With a week one matchup against FCS Portland State looming, WSU head coach Jake Dickert gave his weekly injury updates including both good and bad news.
The bad news is redshirt junior cornerback Jamorri Colson is set to miss “an extended period of time,” according to Dickert. Colson saw action in eight games last year totaling eight tackles and an interception in his first season at WSU after transferring from Iowa Western Community College and was set for a starting role this year.
Filling in for Colson this Saturday will be redshirt freshman Ethan O’Connor. O’Connor, from Los Alamitos High School in Irvine, Calif., was a three-star recruit in the 2023 class who also received over 15 offers including from Alabama, Georgia and Washington, but chose WSU.
Despite being such a highly sought-after prospect, he will be making his first appearance at the college level, and his first start since high school. Despite his inexperience, Dickert voiced nothing but confidence.
“Ethan O’Connor is ready,” Dickert said. “I think you’ve seen that throughout the course of Fall camp. His playmaking ability needs to be high but he’s still young, he’s a freshman corner. He’s gonna make mistakes and that’s fine.”
Starting across from the youngster O’Connor and providing veteran leadership is redshirt junior and team captain Stephen Hall, who played in 11 games last season starting several down the stretch. Originally from Northwest Mississippi Community College, Hall recorded 20 tackles three tackles for loss and a pass defended last year, and Dickert is high on his leadership.
“Stephen Hall, one of our captains, has been an amazing leader for that room, and really drives all the behaviors that those guys have. So I’m excited about that,” Dickert said.
Dickert also mentioned several other corners as needing to be ready if necessary including redshirt freshman Warren Smith Jr., freshman Kenny Worthy III and freshman Jaylon Edmond.
Hall and O’Connor will start week one against PSU on Saturday, but should injuries or inconsistencies creep in, do not be shocked to see fresh faces on the perimeter for the Cougs.
On the positive front, offensive tackle Fa’alili Fa’amoe has been cleared to resume practicing after passing the last step of his rehab according to Dickert. He has been recovering from knee surgery he had earlier this year.
Despite resuming practice, Fa’amoe is not expected to return to game action until the week three Apple Cup against the Washington Huskies, Dickert said.
“Pump the brakes, it’ll be a process to get him back, but this is a big moment,” Dickert said. “Just seeing old seven-nine out there in his pads doing team is gonna lift my spirits. I know that his teammates will feel the same way. I’m just excited for that kid. He’s put in a ton of work and has had a ton of adversity in his career here, and he’s ready to capitalize. We did the right thing for him and his team getting this really taken care of, and it’s exciting news that he can start that progression back.”
Fa’amoe is more than just a starter for the Cougs. He was named to the Reese’s Senior Bowl preseason watchlist, the Outland Trophy watchlist, the Lombardi Award watchlist and the Polynesian College Player of the Year watchlist. When healthy, he can anchor the right side of the Cougar offensive line.
While Fa’amoe is on his way back, there are games before his return. In his place, redshirt junior Christian Hilborn has slid from left guard to right tackle in camp, and is expected to stick there in week one. Filling in at left guard for Hilborn is expected to be redshirt junior Rodrick Tialavea.
While the Cougs are without Colson and Fa’amoe for at least the first two weeks of the season, as well as sophomore wide receiver Carlos Hernandez, there will be lots of great opportunities for young guys and backups. A test of the Cougar’s depth for sure, but also an opportunity for growth.
