Breaking Down Cougars’ RB, DL Transfers From South Dakota State
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One of the several transfers to follow Jimmy Rogers to Pullman, Max Baloun will be counted on to deliver in the trenches for Washington State. Credit: Max Baloun/Instagram [/caption]
With Jake Dickert and his staff departing for Wake Forest and coach Jimmy Rogers taking over in the Palouse, there was a mass exodus of players out of Pullman for the Washington State Cougars heading towards the 2025 season.
After the first few days of fall camp, here are the former South Dakota State Jackrabbits that followed Jimmy Rodgers to Pullman to watch on offense and the defensive line.
Angel Johnson, RB
The projected number one running back as the backup at South Dakota State last year, Johnson carried the ball 91 times for 646 yards and three touchdowns. He committed to Washington State over Tennessee and also handled kick returns last year. After missing all spring due to an ankle injury, he appears to be fully healthy and will be a big part of the Cougs offense. Johnson has breakaway speed and the ability to make a man miss in the open field.
Angel Johnson is going to be special next season! Excited to watch him, should be super explosive out of the backfield! pic.twitter.com/UUykyH5W5y— Go Cougs (@gocougs123) July 10, 2025
Maxwell Woods, RB
With Johnson and Dylan Paine missing all of spring ball due to injuries Woods, Vorhees and Leo Pulalasi split the first team running back reps in spring ball. As a freshman, Woods had limited touches with 29 carries along with 176 yards and one touchdown. He has explosiveness and the ability to help the Cougs not only on offense, but in special teams this year.
THERE HE GOES 🏎️
Maxwell Woods rips off a 44-yard run into Augustana territory! @MidcoSports x @GoJacks 🐰🏈 pic.twitter.com/QNT6ueSEfq— SDSU Football (@GoJacksFB) September 15, 2024
Kirby Vorhees, RB
Another running back projected to be in the backfield rotation, Vorhees had a productive redshirt freshman year with 75 carries for 581 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s a strong physical running back who was the Jackrabbits short yardage back last season. You can expect him to have a similar role at Washington State in the 2025 season as a change-of-pace option.
KIRBY VORHEES 👀
Second physical touchdown run of the night for the Jackrabbit redshirt freshman ... this one from 22 yards gives SDSU a 20-0 lead (extra-point attempt fails) in the closing seconds of the first half#GoJacks 🐰🏈 pic.twitter.com/OyFgqUlGdT— SDSU Football (@GoJacksFB) September 22, 2024
Fernando Lecuona, DE
Leucona is expected to be in the defensive line rotation in the 2025 season. Last year, he only appeared in three games and was able to keep his redshirt as a result. As a young player, Lecuona should be able to develop and entering his second season at the college level, his best football is ahead of him.
Max Baloun, DT
One of the expected key players on defense, Baloun comes in at a massive 6-6, 285 pounds and is expected to be another guy whose job is to plug up the middle and take on additional blockers. If he gets double teamed, that allows someone else to come down and make a play. In 47 career games played, Baloun has 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, and four sacks. Known as a run stuffer, his play will be a key to a rebuilt defense up front.
