Washington State Spring Ball Update: Ganashamoorthy Shines Early
In the heart of spring ball at Edgar Brown Memorial Stadium, Washington State's Branden Ganashamoorthy is making waves. On just the second day of practice, the wide receiver showcased his potential with a standout play.
As the ball sailed from the hands of redshirt freshman quarterback Owen Eshleman, Ganashamoorthy made a sharp cut towards the sideline, snagging a perfect 30-yard pass. The crowd's applause echoed the sentiment: this was a play to remember.
"BG made some nice plays down the field," noted WSU coach Kirby Moore, highlighting Ganashamoorthy's impressive performance.
Though not always the first name mentioned among the Cougars’ receivers, Ganashamoorthy is steadily carving out a niche. After redshirting in 2023 and contributing as a reliable downfield blocker over the past two seasons, his receiving skills are now coming to the forefront. Despite a dropped pass during practice, Ganashamoorthy rebounded quickly, racking up several more catches.
While Ganashamoorthy stole some of the spotlight, it was the running backs who truly impressed Coach Moore. The trio of Kirby Vorhees, Maxwell Woods, and Leo Pulalasi showed promise, setting the stage for what could be a formidable unit in the upcoming season.
Evaluating running backs without full contact might seem tricky, but Moore sees it differently. "There’s some footwork things, some vision, in terms of where that hole is and hitting it with the right patience," Moore explained.
"They did a good job in the pass game a couple times. So I thought they’ve had a nice start to spring ball."
The return of all three running backs was a pleasant surprise for WSU. Vorhees and Pulalasi initially eyed the transfer portal, with Pulalasi even entering it briefly. However, a new NIL revenue-sharing deal convinced Vorhees to stay, and Pulalasi soon followed suit, ensuring the Cougars retained their top backfield talents.
Moore's experience at Missouri, where he orchestrated a top-tier rushing offense, played a role in retaining these players. "I sent him a couple of those highlights," Moore said, referring to his conversation with Vorhees.
As the Cougars work through spring ball, Moore is focused on optimizing their lineup. "If those guys are within our top five skill guys, gosh, we gotta find more ways to get two running backs on the field," he stated.
On the defensive side, WSU also had its moments. San Jose State transfer Jaylen Thomas snagged an interception, while defensive tackles Kaden Beatty and Damarhje Lewis combined for a simulated sack. Additionally, redshirt junior Michael Hughes added to the defensive prowess with a would-be sack.
Kent State transfer Nylan Brown, a projected starter, has quickly adapted to his new environment. "It was literally the people," Brown said about his decision to join WSU.
The personal touch from Coach Moore and defensive coordinator Trent Bray made his choice clear. With his impressive build and determination, Brown is poised to make a significant impact.
As the Cougars continue their spring practices, the blend of emerging talent and returning stars promises an exciting season ahead.