Eagles begin fall camp

Annual transition allows new leaders to step forward

CHENEY – Following a long offseason, Eastern Washington hosted its first full team practice of the season. The Eagles, coming off a 10-3 season and an appearance in the second round of the FCS Playoffs, lost key offensive starters in quarterback Eric Barriere, left tackle Tristen Taylor, running back Dennis Merritt and receiver Talolo Limu-Jones. “(It’s) always a transition year, because you lose the top-end seniors or you lose some guys,” EWU Head Coach Aaron Best said. It’s a different year because you had a combination of spring and fall guys last fall, so it is different that way, but it’s kind of a more normal fall (now).” Several players have stepped up into more leadership roles, something he likes to see in his teams, Best said. “The guys that took over for the senior class that left have been yearning to lead,” he said. “They led all spring; they led all summer, and I’m excited to see them lead this fall for their first real opportunity when they’re keeping score.” ...