so RJ's kind of really savviness to play with Brennan's just all out Relentless go he doesn't have an off switch so he's been just phenomenal for our team uh Tyson Durant you know he saw limited action even a little bit at at akan and you know we just found him and he's just been such an integral part he'll take over Sam Lockett SP spot at that free safety position and Chris Hudson you know uh you know I really give you know coach Lanning actually at Oregon a lot of credit for that because I called him up and just said tell me about this kid he's talented um what do you think and he's like he deserves another chance you know and I think he's matured a lot he is a great playmaker he's got phenomenal hands he can do a lot after the catch you know so I think those are three big transfer guys that can come in and really impact us right now and then freshman I mean Chris Barnes you know right out the gate has just been electric so you he's about five5 right from Houston Texas you know huge power in Northshore runs a 10200 meter right so for us to get that kid out of Houston Texas of that power was just a a great recruiting job by our whole staff uh he has just been great uh Jaylen Edmond you know I'm trying to think um couple other guys that'll get out there and play AJ Hassen Frank casano these are guys that are just future cougs they're going to have really really Bright Futures that's exciting to hear and I would think you you talk about Chris Barnes Ben Arbuckle his eyes must get wide think about how you can use a weapon like that well I just we've we've you looked at the history of cougar football we've done a lot with those small guys that nobody wants that are just lightning that can just catch the ball and all of a sudden five turns into 15 turns into 50 um you know and even in my time here since 2020 I mean we've had a lot of guys of that nature and our offense is about getting The Playmakers the ball in space right we say hey we're like NASA we got to own space right so you get him out there JN doesn't have to be a superhero just deliver it to him watch these guys go make you a play and that's one thing you don't sometimes in Fall Camp offensively see enough cuz you know I just tag and quick whistle wait to see these guys with the ball in their hands they could make some things happen and you know Kyle Williams over the top it's just exciting to see a blended skill set because what we try to do Chris in recruiting is see their strengths yeah I I get it he's he's not a 6-3 wide receiver but man this guy is a terror in the slot he's great in the return game and he is a great kid that is going to represent this place to the highest Cyrus Webster was that first name you mentioned and it makes me think of just kind of trenches both sides offensive line defensive line what can fans expect to see just life in the trenches this year well I think we've invested so much in our offensive line and I just mean that's time that's effort that's energy it is development you know when we took over in 2022 we knew it was a problem you know and the only way to fix a problem is to just pour into it as much as you can and the biggest thing about offensive lineman I wish they came out of the microw wave but they come out of the slow cooker right so you know you got to find a bunch of 65 big long dudes and just invest in them and you know f f mui when he's back in a couple weeks Essa pole just started playing football a couple years ago a junior college uh Ashton trip um you know Rod Tela you know Brock du you know Devin colen's been waiting his turn we have just invested so much in that group and it's time you know and I they wouldn't expect me to say anything else but that that's not a pressure it's an expectation and Coach Caster has done an amazing job with that group they've been physical they've been consistent and this is the first time since I've been the head coach we've had all five offensive linemen like be in Camp and working together and you know you got to play five as one and we haven't done that the last couple years but they can be the catalist for everything we want to do on offense but it takes the right mentality and physicality and toughness and it just doesn't show up on Game Day right that's the best part of our group they know they got to bring it and and that's great for a coach to be really driven offensively by offensive line is like every coach's dream and then on the flip side the the D line I know that that interior the defensive line there there's there's a lot to be excited about a lot of people Chris has asked me about that like how are you going to BL RJ and BJ I know how push the pocket from the inside uh David gusta is as this is as good as a defensive tackle group as we've had the last couple years so David gusta anel denbu C laow uh Bryson these guys lamb they've been just inred incredible elevating that room Andrew edson's going to bounce inside and out so we got a great blend of power speed guys that can rush you know a lot of people talk about like cheetah packages getting you know four rushers in there those guys are in those packages now that just a sign of their development and their Readiness to go make an impact so they'll push the pocket creating that edge Rush that we we believe that we still have so much to be excited about it all starts on Saturday against Portland State we'll take a break here from zeppos on the cougar football hour we come back we'll talk