PULLMAN – When Washington State recruited Oregon prep football standout Logan Mayes, the Cougars figured they had a surefire advantage in the recruiting wars.
Logan’s father, Rueben, is WSU’s all-time leading rusher and a member of the college football and WSU athletics halls of fame.
After retiring from the NFL, Rueben and wife Marie (also a WSU graduate) raised Logan in Pullman while Rueben worked as a fundraising executive for the school. The family later moved to Eugene, Ore., but Rueben remains a diehard Cougars fan.
So, when Logan chose the rebuilding Cougars over the powerful Oregon Ducks and other suitors, it seemed only natural to presume Rueben pushed his son there.
No way, father and son maintain.
“He really didn’t care … those types of things in my life, he leaves the decision up to me,” Logan said.
“He didn’t have any pressure,” Rueben said. “Obviously, we (Rueben and Marie) were elated he chose Washington State University, but I really wanted him to make a decision based on his experience, what he felt would be a good fit for him.”
Logan, articulate and personable like his father, even speaks in a similar manner. Just as Rueben said it was important to find a school that was a “good fit,” Logan said his move from defensive end to buck linebacker this season is a “great fit.”
The buck linebacker – a defensive end-outside linebacker hybrid – is an essential part of the 3-4 defense introduced by new defensive coordinator Mike Breske. Mayes is backing up senior Travis Long, but both players are strong pass rushers who figure to be on the field at the same time on occasion.
“It’s a position that demands a lot of you, for sure, but it’s also a position that has immense opportunities to make plays,” Logan said. “It’s sort of a high-risk, high-reward position, but that’s something I really like.”
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Mayes added 23 pounds of muscle after seeing limited playing time as a true freshman last year.
“He’s a great kid,” outside linebackers coach Paul Volero said. “He’s accountable. He’s a try-hard guy. He’s young, but he gets better every day.”
Mayes has lived in Pullman most of his life after being born in Edmonds (Rueben finished his NFL career with the Seahawks). Logan spent his freshman year at Pullman High before Rueben landed a job in Eugene.
The younger Mayes said he loves being back in Pullman, on and off the field.
“My mom and dad are always great encouragers,” Logan said. “They’ve always supported me and believed in me and always told me I could do great things. Sometimes they believe in me more than I do myself.
“They’re really crucial in my success, and that’s something I really value. They’re always encouraging me, though they’ll give me positive feedback and negative as they see fit. I think that’s important, because you really have to be honest with yourself.”
Mom and dad plan to attend all of Logan’s games this season. Logan said they’ll like what they see, because he’s confident the Cougars – nine years removed from their last winning season or bowl game – can end both droughts this season.
“Every year, we seem to be getting better,” Logan Mayes said. “The numbers do say that.
“We worked a lot harder this offseason. We have new coaches, and we have a new offense and a new defense.
“Everyone has hope … people are really going to fight this season. I mean, I don’t think people on this team can handle another losing season.”
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