Award season is here and the Cougs’ best were honored in the final All-Pac-12 teams featuring the modern 12. Among those honored, four were honorable mentions with one lone second team member.
WSU had seven preseason All-Pac-12 members and had nine members following the 2022 season. A mix of injuries and a few down seasons led to the drop in honorees, but the five representing Wazzu did not disappoint.
Edge Brennan Jackson – Second-team
For the second consecutive season, Jackson earned second-team honors. Despite not cracking the first-team, he had a career year recording personal bests in tackles (57), sacks (8.5), fumble recoveries (4) and had a forced fumble and three passes defended.
The stellar season earned Jackson an invitation which he accepted to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl this offseason as well as he continues to build his NFL resume. Despite playing six seasons, he is still just 23 years old and with a strong pro day, Shrine Bowl performance and the extra accolades, Jackson has a case to play on Sundays next year.
Edge Ron Stone Jr. – Honorable mention
Stone was also a second-team selection a year ago, and returned to his 2021 form this season. He tied his career high in sacks (5) and recorded a new career-best three forced fumbles. While Stone has yet to receive any postseason game invitations, he made a case for himself with his two-sack efforts against Colorado and Wisconsin.
Quarterback Cam Ward – Honorable mention
Ward took huge strides from his season a year ago, which also earned him an honorable mention, increasing his completion percentage from 64.4% to 66.6%, throwing for two more touchdowns, two fewer interceptions and 500 more passing yards to take him from 3,231 last year to 3,735.
Ward’s efforts have put him among the most sought-after commodities in the transfer portal as he mulls options on his post-WSU future. There is certainly an argument for his chances of going pro, but whether he finds himself in the NFL Draft or at a top collegiate program, the future looks bright for Ward.
Wide receiver Lincoln Victor – Honorable mention
After waiting his turn for five years, Victor got his chance and made the most of it, recording a career-high 89 catches, 860 yards and five touchdowns. He finished sixth in the country in receptions despite missing multiple games due to injury.
Being a smaller slot receiver could affect his professional stock, but the production, leadership and effort are there, and as a result, Victor entered his name in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Safety Jaden Hicks – Honorable mention
Hicks is another former honorable mention from a year ago, who further raised his game in 2023. He racked up a career-high 76 tackles, two interceptions (one pick-six) and had a career-high in sacks (2.5) and forced fumbles (1).
Hicks is a special hybrid of speed, power and coverage skills. As a result, there is plenty of speculation on a number of routes he could take, whether it be staying at WSU, transferring or even trying the draft himself.
From veterans ready to make the leap to the pros, to stars deciding on their future at WSU, the 2023 Cougar roster contained plenty of talent, with these select five getting the spotlight in the last modern All-Pac-12 team selection.
