April 24 – PULLMAN – Washington State is missing an edge rusher recovering from injury.
Rising redshirt junior Lawrence Falatea is entering the transfer portal, he posted on social media Wednesday, ending his three-season stint at WSU. He missed last season due to a torn ACL, which he suffered during fall camp last year.
In 2022, his redshirt freshman season, Falatea appeared in all 13 games, totaling 10 tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a sack. He also forced a fumble.
Falatea is the fourth Cougar to enter the portal during the spring opener, including the departures of backup receivers Tsion Nunnally and Cole Pruett and defensive lineman Nathan Gates earlier this month. The portal closes again on Tuesday, just days after the Cougs’ spring game, scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at Gesa Field.
This offseason, WSU landed Syrus Webster, a transfer from Utah Tech who has been receiving first-team reps this spring. Senior Nusi Malani, who moved from inside forward to winger at the end of last season, has also been practicing with the starting lineup.
Falatea, a class of 2020 player from Sandy, Utah, received offers from WSU, Eastern Washington, Utah Tech, San Diego State and New Mexico out of high school.
Falatea and his three teammates who will enter the portal this spring maintain the option of returning to WSU.