Cougar Kickoff Countdown: 20 Days

#20 Craig Bills saw his first action as a Cougar against the Oklahoma Sooners in 2009. Now, as a senior, he is poised to have a great season and hopefully get drafted into the NFL next year. Each year as a Cougar he has nearly doubled his tackles from the previous year (going 26, 47, and 78). He had two interceptions his freshman and junior years.

Last season he tore a ligament in his elbow, but was able to rehab it without needing surgery. Despite that setback, Bills is focused on his preparation for this upcoming season, he told Jared Lloyd of the Daily Herald:

I think my focus for my senior year is to make more plays, to make more interceptions so I can have a good shot at the NFL. That's my goal, to really focus on my technique and just being instinctive, going and making plays because that's the most important thing. You need to play technique and assignment so you can be in the right spot, but you need to be a football player and making plays.

The Cougars will rely heavily on Bills's leadership skills and his experience in what is projected to be a very deep and talented secondary. Look forward to watching Bills come up and lay some hard hits as part of another stout Cougar defense.