As we approach Thanksgiving, let us take a look at the top five Cougar football players who have made the biggest impact for WAZZU.
- Parker McKenna
I am thankful for linebacker Parker McKenna’s impact all across the field. The 6-foot, 225-pound senior has been a game-changer for the defense and a top threat for Wazzu’s run and pass defense. McKenna has been a force to be reckoned with on the ground, as he leads the team in tackles with 70 this season, as well as a sack. The true beauty of McKenna’s game, however, is his ability to make an impact in the pass game. In a rough season for the Cougars, when it comes to defensive takeaways, McKenna has one of the team’s two interceptions and is the only linebacker with an interception all season, along with a pass defended. Overall, McKenna has been a major impact player for the Cougar defense and is a cornerstone to their success, and for that, I am thankful.
- Tony Freeman
The next Coug I am thankful for is Tony Freeman. Although receiver Joshua Meredith has had a great season as the premier target (and for that I’m thankful), Freeman has not only balled out as the No. 2 option in the pass game but on special teams. On top of Freeman’s 392 yards, two touchdowns and 38 receptions this season, the receiver has 217 yards on 17 attempts when returning punts or kickoffs. The speedy wide out also played a huge role in the Cougs’ impressive underdog performance against Ole Miss, a top-six-ranked team in the country. Against Ole Miss, Freeman was by far the team’s most productive receiver and a big reason the game was so close, racking up nine receptions and 92 yards with a touchdown. Freeman’s big play ability on offense, on top of always putting the offense in good field position on special teams, is more than enough to put me in a thankful mood.
- Colby Humphrey
Senior Corner Colby Humphrey has been balling out, and it is hard not to be thankful for his performance this season. The 5-foot-11, 189-pound corner out of Alabama has been having a great season for the Cougs, proving himself as a true cornerstone player for this secondary. Humphrey has racked up 47 tackles, the fifth most on the team, as well as two passes defended and one of the team’s two interceptions, which he snagged this past week against L.A. Tech. After a slow start to the year, Humphrey has been a huge impact player and stat leader for this team. The fan favorite continues to be a force to be reckoned with, and that is enough to be thankful for.
- Kirby Vorhees
Despite not starting the season, sophomore running back out of Florida, Kirby Vorhees, has tightened his grasp on the starting position, and has easily been the most impactful running back for the Cougs this season. Vorhees has had a breakout season at Wazzu, rushing for 473 yards and four touchdowns on 105 carries this season. Vorhees has also been a solid option in the pass game, with 18 receptions for 100 yards. Vorhees has quickly become a solid option to relieve the pass game and open the Cougs’ offensive playbook. As only a sophomore, the back has plenty of time to grow into a star, and assuming he stays in Pullman, I cannot help but be thankful for the talent the team has in its hands.
- Zevi Eckhaus
Despite the very talented roster, there is one player I am sure all Cougs fans can agree they are most thankful for, and that is quarterback Zevi Eckhaus. After sitting behind sophomore Jaxon Potter for the first three games of the season, Eckhaus was given his chance, and boy, did he show out. The 6-foot-tall senior out of California has balled out since taking the starting role in week four, racking up 1,392 passing yards and ten touchdowns to eight interceptions through six games. However, Zevi’s real talent shines in his rushing ability. Eckhaus has racked up 284 rushing yards on 84 attempts and leads the team in rushing touchdowns with six. Since entering the starting lineup, the dual-threat quarterback has transformed the offense, and best believe Cougar fans everywhere, including myself, are thankful for Zevi’s impact on Wazzu’s offense.