about Portland State still to come Kyle Thorton will stop by and we'll get to more of the listener and audience questions as well that's all after this break you're listening to the cougar football hour from learfield a US Bank when they say they're in it with you they mean it not just for the good stuff the grand openings and celebrations although those are pretty great but for all the hard work it took to get there the fine tuning of goals the managing of cash and workflows and decision-making they're in to help you through all of it because together they're proving day in in and day out that there is nothing as powerful as the power of us visit usbank.com to get started today Equal Housing lender member FDIC copyright 2024 US Bank hey cou fans can't decide what to do with your late night weekends why not cosmic bowling every Friday and Saturday night from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. is cosmic bowling at zeppos at a price designed with everyone in mind we are your destination for music disco lights and of course bowling can't join us on the weekends zeppos is the place to be for all ages everyday of the week with bowling food and drink specials we offer prices that won't break the budget you can even reserve your lane in advance with online reservations at zappos.com when looking for fun in pman look no further than zeppos nothing works up an appetite like cheering for your cougs on game day so why not cheer them on at Northern Quest with an impressive roster of restaurants and lounges you can tackle the menu at Epic and catch every play on the 10x 30t screen or grab a steak at maso's a fine cigar at Legends of fire even a burger from Fatburger you know for your inner linebacker see more at northernquest.com go cougs this is the Washington State Sports network from learfield which schools will take home the prestigious learfield director cup as the top college athletic programs for the 20242 College athletics season you can follow the standings of your favorite team or Alma moer at LD Directors Cup on Twitter and online at the directors cup.com trophies will be awarded in June 2025 to the winning institutions in all college sports divisions learfield director cup the crowning achievement in college athletics a Shucks the game's on TV but I can't listen to the call of my favorite team broadcasters never fear sink my game is here uh syn my game yes sink my game if you have a DVR and streaming device head to syncmygame.con [Music] voices of your favorite radio crew sink with the TV wow uh thank you Mr just remember symy game.com [Music] welcome back to the show time not to look ahead at this week's game with the Kors light opponent preview Kors light choose chill proud partner of cougar Athletics celebrate responsibly back at zos here on the cougar football hour joined by coach Jake dickard first show of the season the season gets started at Gea field on noon coming up on Saturday Derek dice will get our coverage started here on the network that will begin at 10:00 okay Portland State Comes to Town the Vikings make their way here they have been to the Poo before what do you know about this year's version of Portland State well it is unique Chris because when I was a defensive coordinator we played him in 21 and you know coach barnham is is really known throughout that league and I got a bunch of contacts in the Big Sky very creative very Innovative very unique he's going to really year to year fit the strengths of his football team to what he's going to do offensively so uh tons of trick plays tons of unbalance tons of like option really unique uh preparation this week for our defense and preparing for their offense and I've said it all week anytime you have a veteran quarterback like they do uh that Seasons That's seen everything you have a chance to win football games and I know from their side they're tough they're well coached they play extremely hard and they're going to come in here with with no fear because that's what their coach does right they're going to come in aggressive they're going to take all the shots we got to play disciplined football uh they know the pressure is on us or perceive pressure so it's going to be an interesting football game and you know I think one of the things anytime you come into you know an opponent you just got to make sure in game one like your energy is right your discipline is right and you're playing harder than them right there's there's no excuse to let anyone come into your house and play harder than you so that's exactly the way that we need to be uh they have a bunch of different transfer receivers and different pieces that they're going to have to work in so and you're just like us having a bunch of new guys you got to you know see how it you really applies to game day so offensively that's kind of where they're at right now that veteran quarterback you referenced Dante sash he started 22 straight games for them he's twice been named Big Sky offensive player of the week so he has a track record of success what's his skill set well very unique I mean you know I would say Runner first and I don't mean that as like the Run guy that can't pass I mean that he can be dynamic with his feet I mean I think he scored more than you know probably four or five touchdowns last year over 40 yards they're going to roll him out of the pocket draw QB run like I said the option game but has really grown in the passing game and I think