Coug LOI’s: DE Paulo Lepua Signs With Washington State
By Josh Davis
School: Narbonne HS (Harbor City, CA)
Position: Defensive End
Vitals: 6’3″, 265 lbs
Rank:
- Rivals: #45
- Scout: #41
- ESPN: #93
- 247Sports: #46
Other Offers of Interest:
Best Attributes: Speed, Violent Hands, First Step
Prediction & How He Improves Cougars in 2013:
A Semper Fi All American in his senior season, Paulo Lepua is the best overall defensive athlete coming through on the line for the Cougars this year. In fact he may be the best looking athlete from the position of DE since Long came on board 4 years ago.
He has a very legit first step and great speed and power combo. He is also relentless through double teams and has a nose for the football. Remember the play that Mayes made in OT in the Apple Cup? This Lepua kid makes that kind of play routinely.
Simply stated, Lepua is going to immediately improve the defensive line, as I fully expect him to play a major amount of snaps, even if he doesn’t start day one. Top 50 recruits are big time and Mike Breske’s Cougar defense can’t afford to get a talent like this and have him on the sidelines.
Teamed with a guy like Foaliu, this kid could become a force that will ease the loss of Travis Long on the edge, especially if the Cougs continue to stay aggressive, as we very much assume they will!
All Coug’d Up Recruit Grade (out of 5): 4.5
Highlights: