Washington State wide receiver Brandon Gibson was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List. The Maxwell Award is given annually to the nation's most outstanding player.

Gibson, who thought about entering the NFL Draft (thank goodness he didn't), led the Pac-10 in receiving last year with 1,180 yards. That's also a WSU single-season record.

Needless to say, Gibson is going to be a key to the Washington State offense this year, but I think you'll be surprised how much (and how) he'll be used.

When I was at spring practice, Gibson was ran drills with the quarterbacks (I'm not joking), returned kicks with special teams, and ran his usual routes with wide receivers.

Gibson will run, catch, and (possibly) throw the ball in Washington State's new offense (there's so much motion it will make you sick...in a good way of course). A member of the WSU Sports Information Department told me he's going to keep a close eye on Gibson's all-purpose yards this season, because he'll probably "crush" school records.

NOTE: To read more about the Cougars new offense (and what else I found out at spring practice) check out my blog It's Time To Talk Football.

The Cougars get started on August 30th in Seattle against Oklahoma State.

Gibson is the second Cougar named to a preseason watch list. Center Kenny Alfred is on the Rimington Trophy Watch List. The Rimington Trophy is the handed to the nation's best center every year.

2 Comments

Joe Kane said:

Happy for Gibson that he is recieving the early recognition he deserves. Sounds like we are going to utilize him in the same manner that the Trojans used Reggie Bush his last season. Why not, gotta get the best player on the field as many touches as we can!

July 10, 2008 9:55 PM

tlewis said:

Joe Kane! It's great to see you back on the blog!

July 11, 2008 6:19 PM

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