that's what I saw the most out of his growth when you watch them play Oregon you know then you watch them play Montana at the end of the season you know he was a way more confident passer right so you got to be disciplined you got to you know know your Rush Lanes but yet you got to go attack them at the line of scrimmage and that's kind of our plan uh play fast and aggressive you know play through not around uh because when you go around offensive lineman there you create holes for a good quarter back to step up in and make plays it seems like you mentioned new wide receivers but they're running backs they' Got Talented running backs and more than one they've done a really good job I mean I think you know like I said some we played him in 21 to watching them last year to a couple new guys now that have been on the roster that are Dynamic you know they've done a really good job of finding those guys that are you know and they're a run first operation you know so they have a lot to sell in the recruiting phases of it uh but you know our hope is to be physical to swarm know early on in the season tackling isn't going to be perfect you know because you can only do it uh so many times going into game one but you do that like I said with with discipline and energy and running your angles and you know hopefully they haven't been hit as much either so we can cause some takeaways which this offense has been amazing they only had 12 all last year that's one of the best in the FCS so to get them to turn the football over will be a big deal and the more we can do that the more success will generate for the team everyone's going to be excited who's uh in a uniform in pads for the cougs everyone's be excited for the Vikings but Parker McKenna kind of has a unique perspective on this game a new member of the team we have whole play from Portland State yeah you hear that if coach baram's listening right now uh he's he's now a member of the Cs but he was there leading tackler last year have you talked to him about what how unique this game is going to be yeah we will and I think you know we've played former players I mean it's kind of the new age of football and and kind of some things and how it works uh but just to stay calm you know I obviously what do you want to do against your former team you want to go out there you want to play you want you know but it's just be yourself he's here for a reason because he wanted to play Big Time football he's got two years to be a coug just how ironic is it that you know the first game is going to be against your former team so just keeping him calm he's a energized individual I would say he brought a lot of physicality to our football team and when he hits you like you hear it like there's one in the spring game and I was standing back there as a ref and it was like an a bomb went off so Parker is fast he's physical he's an aggressive and aggressive and I would imagine he's really excited for this moment so for for them defensively we're talking about Parker McKenna but they don't have him anymore defensively they do have a a freshman All-American at the FCS level last year and Michael Montgomery Tyrese Shakur really experienc in their secondary seemed like a lot of experience in their secondary for them how would you describe what what they tried to do defensively I I say defensively reminds me like when I first got here in 2020 you just want to get the base stuff in like you're young you're new you're trying to figure out your personnel a little bit um but now in year two I would imagine that it's going to be more multiple it's going to be a little bit more attacking and then sometimes you take your lumps with a bunch of young guys and then the year later it's like here we go that's what happened to us by the time we got that defense to 2022 so uh that's what we expect you know we're ready for all kinds of different things our offense is prepared against the odd front the even front blitzing man coverage I think throughout the course of our preparation over the last 10 days did a good job of throwing a bunch of different things at them you know because if you watch the tape last year I mean three down was a little bit of our Kryptonite so we've had a plan for it we've worked it for the last nine months and our guys are ready for whatever comes their way because in game one who knows you you just got to go take that and apply it to the field and I think that's what our guys mentally right now are prepared for you go back a ways but less than a decade ago one of the Great Moments in their program history is coming in here and getting a victory Pullman obviously none of the the players are the same but Bruce baram was the coach at that point is that something you bring up to the team and let them in on that history or is that that's ancient history you know what people people have asked me this week you know Co remember whatever year that was right you know I'm like no I don't remember that like I don't remember that at all I don't relive that I don't talk about that you know it's like I don't go in and tell my kids every day about my greatest failure right you know what I'm saying like you just you talk about you know being positive I don't even put that in their in their mind at all it's not even registering like on the radar new team new time you know what I mean that you just the more you dwell on it what does it cause fear and hesitation so we're we're about us