2-Star DE Hercules Mata’afa Signs With Washington State Cougars on Signing Day

Ioane Gauta was a massive loss, but the returning line corp is equally massive.  Xavier Cooper and Toni Pole lead a group of big guys that has become famous in their anonymity.  We don’t hear their names as often, but that is mainly due to them taking up two or three blockers allowing the linebackers to claim glory.  Mike Leach and Mike Breske have set these guys on edge, and they are hungry, ready to light up Pac-12 QBs and tailbacks in ways yet unknown.

Hercules Mata’afa will become another knuckle down BUCK for the Cougs in coming years.  He is another high motor guy, and looks to continue that on the Palouse.  His size on the line may be suspect but his impact should not be under valued.

Hercules will command respect late in games as his stamina has been noted as a strength.  Plan on seeing him emerging around offensive tackles in key situations against speed teams like Oregon in  coming years.

This Hawaiian pipeline should continue to be pumped by Leach in the coming years, and the soft spoken Mata’afa will be another cog from that machine.  Our recommendation is that he talk with Taylor Taliulu about the transition from the Beach to the Wheat.