Erik Kohler is a huge get for Washington, as Steve Sarkisian wandered into an area of Los Angeles typically reserved for UCLA and took one of the top players on Rick Neuheisel's 2009 recruiting list. It was Sark and Neu going head-to-head on Neu's turf, with Sark came out holding the prize.
Projecting as a right tackle with his long arms, Kohler can likely play anywhere on the offensive line. His verbal also sends a signal to others that Washington is putting together a top class, with playing time available for team who is building a winner in future years.
Washington has now recruited three premier high school offensive linemen in this class, leaving room for at least two more. The Huskies may look to add a junior college offensive lineman, provided they can successfully identify a player ready to matriculate winter quarter. Depth is a problem this year and projects as an issue in 2010 as well; recruiting a JC prospect can help alleviate this issue in the short term.
As far as the future goes, annually recruiting 4-5 quality offensive linemen is the way to get back on the path of winning championships. It isn't a quick fix Washington requires, however; Kohler is unlikely to be a savior in 2010, as rarely are even the best offensive lineman prepared to assert themselves as freshmen, so expect him to redshirt unless he does some incredible things in the weight room between now and next August.
With Kohler, Riva, and Porter in the bag where are the next 2-3 verbals going to come from?
Colin Tanigawa, a center from Loyola HS in Los Angeles, is very high on Washington and will visit next month. Expect Tanigawa to commit on his visit. The Huskies are also in on a couple top recruits from Hawaii, including Micah Hatchie from Waialua and Kaiwai Crabb from Punahou. Don't forget Nick Rowland, one of the top OL recruits in the country, who will be visiting in September.
This has been a good month for Washington, having picked up four verbals in typically slow month. In September, kicking the season off against LSU, they will host elite recruits in the double digits the season's opening weekend. This staff isn't sitting around waiting for things to happen, they are out there, and getting it done. If you are a Husky fan, you have to like what is happening right now.