and I think you know we talked about that always us Mantra never them you know these these games just like this whatever they're perceived to be right the outside expectations you know there's no score that needs to be on that scoreboard it just needs to be one and0 right and when you play that way great things will happen I like to tell the team your heart will show up on that scoreboard so go out there and give everything you got to that logo well coming up next we're excited to have one of your outstanding players come by Kyle Thorton who is a veteran coug and I know I think veteran is a definite word that we would use for that yes and uh one of the leaders on your team how would you describe what what he brings to the program both on and off the field consistency you know I think Kyle is now the longest tendered player that I've coached uh we we were together in the linebacker room when we first got here when he was just trying to make his way as a as a walk-on player and that consistency and that belief and that day-to-day work has led him to be voted the top vote getter on our team as Captain of this football team let's give Kyle a round of applause I really mean that because when you just believe and you keep going and you put your head down and you're ready for the moment even though you don't get what you want big things are still in store for you and that's what Kyle represents and I'm just really proud of him and um it's just going to have a fun year can't wait to talk to him next coach we'll let you lose for now we'll bring you back a little bit later on I'm to drink one of these Coors Lights I think have had it bottoms up bottoms up and uh again that is coach Jake Dicker joining us here on the cougar football hour we are live from zeppos a reminder earn your bragging rights at Northern Quest with more slot machines table games restaurants lounges and luxury hotel rooms uh than anyone else in the region Northern Quest yes the best more at northernquest.com more to come here from zeppos right after this you listening to the cougar football hour from Le field want to earn some extra money this winter Spokane International Airport is hiring multiple seasonal snow removal equipment operators these are on call positions for the upcoming winter season from November 2024 to March 2025 you can earn up to $36 an hour some positions require a CDL and previous experience in operating snow removal equipment is highly preferred join our team today learn more and apply by visiting Spokan airports. net [Music] K's light presents to chill or not to chill when your friend skips your favorite song on the playlist end the friendship or choose chill because that song lives rentree in your head anyway and you planned ahead by bringing Kors light to the party and the sound of that ice cold can cracking open was music to your ears already Kors light choose chill celebrate responsibly 2024 cores Brewing Company Golden Colorado with the WSU debit card from Giza it's hard to tell who's supporting who when cou fans use their WSU card they show off their coug pride and donations are made back to Cougar Athletics but the card supports the coug fan with big savings by helping them grow their money with Smart Plus checking so does the card support the cou van or does the cou van support the card it doesn't matter all that matters is that the WSU card supports cougar Athletics and your wallet at the same time get your WSU card at gesa.com check it account transaction requirements terms and conditions apply ensured by ncua this is Drew bledo and you're listening to Cougar football blo calls his play has the ballows a home run for all from the INE Kobo Washington State on the Washington State Sports [Music] Network this Washington State University Sports Broadcast is brought to you in part by Pullman Regional Hospital the official Hospital of Washington State athletics the combined expertise of our University and our award-winning Hospital are being deployed to provide greater access to resources education employment opportunities and Innovations to improve health care and health outcomes for all of us learn more at Pullman regional.org Pullman Regional Hospital and Washington State partners in excellence hey cougar fans the 2024 football season is here and SeatGeek is here to help you experience all the action SeatGeek makes it easy to find tickets so you can be a part of all the touchdown celebrations this season whether you're buying or selling tickets to Washington State football games or to any other live event in your area SeatGeek is the place to do it SeatGeek is the official ticket Marketplace of the Washington State Cougars the most disruptive idea in ticketing a ticket that works expect the expected SeatGeek [Music] this is the cougar football hour tonight's show is brought to you by US Bank US Bank is a proud supporter of cougar Athletics together there's nothing as powerful as the power of us here's the voice of the cougs Chris King welcome back to zeppos here on this beautiful night in pulman on the cougar football hour getting you ready for week number one the season kicks off on Saturday noon start time at Giza Field Portland State the opponent we have our not only our first show our first player guest of the year no better person to start with than Kyle thoron Kyle thanks for being here how you doing doing good thanks for having me well and we were talking about with Coach dickard he gave you a