Cougars have some ‘big guys’ on D-front

By Christian Caple

The Spokesman-Review

PULLMAN — In the same breath admitting his bias, Washington State defensive line coach Joe Salave’a, himself a former pro in the trenches, calls WSU’s defensive front “the heart and soul” on that side of the ball.

“If those big guys aren’t there on either side,” Salave’a said, “then it’s just a 7-on-7 drill.”

In this instance, “big guys” isn’t just a synonym, but quite a literal statement at WSU this season.

Consider that senior nose tackle Ioane Gauta, who started every game last season, stands 6-foot-3 and now weighs a relatively lean 285 pounds — and is the lightest member of WSU’s starting defensive front.

The average height of the four players — buck linebacker included — who comprise that front is 6-foot-3, and the average weight is 290 pounds.

There are NFL teams less massive at that position.

“I always take the hard worker guy over the talent,” Salave’a said, “but (the size) helps a little bit with what we’re trying to get done up front. We’ve just got to continue to get these guys’ nutrition up and make sure they’re taking care of their bodies, because if they do that, their body will respond accordingly.”

Salave’a constantly preaches improvement and effort and attention to detail, and his desire for mean, physical linemen is a frequent conversation topic. So it’s with no sugarcoating that he says: “Sometimes coaches have unrealistic goals, but I see the potential in these guys, and they’ve got to see it for themselves. They could be the best unit around here in a long time. But it’s easy to say that when it’s nice and cold in the AC and whatnot. You’ve got to come out here, roll up your sleeve and work on it.”

The starters

On either side of Gauta will be a returning contributor from last season. Xavier Cooper, who emerged as one of the team’s top run-stoppers as a freshman, is a virtual lock to start at tackle.

Cooper had 8.5 tackles for loss last season while starting nine games. He also finished with three sacks, as did Gauta, part of an effort that landed WSU 11th in the nation in that category.

Toni Pole, a fourth-year junior, has spent the duration of camp as the third member of the defensive line. He started two games and appeared in all 12 a year ago, most notably intercepting the pass in overtime that led to WSU’s stunning upset of Washington in the Apple Cup.

At 6-foot-1, 302 pounds and 6-foot-4, 303 pounds, respectively, Pole and Cooper combine with Gauta to form a menacing group in defensive coordinator Mike Breske’s base 3-4 alignment.

Their size lends believability to Cooper’s stated goal of being “the most physical, imposing defensive line in the Pac-12. And in the country.”

The Cougars showed flashes of fulfilling that desire last season. The Stanford Cardinal wound up winning the conference and a BCS bowl game, but they met resistance against WSU in their late-October matchup, one highlighted by the Cougars’ defensive effort.

Stanford, power offense and all, managed just 120 rushing yards and 3.2 yards per carry while squeaking out a victory. That was WSU’s defense at its finest. But the Cougars still finished a pedestrian 64th in the nation in run defense, yielding 163.3 yards per game.

“We saw that we could play with basically anybody in the country at times,” Pole said. “In terms of consistency, that’s the biggest asset that we need to clean up and polish, because as long as we’ll be able to play consistent, then we’ll be OK.”

“I think we’re still cleaning up a lot of things,” Cooper said. “I think it’s the little things that if we clean up, that’s going to help us in the long run. It’s just little things right now — footwork, pad level, those type of things.”

Perhaps the most intriguing member of the defensive front is Destiny Vaeao, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound sophomore whose move to buck linebacker gives the Cougars an especially stout look.

While Vaeao is, technically, a linebacker, Salave’a said “the buck linebacker’s DNA is a defensive lineman.”

“He’s that kind of athlete,” Salave’a said. “You don’t do that just with anybody. Not at that position. That’s the unique thing Destiny brings to the table. Those are the kind of kids that we need to maintain and continue to cultivate here in these parts.”

In the mix

Matthew Bock, a senior, started five games last year and played in all 12, and figures to be a mainstay in WSU’s defensive line rotation. So, too, does Lyman Faoliu, a junior-college transfer from Vallejo, Calif. Logan Mayes, who played the buck linebacker position last season, has moved to defensive end full-time and is trying to work his way back into the two-deeps.

Keep an eye on

Daniel Ekuale, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound freshman from American Samoa, has been getting plenty of reps with the No. 2 defense recently, which indicates the possibility of him seeing the field this season. Robert Barber, who redshirted last season with an injury, could see playing time if he’s well-conditioned and in-tune with the defensive playbook. Darryl Paulo, a third-year sophomore, played with the first-team defense in the spring and could be in the rotation, as well.

Reason for optimism

This wasn’t a particularly experienced group last season, but their growing pains – coupled with a handful of impressive performances – could yield big-time, productive dividends this year. Especially if they stay healthy.

Cause for concern

The loss of sacks leader and all-around standout Travis Long might be easy to overlook during camp, but his departure could really be felt once the lights come on.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.