WSU defensive line overcoming major losses

Washington State's defensive line suffered a pair of big losses during the offseason, but based on the way the unit has played during fall camp, nobody would be able to tell.

The emergence of guys such as Darryl Paulo, Daniel Ekuale, Hercules Mata'afa and Robert Barber have taken away one of the team's biggest question marks. They have helped fill the voids left by nose tackle Toni Pole, who graduated, and defensive end Xavier Cooper, who became a third-round pick of the Cleveland Browns.

"Those are big shoes to fill, but I've been around those guys and I picked up what I could from those two guys and try to incorporate it into my game," Paulo said. "I think that's benefitting me a lot."

The results have been obvious. And during Sunday's fall camp, they recorded 10 sacks.

"Those guys are one of the best fronts we're going to be able to face and they're just bringing it every day," quarterback Luke Falk. "They've got a lot more energy and it's a different defense to go against."

Perhaps the most pleasant surprise has been Mata'afa, who has been filling in for Destiny Vaeao. As a junior, Vaeao recorded 14.5 tackles two sacks and seemed to have secured a starting defense end spot. However, he has been limited since the first day of fall camp and in his absence, Mata'afa has made a strong case for playing time.

"He's done a great job. He's really done a good job. Hercules, he's a force in the play even if he doesn't get the tackle," coach Mike Leach said. "He creates piles, creates havoc and there's kind of a lot of unsung things he does."

Mata'afa played so well last year that Leach considered burning his redshirt, but instead opted to four full years of game action. Leach has been high on the 6-foot-2, 242-pound prospect, but Mata'afa preferred to deflect the praise from Leach.

"I just try to do my job as best I can. If he thinks that's great, I really owe it to my whole team on the defense," Mata'afa said. "We work as a group, not individually, so they open up things for me and I open up things for them."

Last year's run defense was fifth in the Pac-12, allowing 145.7 yards per game, and this year WSU is hoping to trim that figure in its new nickel defense.

"We've played great. We've been really aggressive and the new defense has been great for us," Paulo said. "A lot of movements, and a lot of different fronts."

Tom Hager can be reached at (208) 883-4633 or by email to thager@dnews.com.