great intro year number six for you has this been a blink of the eye where where is time gone for you from when you stepped foot here on campus to uh to being here in your sixth season yeah it's man it's been a little bit of both you know A lot's happened these past six years a lot of life's been going on but man like like you said a blink of the eye and now it's here last season last 12 games promised it's it's really pretty wild to think about how fast it really goes and how much it really means to me well I know right now it's uh you go through fall Camp guys are are are fighting and scratching and clawing to for playing time and for their role and you came here as a walk- on and look at where you're at now does it does it make you feel nostalgic as all when you when you get to fall camp and you're looking around and being like that was kind of just yesterday no absolutely I think the great part about my journey is just I get to understand a lot of different guys and you get to relate to a lot of different guys you know I see the Scout guys who have been working their tails off trying to make the team it's like I've been there I've done that I know that feeling and now you know being on scholarship for a while I also know the feeling of the guys who have been backups and are trying to earn playing time and now I'm blessed to be in the position of a starter getting ready for another season so I've just got to experience all the different journeys of being a college football player and it's it's an amazing journey well I heard you tell a story and I'm going to I'm going to kind of lead you into it and hopefully I'm not butchering it too much but the team chaplain was talking talking and and kind of said a set a question well what were you doing 5 years ago and then can you kind of take it from there and it gave you a little perspective on things yeah no exactly so I think it was our uh kickoff meeting for the year and our chaplain comes up and he ask the team you know like where were you guys five years ago and you know we have a lot of younger kids younger I guess relative term uh but the freshmen are all like thinking back like oh I was probably in middle school or maybe in eighth grade and I was sitting here I'm like man I was at my first one of these so that uh that kind of hit me a little bit in the gut I was like oh man I've been here a long time but you know what I've loved every minute of it I love the palu and I love Washington State so well kind of you getting that that last chapter that you get a WR in your WSU career uh what are you looking for most this season as it gets all started on Saturday as it all gets started uh the only thing I really think about is just there's so much going on around us this year all the noise coach Digger's done just such a great job of uh focusing on blocking out that noise but it's obviously there we know it is but I really do think we get to rewrite history right here this year and we get to set up the the cougs and all the Pack 12 for where it goes next and I think you know it's a bit of a thing on our shoulders but we're ready for it this is the team to do it and we're ready to make our name for ourselves well said and uh you know your leadership qualities are very evident in just a short time talking with you when you're talking to a freshman you're talking to someone who's young in their career when you pull them aside and you say hey this is is take take this to Heart think about this what is the advice that you end up passing along the advice that I give to the Freshman boy well first off it depends on what they're doing you know the the young kids like having a good time when they first get here um but no I think the biggest thing I remind them is just enjoy every moment of this game you know a lot of them are have like recently found out that they're on Scout team or they're maybe not doing the role that they thought they'd come in here and do and I just remind them like your journey can start anywhere and that it doesn't it's not about where you start it's about what you make of it and how hard you work at it and it'll take you where you want to be and also like you have such a long time here like one year as a as a scout player means nothing like it takes one year and then all of a sudden you're starting and stuff like that so well you've had an impressive Journey on the field but off the field as well we're going to take a time out here when we come back we want to hear about uh all your accomplishments that you've had off the field again chatting with Kyle thoron here on our first edition of the cougar football hour of the Season talking about kickoff Saturday for the cougs against Portland State we'll be back at zeppos right after this you're listening to the cougar football hour from Le field a US Bank when they say they're in it with you they mean it not just for the good stuff the grand openings and celebrations although those are pretty great but for all the hard work it took to get there the fine tuning of goals the managing of cash and workflows and decision- making they're in to help you through all of it because together they're proving day in and day out that there is nothing as powerful as the power of us visit usbank.com to get started today Equal Housing lender member FDIC copyright 2024 usbank hey C fans can't decide what to do with your late night weekends why not cosmic bowling every Friday and Saturday night