News Tribune: Ailing Hill questionable for Cal

TODD MILLES; The News Tribune

Jason Hill’s right shoulder injury is sure to get plenty of attention as Washington State heads into this weekend’s Pacific-10 Conference matchup against 10th-ranked California in Pullman.  Hill, the Cougars’ big-play receiver and NFL draft prospect, suffered a sprained acromioclavicular (AC) joint when he was dragged down by the facemask on a 29-yard touchdown reception Saturday against Oregon State. The prospect of not having Hill in the lineup is disconcerting, quarterback Alex Brink admitted. “It’s obviously going to have an impact on us. He’s one of the best receivers in the nation,” Brink said. “But we’re fortunate to have depth at that position.” The real concern is at tight end. Senior Cody Boyd will be sidelined a minimum of two weeks with a sprained left ankle, an injury suffered on WSU’s opening drive against Oregon State. Boyd gained 22 yards on the reception. Ben Woodard, the Cougars’ No. 3 tight end, is also out indefinitely with a right knee sprain, leaving Jed Collins as the only healthy tight end with experience. “That is something a little more important,” Brink said. “It not only has an effect on the passing game, but the running game.” The injuries to Boyd and Woodard, along with the possibility Jesse Taylor (right knee sprain) might miss another week, might rule out two-tight-end sets, coach Bill Doba said.

Tony Thompson is listed as a tight end, but Doba wants to utilize him exclusively as a long snapper. Collins is a 6-foot-2, 243-pound junior from San Juan Capistrano, Calif. During his freshman season in 2004, Collins played linebacker and H-back.

Last season, he continued as one of the Cougars’ most productive special teams players and was used as a blocker in short-yardage formations. Now, he’s a tight end and will be asked to not only be a cog as a blocker, his role as a pass catcher will expand as well. “I think we can do a lot of the same things (with Collins),” Brink said. “Height-wise, he’s not as big a matchup problem (as Boyd). He has great hands. He’s a physical route-runner that can create separation. He has a good burst for a guy his size.” Collins has caught six passes for 84 yards, and scored his first career touchdown against Stanford. “Offensively, our most underrated player has been Jed,” Brink said. “He hasn’t gotten the attention Cody has. He’s in there 40 snaps a game, blocking and coming up with a big catch when you need it.”

Extra points

Hill is listed as questionable for Saturday. He will be limited in practice this week, and Doba said he will be on pain medication. “It’s tender, and he’s not moving the arm really well,” Doba said. … Senior Mkristo Bruce is eligible for the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the top defensive end in the country. Bruce leads the nation with 10 sacks and is among the leaders with his 11 tackles for losses. … Extra attention this week in practice will be given to special teams, notably punt coverage. … Cal tailback Marshawn Lynch, who has been limited by an ankle sprain all season, will play against WSU.