COMMIT: Cougs add DB to 2008 class

THE FIRST WEDNESDAY in February gets all the notice but it's actually a signing period, one that runs through April 1 and the Cougs added another member to the 2008 class on Thursday. Out of Modesto, Calif., he tallied 63 tackles as a linebacker his senior campaign but he'll be lining up elsewhere at Washington State. CF.C talks to the newest Cougar.

Louis Bland, a two-time recipient of The Modesto Bee’s football player of the year award, said Thursday afternoon that he'll be donning the crimson and gray this coming fall.

"I'm going up on a full ride, they offered me yesterday," said Bland.

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Bland, (6-0, 205, 4.5) tripped up to Washington State on an official visit the weekend of Jan. 19.

He said he chose Washington State over offers from Sacramento State, Montana and Cal Poly, while another couple schools were also in the mix.

"Boise State was talking to me real hard and Cal was talking to me real hard," said Bland.


BLAND RACKED UP 63 tackles in '07 playing 'backer for Central Catholic High. He also rushed for 1,763 yards and scored 32 touchdowns, and set the career touchdown mark for the section with 102.

He'll play in the defensive backfield at Washington State.

"I'm playing strong safety for them. I wanted to play either running back or strong safety. They liked me because I don't miss tackles," said Bland.

There were other things as well. Bland won CIF-State wrestling titles as both a freshman and sophomore.

"I have good balance, and they said they liked how I was aggressive, they said that's what they need up there. They also said they liked my work ethic and because I wrestle," said Bland.

There are over 13 minutes of highlight tape available on Bland for subscribers.

Louis Bland profile and video