The last weekend of official visits has ended and schools across the country are waiting till Wednesday to find out how well they did on the recruiting trail. Even though in homes and on campus visits have ended we have now entered a period of unlimited phone calls by the coaches as we approach signing day.
This is a very competitive year when it comes to Pac 10 recruiting and it seems the league has entered into a new period of ultra aggresiveness. What that means as we enter the stretch run is almost everyone is trying to steal other schools recruits as we approach the finish line.
Just for example place kicker Alejandro Maldonado has decided to become an Oregon Duck rather than a Washington Husky. The Oregon coaches convinced him he could play right away even though they have two young HS All American kickers on the roster. Maldonado visited the Ducks secretly this weekend and decided that Eugene was the place or him. This defection isn't the end of the world. Eric Folk is coming off a very good season and has two years remaining. If UW still wants to go after a kicker this year there are still options out there.
"They were upset,'' Maldonado said. "I knew they would be upset. ... But I've got choices to make to go where I was going to be happy and where I can succeed and where I think I will succeed and I had to go along with that.''
Kerifi Taula visited Arizona this past weekend and once again has decided to become a Wildcat despite committing to Washington on campus last weekend and to the coaches during an in house visit on Thursday. This one will probably be a signing day decision. His father wants him to go to UA and his mother wants him to go to UW. He will probably end up going to the school of the last coach he speaks with.
Washington still has a solid class and is awaiting word from three more four star recruits on their intentions.
Ricky Heimuli - UW or UCLA
Josh Shirley - UW or USC
Sean Parker - UW or USC
We are hearing it is 50/50 for the above three right now to finish off the class. That would be a fantastic finish so keep your fingers crossed.
OT James Atoe left Montlake this weekend with an offer to become a Husky. The word is they will try to get him in this fall but if there isn't room he would have to greyshirt. Atoe also has offers from Portland State and Eastern Washington. Idaho like Washington has suggested that he possibly greyshirt. Atoe needed to talk it over with his parents so we won't make a decision for a day or two.
Kona Schwenke did not visit UW this weekend after his visit to Notre Dame. Not sure if that was his decision or the UW coaching staff's. He could always visit next weekend but I would say he is headed to ND unless BYU offers him in the morning.
Lawrence Lagufuina visited Hawaii this weekend and needs a day or two to think things over. Most think he is still headed to UW but he could surprise everyone by staying home.
The important thing about recruiting is to remember this simple rule...never say never. A lot of stuff both good and bad can happen between now and signing day. Stay tuned because it is going to be an exciting ride to the finish.
The Western 100
The News Tribune came out with the Western 100 over the weekend. The Huskies currently have 12 solid commits on the list which is a pretty good indication of the strength of the 2010 class.
The Long Beach Press Telegram chips in with their annual Best of the West which has faded in relevance over the past decade or so.
The Contra Costa Times chips in with its cream of the crop rankings for the East Bay area.
USA vs World
Colin Porter and Michael Hartvigson from Bothell HS participated in the USA vs World All Star game in Florida this weekend. Both were very impressive when they were in the game. Hartvigson showed nice hands and solid blocking ability. Colin "Porterhouse" Porter lived up to the hype by pancaking the opposition on a few plays.
Huskies host twelve HS underclassmen
Recruiting for the class of 2010 is almost completed but the coaches are already laying the groundwork for the future by hosting 10 players from the class of 2011 and two from 2012 on campus this past weekend.
WR Kasen Williams Skyline
DT/DE Tani Tupou Archbishop Murphy
RB Harvey Langi Bingham (South Jordan, Utah)
DE/TE Colt Lyerla Hillsboro (Oregon)
DT/OG Danny Shelton Auburn
QB Trey Wheeler Liberty
QB Brett Smith West Salem (Oregon)
ATH Valentino Coleman Garfield
OT Dexter Charles Stanwood
WR Jamall Jones Graham-Kapowsin
OT/DE Josh Garnett Puyallup (2012)
OT Zach Banner Lakes (2012)
Coach Owens Wife Passes
Martha Jane Owens, wife of former UW football coach Jim Owens, died on Thursday night in Bigfork, Mt. She was 81. Coach Owens himself passed away on June 6th of 2009 at the age of 82.