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Five to watch: Players to keep an eye on during the Crimson and Gray game

Washington State Cougars quarterback Anthony Gordon. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)

PULLMAN – For the viewing public, the Crimson and Gray game often serves as a first glimpse at the standouts-to-be on Washington State’s football roster. Second-year freshmen who are primed to break out after spending a redshirt season. Junior college transfers who fans have yet to see in action. Or former backups who are finally thrown into starting roles.

WSU’s roster is dotted with players like that, so as the Cougars prepare for the Crimson and Gray game, we take a look at five (six, actually) players who could break out Saturday afternoon at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane.

Trey Tinsley and Anthony Gordon, quarterbacks

Washington State Cougars quarterback Trey Tinsley (10) passes during a spring practice on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars quarterback Trey Tinsley (10) passes during a spring practice on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Tinsley’s shown better command of the offense, Gordon’s shown better arm strength and precision. Saturday could go a long way in determining if either is suited to replace Luke Falk.

Easop Winston, wide receiver

WSU receiver Easop Winston Jr. (85) runs the ball during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, in Pullman, Wash. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
WSU receiver Easop Winston Jr. (85) runs the ball during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, in Pullman, Wash. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

The City College of San Francisco transfer makes a repeat cameo on this list. His strong spring camp didn’t translate to a breakout fall in 2017, but he’ll have to factor into the equation this year – and he definitely looks primed to.

Taylor Comfort, nose tackle

A walk-on at nose tackle? Comfort’s taken a large quantity of first-team repetitions this spring. Depending on the scheme or look the Cougars are giving, the 6-foot, 280-pound senior could be the one anchoring the middle.

Justus Rogers, inside linebacker

Washington State Cougars linebacker Justus Rogers (37) smiles between plays during a spring practice on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars linebacker Justus Rogers (37) smiles between plays during a spring practice on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review) Buy this photo

Rogers’ abilities are hardly a mystery to Cougars fans after he stepped in for Isaac Dotson at Mike linebacker last season. He’s been one of the most consistent defensive players this spring and has proven to be especially adept in pass coverage.

Jack Crane, kicker

Let’s not jinx the young man, but Crane’s perfect on field goals this spring, making all seven of his tries through the first two scrimmages (34, 44, 44, 47, 39, 42, 42). It seems as though the Cougars have found Erik Powell’s replacement.