Washington State Football: Explosive Paulo Lepua Commits to Cougs, Bolsters D-Line
By Josh Davis
Nov 17, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; A general view of the Arizona State Sun Devils offensive line during the fourth quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
26 sacks as a high school Defensive Lineman in a career, let alone in a single season is quite impressive and the Cougs landed the talents of a kid who did just that. No. 41 ranked (DE) Paulo Lepua committed over the weekend to Washington State, moving up his own timetable of Signing Day to give Coug fans a very nice Christmas present to look forward to for the next 4 or 5 seasons.
Lepua played at Narbonne High in Harbor City, CA and was named City Section Defensive Player of the Year his senior campaign. He is a 6’3″ 265 lbs player and could either bulk up to be a true down lineman or stay where he’s likely to play at BUCK LB. He played a lot of D-Tackle in high school because his high school size translated to that for his team, but has the athleticism of a DE so that’s where WSU has recruited him at.
This just adds to a highly athletic recruiting class on defense so far for 2013. Mike Leach is finding a rare combination of size and quickness throughout his line and Lepua is no exception. He said that Joe Salave’a (Wazzu’s D-line coach) and Dennis Simmons (area recruiter) was the difference in his decision to go Crimson and Gray, as both coaches really sold themselves and the program to the entire family, including Lepua’s grandmother.
Go Cougs!