The verbal of Andrew Pulu reminds me that we haven't talked much about recruiting since camp opened. The Huskies are going to bring in a class of 17-20 HS athletes this spring.
Where exactly are the most extreme needs?
Linebacker ( 2 )
On defense I think the biggest need is at linebacker. Mason Foster is developing into a star but we really need some more studs with speed in this unit that are capable of taking over a game.
UW will take two and it would be great if we could land a kid like Manti Teo from Punahou. He is around 6'4 220 and is the nation's highest rated LB. His coach has a great relationship with Willingham and Washington. Teo is likely headed to USC, or BYU, but the Huskies will probably get a visit out of him.
Tight End ( 2 )
UW graduates Walt Winter, and Mike Gottleib. That leaves Middleton, Izbicki, and Savant who is a walk on. UW needs to pick up two premium TE's this winter and I think it is their most pressing need on offense. UW is in on some of the top TE's in the West but they need to start winning some games if they are going to pick a couple of them up. Spanish Fork, Utah's Richard Wilson, and Corona, California's Marlion Barnett are the high profile targets, but Gonzaga's Travis Long will get a late offer.
Punter ( 1 )
Jared Ballman graduates which means we need a new punter. Hopefully we can find someone currently on the squad that can take over. It would save a scholarship.
Quarterback ( 1 )
Locker and Fouch are solid so there isn't an immediate need, but behind them you only have Luther Leonard. I wouldn't count on Dominique Blackman getting in this winter. I think Keith Price was a very important pick up, and it would be nice if he could enroll by spring.
Defensive Line ( 4 - 5 )
Washington brought in a bumper crop in 2008. In 2009 they started off with commitments from DT Deandre Coleman, and DE/LB Andrew Pulu. UW needs 3-4 more players to round off this class depending on where they decide to play Pulu.
Defensive Back ( 4 )
The Huskies have three early verbals defensive backs. WR/CB Aaron Grymes, S Nathan Fellner, and CB Keith Pinkard. UW could use another safety candidate to round off the class. The Huskies should have some good experienced depth at the positions in 2009.
The Huskies would love to land Pinkard's teammate S Kevin Brent who is one of the most coveted safeties in the country. Desmond Trufant from Tacoma is still on the board and has great bloodlines.
Offensive Line ( 3-4 )
We are developing good depth on the OL. Denbrock has put together a nice pipeling of players to work with. I think UW takes 3-4 this year depending on what is available. Grant Enger from O'Dea is looking at UW, Stanford, and Oregon State.
Wide Receiver ( 1-2 )
UW has so much youth at WR that they really could skip a year if they don't find the athlete they want. Look for UW to take 1-2. Gino Simone spurned UW to go to WSU. Kirby Moore from Prosser is still interested. Don't forget that Curtis Shaw could return later this year.
Running Back ( 1 )
The Huskies have a nice stable of young running backs. UW can afford to be pretty picky about who they bring in. Dalton Hilliard from Punahou, and Dasarte Yarnway from San Francisco are the two top guys UW is in on.
Current Verbals ( 6 )
QB Keith Price
Price is exactly what the doctor ordered at QB for the UW offense. Price is a Dennis Dixon type clone that can run and throw.
LB Andrew Pulu
Washington needs a big upgrade at linebacker. Pulu is a guy that could play inside or be shifted over to DE if he puts on 30 pounds. He runs well with a 4.7 40.
DT Deandre Coleman
Coleman is the top recruit in the state and it is pretty doubtful that he will qualify. UW may have to wait for him to get his AA degree.
CB Keith Pinkard
Pinkard comes from Dallas and we don't really know a lot about him yet. It was reported that he dinged up his knee in the first game. He is friends with Kevin Brent one of the top recruits in the nation.
CB/WR Aaron Grymes
Aaron was the star of the Husky camp and realized his life long dream of playing for Washington. He was under the radar at West Seattle HS but he has the ability of being an exciting player in the Jarzynka mold. He has a lot of speed and long hair.
S Nathan Fellner
Fellner is a nice pick up from Fresno who has Husky bloodlines. He is one of the better safties in California this year.