Washington State Football Recruiting Nuggets: DL Prospects Make Moves, Cougs Still Searching

Here’s the first post from a couple days ago, outlining DL’s Chris Martin and Regie Meant and where they were in the recruiting process for Washington State.

UPDATE: Chris Martin has taken his talents to Kansas, which is a bit of a major loss when considering that the Cougs had this kid ready to commit but couldn’t close the deal. Martin is a game-changer as a former #1 defensive prospect in the land and isn’t the only big player the Cougs had targeted to head to KU. Marquel Combs, who we hadn’t previewed, was also the Cougs’ short list of big time defensive linemen in the JC ranks and is also headed the Jayhawks’ way to bulk up their D-line.

And there’s more bad news for the Cougs here, as Sione Sina, another targeted D-lineman committed to Cal over the weekend. Still waiting for Meant to make his decision, but it seems he has changed allegiances a bit. While WSU is still high on his list, it looks like they may no longer be number 1.

The Cougars now turn their attention to three other DL’s around the nation, looking for one or two to commit. All three can step in immediately and help the D-line and remember there are already four DL commits to Washington State this offseason, so don’t get too bummed out that we couldn’t land a couple more big names yet. Still, the Cougs are searching for more help in this class on the defensive line.

JC DL Kyle Peko, a 6’2″ 295 kid out of Cerritos College in Norwalk, CA, is a kid who can play multiple positions and has the size and talent to make a difference. Peko had a great recent visit to Pullman and admittedly moved WSU up on his short list because of it.

Rod Crayton is a young 6’1″ 305 lbs prep star out of Dadeville, AL who has well over 20 offers. He has recently said the Cougs remain high on his list. Chances are he won’t commit here with so many offers closer to home, especially from some bigger names, but if he did it would be a major victory for the Cougar coaching staff in their fight for some South territory. Not to mention a prototype big body to play Nose Tackle in the 3-4, which would become rather formidable with him in the middle.

And finally, Paulo Lepua is another kid who the Cougars like and who is high on WSU. Out of Narbonne High in Harbor City, CA, Lepua goes 6’3″ 265 lbs and racked up at least 23 sacks this season. He could play a Buck position for WSU or bulk up 15 lbs and be more of a traditional DE. Either way he could be a nice playmaker for the defense. He is waiting till signing day to make his decision at this point.

Go Cougs!