COMMITMENT! Virginia lands California defensive end Nusi Malani

The Virginia Cavaliers secured a commitment and a letter of intent from defensive end Nusi Malani of Serra High School in California.

At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Malani has a long frame that should give the UVA coaching staff plenty of room to add mass over his career. Malani’s 247 Composite rating is 84.44, a mid-level three-star. He chose Virginia over finalists Arizona and Washington State, as well as offers from Nebraska, Boise State, BYU, Colorado, and Arizona State.

Malani’s high school was one of the most competitive among California’s private schools, winning multiple regional titles during his time there and playing for several state championships. He does what just about every UVA defensive end does well on their high school tape: reestablish the edge in the backfield, forcing ball carriers back into linebackers and other help. Quicker feet could help Malani develop into a consistent pass rusher at the next level as well; the fact that he plays both hand-in-the-dirt defensive end and stand-up edge rusher shows he has athleticism for Virginia’s coaches to develop.