from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. is cosmic bowling at zeppos at a price designed with everyone in mind we are your destination for music disco life and of course bowling can't join us on the weekends zeppos is the place to be for all ages every day of the week with bowling food and drink specials we offer prices that won't break the budget you can even reserve your lane in advance with online reservations at zappos.com when looking for fun in pman look no further than zeppos nothing works up an appetite like cheering for your cougs on game day so why not cheer them on at Northern Quest with an impressive roster of restaurants and lounges you can tackle the menu at Epic and catch every play on the 10x 30 foot screen or grab a steak at maso's a fine cigar at Legends of fire even a burger from Fatburger you know for your inner linebacker see more at northernquest.com go cougs this is former coug Eric Coleman picked off intercepted touchdown coming into the end zone Eric Coleman you're listening to Cougar football goou get game day ready at rosars rosar is a proud sponsor of WSU Athletics and your headquarters for keeping snacks stocked up for game time you'll find the largest craft beer selection local and imported wines and all the makings for your favorite cocktails and while you're there stock up on your favorite Deli snacks Pizza rotisserie chickens and ribs don't just watch the game experience it with your favorite game time Foods get game day ready at rosars get your home turf ready to play with the game-changing performance of Steel enjoy big savings this fall on steel handheld outdoor power equipment find yours at over 10,000 local steel dealers steel is a proud supporter of your Washington State Cougars Real Steel find yours [Music] this is the cougar football hour tonight's show is brought to you by US Bank US Bank is a proud supporter of cougar Athletics together there's nothing as powerful as the power of us here's the voice of the cougs Chris King well back here at zepos on the cougar football hour and before we get back to our conversation with Kyle thoron a quick reminder that the junior cougs kids club is presented by Toyota it is the official Kids Club of the Washington State Cougars and is the best way for the youngest members of cougar Nation to show off their cougar Pride find out more information about your junior cougs membership Perks at wu.com Jr Cooks well again back here with WSU linebacker Kyle thoron on the cusp of the first game of the season coming up on Saturday we kind of teased it before the break but for you six years in the program now you've been busy in the classroom can you take us through your academic progress and where you're at now yeah so I graduated my undergrad in economics in the winter of 2022 thank you thank you uh and then I'm currently working on my Masters in Business Administration uh and we'll finish up in the spring of 25 well that is awfully impressive and we were talking during the break and I said to you I was like boy you're NBA you can you can do anything with that you can go anywhere but what are you thinking about doing uh so I'm getting the business degree but really I want to be a football coach you know spending so much time around it kind of just become fell in love with it and love the opportunity to help young kids so see see coach dickard out there not nodding along as uh as he hears that so that is uh that is fantastic well uh lots of great memories for you still to come in your cougar career with this season just about to start but you've had some time in this program as you look back is there one or two moments that kind of stand out to you as a favorite yeah so I've been through a lot of different Journeys uh so many amazing memories I've made here from being put on scholarship to getting my first career start back home in La at the uh La Bowl but I think the one that uh obviously beating ubb in 2021 that that one's up there that one's up there um but I think the one that takes the cake was last year versus Wisconsin um beating that rank team feeling the fan storm the field that was my first time starting in Martin stadium and I just I remember ending that game when the whistle blew and shed a tear knowing like wow we're really here like this is where my Journeys brought me I'm kind of tearing up about it right now just thinking of about it like this game's so special and uh my Journey's just been so special and I wouldn't want it any other way no better way to get everyone here fired up everyone listening watching on Facebook live for the season Kyle uh fantastic to hear more about your story can't wait to see you and your teammates out on the field Saturday and uh just appreciate your time tonight uh best of luck and go cougs go cougs again that is Kyle thoron joining us here at zeppos on the cougar football hour we will take another time out when we come back we'll be joined by coach Jake dickard as we get to a few more of our listener audience questions as well that's all after this here on the cougar football hour from the your field K's light presents to chill or not to chill when your friend skips your favorite song on the playlist end the friendship or choose chill because that song lives rentree in your head anyway and you planned ahead by bringing K's light to the party and the sound of that ice cold can cracking open was music to your ears already Coors Light choose chill celebrate responsibly 