PULLMAN — In the months between the end of Washington State's five-win season and the start of spring practice this week, Nsi Malani lost about 25 pounds, he estimates.
During that stretch, Malani adhered to a strict diet with the help of the team's performance nutritionist, Tyler Thomas. That means a big breakfast, snacks like fruit, a big dinner, staying hydrated throughout the day, and training every night. That helped him weigh in at 265 pounds by Thursday's practice, the Cougs' second game of the spring.
Previously, Malani weighed approximately 285 pounds because he played primarily as an inside defensive lineman. Late last season, WSU coaches thought Malani needed to move to the edge — injuries hit the position group hard — and now Malani has lost weight and the speed needed to compete full-time. The transition that earned the .
“Edge, that's a whole different story,” Malani said. “You're trying to escape faster than usual. Not only will there be more containment, but there will be more external control.”
That's important for the WSU defense, which is looking to replace two star edge rushers, Brennan Jackson and Ron Stone Jr., who exhausted their eligibility last season. It was hard to notice the difference as Malani applied pressure during Thursday's practice, and the defensive unit intercepted many passes and deflected a few more.
Highlights included an interception from cornerback Tyson Durant, a transfer from Akron, and a deep pass breakup from junior Jamori Colson, who had a strong showing late last season.
“[Durant’s] He’s a kid who loves ball,” WSU coach Jake Dickert said. “I think a lot of our recruits are guys who just love football. He came here as more of an inside cover. We started him as a freshman, sophomore at the University of Akron, where he started. It's like putting it back. [he] It was a deeper safety. We badly need free safety and someone will take over that position. So to see him having a good day – that's all there is to it, a good day – is a positive thing. ”
Indeed, cougars need the security of freedom. Graduate Sam Lockett is also gone, as is star Jaden Hicks, who will likely be selected in next month's NFL Draft. Who will step up and fill their spot?
Durant, a redshirt senior, is a candidate, at least for this spring's roster. Reese Slybester, a redshirt sophomore, saw some playing time last season. true freshman Jaylon Edmonds and redshirt freshman Ethan O'Connor. Hicks' performance may be difficult to replicate — he had two interceptions, including a pick-six, in his breakout campaign — but WSU's rebuilding defense made several plays in Thursday's practice. It is possible to do so.
This was good news for Dickert, as it was one of the team's weaknesses last fall. The Cougs had a minus-6 turnover margin last season.
“That's not how you win football games,” Dickert said.
“That's probably the biggest question mark for this whole team — who's going to take over those five positions?” Dickert said, referring to the team's secondary. “Who's going to go out there and be the playmaker, but who can do it consistently? I think Ethan O'Connor has been really great the first few days. He stands out to me. Masu.”
Elsewhere in the secondary, WSU is looking to replace cornerbacks Chow Smith-Wade and Cam Lumpkin, who were drafted in the NFL draft. The Cougs return safety Jackson Latimer and cornerback Kapena Gushiken, who will start.
If Malani stays on top of his game and continues to wreak havoc in the backfield in his new position, he might be able to take some of the pressure off his teammates down the field.
“It's the same technique, but with a different perspective,” Malani says. “I'm just going through the steps. I feel like Eddie. [senior edge Andrew Edson] I just transitioned from DT to edge and it was really helpful, mainly just footwork and hand placement. ”
