Cougars land commitment from big 2024 edge rusher Malachi Wrice

Washington State continues to move up the rankings as Jake Dickert has his team rolling at 4-0 heading into a road contest against UCLA this weekend. On the recuriting trail, the Cougars were active last week during the bye visiting schools across the country as the staff continues to build the 2024 class.

Wednesday, the Cougars added to the group with an intriguing addition. Recent visitor Malachi Wrice announced his pledge to Wazzu after making the trek out to Pullman from McAlester, Oklahoma a couple weeks ago when the Cougars hosted Oregon State in a big matchup to open Pac-12 play.

Cornerbacks coach Ray Brown followed that up with a trip out to his home state last week, and Wednesday all the pieces came together with Wrice becoming the 18th member of WSU's 2024 class.

The 6-foot-7 athlete plays on both sides of the ball as a tight end and defensive end, but he is expected to stick on defense with the Cougars. Edges coach Frank Maile helped guide the recruitment for WSU, and Wrice will add significant size to that group next year.

With his height, it should come as no surprise that Wrice has built a name for himself on the hardwood in addition to what he's accomplished as a football player.

Football is his future, however, and the 2024 prospect has had an impressive season up to this point. So far this year, Wrice has tallied 28 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks and a forced fumble for McAlester.

The process came together quickly between Wrice and the Cougars as he was only offered by the program back on Sept. 14. Prior to that, he had not received a Power 5 offer.

South Dakota, Central Oklahoma, Central Missouri and East Central University were the schools to offer Wrice prior to the Cougars getting involved.

Wrice is now the third edge rusher to commit to WSU for 2024, and more than half of the 18 commitments are expected to come in as part of the defense for the Cougars.

Overall, Wazzu has added five commitments over the last month including Oregon State visitors Wayshawn Parker and Trae Davis in addition to Wrice.