2024 Coors Brewing Company Golden Colorado when your day one proves they're a real one by showing up with McDonald's breakfast before you even get out of bed the friends don't let friends skip breakfast deal real friends also understand if you eat their hash browns before you even drive back it's buy 1 get one for a dollar at McDonald's with five options to mix and match sausage McMuffin burrito McGriddle biscuit or hash browns prices and participation may vary cannot be combined with any other offer or combo meal valid for item of equal or lesser [Music] value back after this local Timeout on the Washington State Sports network from [Music] learfield a US Bank when they say they're in it with you they mean it not just for the good stuff the grand openings and celebrations although those are pretty great but for all the hard work it took to get there the fine tuning of goals the managing of cash and workflows and decision-making they're in to help you through all of it because together they're proving day in and day out that there is nothing as powerful as the power of us visit usbank.com to get started today Equal Housing lender member FDIC copyright 2024 US Bank Spokan International Airport is a proud sponsor of Washington State University athletics the airport connects cougar fans and alums with over 60 daily departures to more than 20 non-stop destinations provided by seven maor major airlines as well as One-Stop connections to most major Metropolitan centers throughout the US realtime arrival and flight departure information is available at Spokan airports. net Spokan International Airport when it's time to [Music] fly this is the cougar football hour tonight's show is brought to you by US Bank US Bank is a proud supporter of cougar Athletics together there's nothing as powerful as the power of us here's the voice of the cougs Chris King back on this beautiful night here on the Poo at zeppos for our first cougar football hour of the Season rejoined by the head coach of the cougs Jake dickard opening game coming up Saturday against Portland State time for more listener audience question it questions Jennifer delzer wants to know which incoming and which returning player surpris you the most during Camp yeah and Chris you'll get you'll get used to it Jennifer is a she's an avid Twitter follower she great questions and content as we go throughout the week you know like you said it's cool just to see those guys that have been in our program really take the next step in their career and I'll probably go to the cornerback position you know Ethan oconor you know a lot of people have been reading about him but a big long athletic guy that can really cover and run and it's just made made tons of plays it felt like every every day you're out there through fall Camp it was just him getting another interception or making another big play so um he's just a young guy still working through that maturity and that consistency piece his ceiling is so so high and as coaches like that's that's what's really exciting you know uh Kyle talked and alluded about being a coach it's just watching that you know I was a bad football player Chris I I don't I like I'll I'll admit that I was I was a backup quarterback that turned receiver and you know my wife always makes fun of me that I would just catch the ball and fall down right that's uh that's just the opposite of all the recruiters that were TR you receivers were trying to recruit um but Kyle says that because like our Great Moments now are watching these kids like go make plays and you just get fired up and you have energy and you're running around and you're fist bumping these guys and you're like it's just awesome to see them take the next step in their career you know I I'll probably have a conversation with Kyle he probably should go to the business round this coaching deal is is crazy you got to be ready for it um it's a whirlwind it's 24/7 you know there there's a lot of things that go into it but that is the biggest reward is when you see those guys finally realize or finally make that play that they haven't the last couple times and it's just so rewarding so you know those guys like Steven Hall comes to mind uh Wayan Parker is that other probably freshman that I missed before that's going to come out and and show what he can do Leo Puli I mean these guys are just ready to break out like you know I just talked to Kyle and the captains they're ready for this moment so we'll have a lot of guys that cou fans are going to have to really get to know that's awesome that's awesome I see Kyle right now next to his teammate Dean Janikowski we have the uh the tent for the Heather Janikowski Foundation here the uh more than a kick campaign so uh really cool to see that and uh shoot we've uh we've got so much to talk about that we're we're coming up against it real quick here we'll take one more time out when we return get to another question and uh kind of wrap things up as we have the first show to get us ready for the kickoff game coming up Saturday against Portland State more after this from zeppos you're listening to the cougar football hour from learfield bro you go hard for the WSU cougs what do you mean you're literally wearing a coug jersey that you bought from the coug store with your coug debit card and you don't stop talking about how every time you use your card Giza donates to the cougar athletic fund I guess I do go pretty hard for my cougs if you