Washington State has more positions up for grabs this spring than at any other point in Jake Dickert’s coaching career. Dickert said as such Tuesday when Wazzu opened spring ball.

Offensive line, tight end, defensive tackle, linebacker, nickel, corner, and wideout were just a few of the positions Dickert mentioned when he met with reporters. Just a few. 

“This is the most competition I’ve probably ever had at positions going into a season on any team I’ve ever been a part of,” Dickert said, per The Spokesman Review’s Colton Clark.

Receiver will be a spot to monitor.

It was a position of flux in the Cougar offense last season, with guys expected to have larger roles ceding targets to guys who, for the casual Pac-12 observer, came out of nowhere. From a performance standpoint, it was an up-and-down group. And it was once again a group in flux when the offseason rolled around.

Four players transferred. Two more graduated. The Cougs have to replace each of their top four pass-catchers from last year’s group.

But, behind new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and new wideout coach Nick Edwards, the group reloaded well. Newcomers this offseason include three incoming transfers (Kyle Williams, Josh Kelly, Isaiah Hamilton) a JUCO transfer (DT Sheffield), and two freshmen.

“Kyle is a vertical, linear guy,” Dickert said. “I think we’ve gotten more athletic out there. Josh Kelly, I think, gives you that intermediate route-runner that can still take the top off. Isaiah, yet to be determined, but I think he’s got that inside fade feel and what he can do with screens and working to get vertical…

“We’re gonna take a great look at Carlos Hernandez inside and outside and what he can do. Let’s not forget Leyton Smithson. There’s a lot of guys out there competing their tails off. Excited about where that group can go.”