We've been on vacation this week, heading up to Lake Superior and the Michigan Upper Peninsula. The internet, however, followed us on our jaunt, and fortunately it brings encouraging news for Husky fans.
Leading off, Andru Pulu was the only Husky recruit to play in the Washington state all-star football game this past weekend in Everett. Everyone came away impressed with Pulu's performance at inside linebacker. Check out this report from the Daily Herald:
He finished with seven solo tackles and was the only player on either team to reach double digits in total tackles with 12. He also helped clog the line of scrimmage, which allowed teammates to make tackles, and he even swatted down an East pass in the fourth quarter.
The question remains as to where the 6'3 250 monster is going to play at UW. Does he have the speed to play ILB in the Pac 10? Most recruiting experts projected Pulu at DE, needing a year or two to grow into the position. After his play this past weekend, it's clear why the coaches want to try him first at ILB. GIven UW's depth in the middle this year, expect Pulu to RS in the fall, but things will open up in 2010.
Puppy Chow
Scout.com reports that Spanaway HS's Happy Iona played himself into a UW offer at the rising stars camp held this past weekend on the UW campus. Congratulations to Happy, who has been working very hard in the classroom, getting himself into a position to be academically eligible in 2010.
Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach Charr Gahagan is leaving the UW to head up his own S&C department at North Texas University.
WR Tevin Carter, who verbaled to UW earlier this spring, is apparently now headed to Cal. Given the nature of recruiting, don't read too much into any commit at this time; there is plenty of time for changes before Letter of Intent day next February.
According to Bob Condotta's blog last week, the cost of renovating Husky Stadium has been reduced to $250 million, versus the $350 million originally projected. Construction and material costs are down due to the economic climate, but it is fair to surmise some cutting of luxury features in order to trim nearly 1/3 of the original cost.
Jake Locker's dad has been talking contract with the LA Angels. Though it won't effect his football career, it will tie up his baseball negotiating rights for six years should he sign a contract. An added bonus for the Washington Football program, Locker's professional status in baseball will free up an extra football scholarship. Baseball scouts rave over Locker's potential in the game, as most believe he has the ability to be a dominant, five-tool player in the major leagues along the lines of Torii Hunter and Grady Sizemore.