go hard for your cougs get your WSU card today at gesa.com go cougs [Music] cor's light presents to chill or not to chill when your friend skips your favorite song on the playlist end the friendship or choose chill because that song lives rent free in your head anyway and you planned ahead by bringing K's light to the party and the sound of that ice cold can cracking open was music to your ears already Kors light choose chill celebrate responsibly 2024 Coors Brewing Company Golden Colorado this Washington State University Sports Broadcast is brought to you in part by Pullman Regional Hospital the official Hospital of Washington State athletics the combined expertise of our University and our award-winning Hospital are being deployed to provide greater access to resources education employment opportunities and Innovations to improve health care and health outcomes for all of us learn more at Pullman regional.org Pullman Regional Hospital and Washington State partners in excellence nothing works up an appetite like cheering for your cougs on game day so why not cheer them on at Northern Quest with an impressive roster of restaurants and lounges you can tackle the menu at Epic and catch every play on the 10x 30ft screen or grab a steak at maso's a fine cigar at Legends of fire even a burger from Fat Burger you know for your inner line backer see more at northernquest.com go cougs this is the Washington State Sports network from learfield a Shucks the game's on TV but I can't listen to the call of my favorite team broadcasters never fear sink my game is here uh sink my game yes syn my game if you have a DVR and streaming device head to syncmygame.con field it's never been easier to hear the impassioned voices of your favorite radio crew s with the TV wow uh thank you Mr just remember symy game.com which schools will take home the prestigious learfield director cup as the top college athletic programs for the 2024 25 college athletic season you can follow the standings of your favorite team or Alma moer at L director Cup on Twitter and online at the director cup.com trophies will be awarded in June 2025 to the winning institutions in all college sports divisions learfield director's cup the crowning achievement in college [Music] athletics back at zeppos here on the cougar football hour coming into our final segment here with the coach of the cougs Jake Dicker got one more audience question to dive into as we plan our fall what are some of the Oasis cities that cou fans should prioritize visiting well that's a great question I I would start off probably by saying all of them but I was just I would just presented Chris with this brand new Koozie that's got our you know schedule on this thing this light would would go nicely right in it perfect and it will and it will I know obviously it's kind of cool the way our schedule sets up I mean we don't leave the state of Washington for the first four weeks excited about being over there on the west side in Lumen field the the energy is going to be you know just awesome in that game then I spent a lot of time in the Mountain West I mean I've said it before playing in Boise Idaho is going to be tougher than playing at Arizona State it's going to be tougher than going to Stanford uh you know Fresno I mean they're just like the old Raiders I mean they'll yell at you the moment you're out of that deal like so they're getting after you really quick um you know obviously getting over to cor Val staying in the Pacific Northwest uh just credit to our Administration for giving us this opportunity to go out there and play this type of schedule stay Regional and I think that's really important to cougs everywhere and just excited to get that coug Spirit on the road you talk about that coug Spirit the floor is yours we've got the audience here at epos folks listening watching what do you want to tell them before uh that all the fun begins on Saturday like I said it's just an exciting time for our football program you know Washington State in general taking that next step in our journey and where we want to go and how we do it together you I've talked a million times about the investment piece that is needed Chris and what a time to be a coug I mean it and I'm not worried about anything that has happened in the past we're BL in a trail I love our theme it's against the grain you know we're we're doing this thing together and we're going to find our way and Washington State football is in a great place and I'm just really excited to show the hard work of our young men that have represented and your job is to be there at Gea field you show support for this football team these guys have earned it and I said this on my weekly presser Chris you these guys stayed here for a reason this place mean something to them and to reward them by packing our Stadium uh six Saturdays year is just it's a celebration time and I can't wait to get it started on Saturday who's ready to go after that let's get to kick off Saturday noon gissa Field Portland State coach this is so much fun let's do congrulations first show Chris we made it we go welcome back home we're off and going to coach Dicker to Kyle thoron for Jerry on the audio side Jared on the video side for Luke how back in the studio we're calling it a wrap here the cougar football hour the first in the books live from zos we'll see everyone Saturday go cougs you've been tuned in to the cougar football hour from theer field [Music]