Despite losing commitments from several players, such as Sam Leavitt choosing Michigan State over coming to the Palouse, the 2023 WSU football recruiting class is one looking to make an impact. 

Twenty-seven commits strong, WSU has the 71st-ranked recruiting class in the nation but 12th-ranked in the Pac-12. Being the only team in the Conference without a four-star recruit, they hope to develop their players to play above the expectations set for them coming into Pullman. 

With 10 transfers and freshmen coming in looking to fill holes on the active roster, several players will see playing time during the upcoming season. 

LB 

Davon Hicks – University of South Florida, 

Devin Richardson – University of Texas, 

Ahmad McCullough – Maryland University

The 2022 football season saw a transfer linebacker come to the Palouse and take the nation by storm. Daiyan Henley cemented his draft stock and led a WSU defense en route to a third-round NFL Draft selection. 

A trio of linebackers are looking to fill the void left by the new Los Angeles Chargers player. 

Hicks played in 11 games, making one start, for USF in 2022, tallying 33 tackles with 3.5 tackles for loss. Although initially committing to University of Connecticut football, Hicks eventually chose WSU and is now in the midst of a heavy position battle. 

Richardson did not see the field much while at Texas, leading to his decision to look for playing time outside of the Lone Star State. The 6-foot-3, 229-pound linebacker debuted for Coug fans in the 2023 Spring Game like his positional competition, tallying two tackles in the game. 

McCullough, the final of the trio, has been in the college football sphere since 2018. Since then, he has played in 33 games, tallying 89 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and a sack. 

WR – DT Sheffield        

Sheffield is a transfer addition who will make an immediate impact. He was one of the brightest stars during the Spring Game in April. The former Northwest Mississippi Community College standout had three receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown during the game. 

Sheffield can be anything from the No. 1 receiver to the slot receiver. His versatility will be noticeable as he becomes a vital part of the Coug offense in 2023. 

Last season at NMCC, he was named an NJCAA All-America Honorable Mention after tallying 58 passes for 776 yards and 11 touchdowns. With Ward throwing him the ball, similar numbers likely are not too far-fetched. 

CB – Kapena Gushiken

The 103rd-ranked cornerback recruit comes to Pullman after spending time at Saddleback College in southern California. He was ranked as the seventh-best junior college cornerback in the country and is someone who shows a strong upside. 

A talented pass defender and fast runner while being 5-foot-11, he is someone who can defend anyone on the opposing team’s receiver core without much trouble. 

OT – Esa Pole 

One of the best players entering WSU, deserves a highlight. A 6-foot-7 tall, 320 lbs offensive tackle from Hayward, California and 32nd nationally-ranked prospect, Esa Pole will have an impact in 2023 despite not playing football in high school. 

The brother of former Coug Toni Pole, Esa will look to garner a similar legacy to his big bro by the time all is said and done. 

QB – Jaxon Potter 

The only quarterback of the 2023 WSU recruiting class is the 6-foot-4 70th-ranked QB from Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Choosing the Cougs over UAB and Middle Tennessee State, Potter will be hidden in the QB room in this upcoming season.

However, after Ward’s departure, he will be involved in the battle for the position with John Mateer and Emmett Brown if all three decide to stick it out at WSU.