As an April rain fell at Martin Stadium, Andre Dillard reminisced about returning to his college home.

 "I was telling everyone I ran into it is so nostalgic to be here," Dillard said while watching the Crimson and Gray Game. "I love the atmosphere and being on this field, being around the campus and the town. It feels so good to be here again."

Dillard, an offensive lineman with the Cougars from 2014-18 and the 22nd overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2019 NFL Draft, returned to Pullman for the spring game because, as he said, "I just wanted an excuse to come back here." 

"Just to see the guys in action, meet more of the coaches, the players, some of the guys I was with when I was here," he said. "It's a really good time just to be around it.

"It feels so good to be part of this huge family."

Dillard connection to WSU extends beyond his April visit. During the early stages of the COVID pandemic, he provided assistance by donating fueling care packages to student-athletes within the athletic department.  

While he watched many of the student-athletes he provided help for, Dillard reminisced about his decorated Cougar career where he received All-America and first-team All-Pac-12 honors as a senior in 2018. In all, Dillard played in 42 career games, starting the final 39 at left tackle for the Cougars.

The spring game took place a day shy of the second anniversary of a moment Dillard describes as "the biggest day in my life." The day when he was the first-round selection by the  Eagles.

"I always tear up, honestly, when I see videos and pictures of it," Dillard said. "I get emotional because it is a once in a lifetime thing.

"It was huge rush of emotion," Dillard added. "The phone buzzed, and it was the Eagles' staff. I was just so happy. It was the best day ever."

There were many best days for Dillard while he donned the crimson and gray, 

"All the games where fans rushed the field," Dillard said with a smile when asked his favorite memory at Martin Stadium. "The Boise State game my junior year, USC, and Oregon when GameDay came. "That was something I will never forget."

As he will never forget the memories of when he played inside Martin Stadium, Dillard continues to gain new memories of what it means to be a Coug, surrounded by his fellow Cougar family members.

"I've always noticed when traveling around the country I see people in Coug gear, and they yell 'Go Cougs!' I never see any other college doing that," Dillard said. "To be a Coug is to be part of a huge family, a huge loyal loving family."