PULLMAN -- The relationship between running backs coach Mark Atuaia and his position group is multi-layered. On the Washington Statepractice field, Atuaia is one of the most vocal assistant coaches. He does not hesitate to get on one of his tailbacks after a mistake, but he alsoclearly forms a bond with each to a degree that they know any criticism is coming from a place of love and mentorship.
Dylan Paine is the elder statesmen of the Cougar running back unit and as he enters his fifth year, he has seen his relationship with Atuaia blossom.
"Coach Atuaia is special," Paine said after Day 5 of fall camp on Monday.. "I haven't had a permanent coach here for my first couple years. First as a receiver I had a receiver coach and then moved to running back with Coach Smitty (Brian Smith), and then they left. So this is the longest coach I've had as a position coach.
"I think we've gotten to know each other very well. We were just at his house last night eating dinner and having a lot of fun. That bond with him brought us all together and I'm excited."
The 5-9, 196-pound Tumwater nativeis part of a four-horse battle with Djouvensky Schlenbaker, Leo Pulalasi, and Wayshawn Parker, with all four vying to be the Cougars' starting running back. Jake Dickert said last week that Paine may have the early edge.
"I'm just kind of bringing my full game," Paine said. "I think I had a slow start to my spring ball and then I kind of picked it up in the end and had a good spring game. Putting everything together running the ball, catching the ball, pass blocking, and I kind of just built on that so far and I think I've been running the ball well. I feel like I have a really good mesh with my O-line and we're just clicking on all cylinders right now."
Regardless of who the starter winds up being, all four will likely play a role. Each has a distinctive skillset and specializes in one aspect.
"We all complement each other," Paine said. "And me personally, I try to be as balanced as I can. Because I feel like if I can be balanced, I can get myself on the field as much as possible. Djouvensky and Leo with that power, Wayshawn with that speed and movement, me with a little bit of both, I think that'll bode well for us this season."
NICKELKAPENA GUSHIKEN also spoke to the media after practice on Monday, and one burning question was whether or not he entered strength coach Ben Iannacchione's record books. Iannacchione told Cougfan.com over the summer that Gushiken had a shot to break Lincoln Victor's record in the Flying 10,measured for 10 yards after a player is up to full speed.
"I did not," Gushiken said. "I came out on that last testing day and my legs just weren't feeling the same. I still tested well. I tied my PR ... I didn't make any personal records."
Gushiken is essentially locked into the starting nickel spot, but while Jaylon Edmond backed him up in the spring,UNLVtransfer Jerrae Williams has slid into that role behindthe 6-0, 184-pound product of Pukalani, Maui Hawaii,in fall camp.
"I think he brings in some experience that we need in the safety room," Gushiken said. "I think we have a lot of young guys and being that he's a vet and he knows so much football, it forces us to play up to his level and he makes everyone around him better."
WIDE RECEIVERTONY FREEMAN holds the honor of making the play of camp so far, a one-handed catch over Gushiken on Saturday. The speedy slot has primarily run with the ones, but is also working to be the Cougars' primary return man.
"That's something I take pride in, just displaying my speed and letting it be known that I could be one of the main guys back there and do something special," Freeman said. "The biggest thing I work on is my breaks, because I'm a lot lighter slot. So just working my hands and making sure people are not getting hands on me, and fighting through contact."
Freeman has taken reps with both John Mateer and Zevi Eckhaus as the two have battled out it be Wazzu's starting quarterback. The 5-8, 162-pound transfer from San Mateo JC sees similarities and contrasts between the two.
"I feel like both of them are different in their own way," Freeman said. "So I talk to both of them, get a feel for both of them and see what they're thinking on and off the field."
