Recruiting really picked up this past week with four athletes pledging their allegiance to Washington since the beginning of the weekend. None of the four are real big names. All seem to be a bit under the radar since they haven't been heavily evaluated yet. Just because a kid hasn't been evaluated by the scouting services yet doesn't mean he isn't good.
The coaches know who their targets are. They have around ten of them left inside the borders of the state of Washington. Last weekends activity should begin to creating a sense of urgency in relation to open scholarship spots. For example UW may only have room for 1-2 more WR's. If you want one of those spots you better jump on it.
Malcolm Jackson picked Washington because he fell in love with the program at the Holiday Bowl. He isn't rated by Scout but he picked up five Pac 12 offers in the past week. Once Washington offered he jumped on it. He projects as a three technique. I imagine once Scout see's his film he will be rated a three star.
Washington now has eight verbal commitments and we expect the coaches to sign a full class with up to a dozen of those athletes coming from inside the state.
Top In State Targets
This is a huge year for in state recruiting. I rally can't remember the last time we had this many Pac 12 quality players. Here is a run down on where we think each kid is in the process and where they end up going.
QB Jeff Lindquist - UW Commit - Jeff was one of the top QB's in the country and a huge get for the Huskies. He is a big fast kid with great arm....what more do you want? If you are a UW coach one more QB with a similar skill set and they were able do that too when they received a verbal from Cyler Miles.
RB Keivarae Russell - Russell is definitely the type blue chip recruit the Huskies covet. Most think he will end up staying home to war the purple and the gold. He was just invited to the USAA game.
WR Michael Rector - Rector is a priority for UW but they can fill the same need by grabbing a similar athlete from California if he waits too long.
WR Trent Sewell - His dad went to WSU and I bet he ends up becoming a Cougar.
TE Caleb Smith - UW offered in May and if I were a betting man I would bet on Smith committing to UW when everything is said and done. He says he wants to take all his visits and will make a final decision this winter.
TE Dustin Stanton - OSU Commit - I think he would have a very tough decision to make f UW came calling but I think the Huskies have already found their guy in Caleb Smith. I like Stanton's 6'6 frame. He needs a year or two in the weight room but I think he could end up being a good one.
OL Josh Garnett - Josh is the number one OG in the country. He is the highest rated recruit in the state, a UW legacy, and a huge priority for Sark.
OL Zach Banner - Zach is a national recruit and he recently narrowed the field down to nine schools. He says he will visit USC, Notre Dame, and Michigan. Washington will also get a visit. I think he ends up staying home to play with his friends from Lakes HS at UW.
OL Walker Williams - Walker has offers from UW, UCLA, OSU, Wisconsin, and Utah to consider. At 6'7 321 lbs he is just huge.
OL Nathan Dean - UW Commit - Dean is going to end up being a pretty good player. He has a good fram and he moves pretty well. He reminds Coach Tarantola of Kelemete in many ways.
OL Sam Flor - Sam was just offered by the Cougars and I think it is a pretty good bet that he ends up in either Pullman or Corvallis.
OL Jake Eldrenkamp - Most years a player like Jake would have a UW offer by now but this isn't most years. Currently he has offers from Oregon State and Utah...look for WSU to offer next.
OL Cory English - Oregon State and WSU have offered but he would love to hear from UW.
OL Josh Mitchell - Josh has offers from Oregon State and WSU and also would love to hear from UW.
LB Jordon Pulu - WSU Commit - His brother Andru was at Washington and now attends Eastern.
LB Caleb Saulo - Army has offered.
CB Cedric Dozier - Cedric has a boatload of Pac 10 offers. Most think he will end up being a Husky because that is what LAkes HS guys do.
CB Tyler Hasty - Tyler has an offer from Colorado and is waiting to hear from UW and WSU.
CB Jayshawn Jordan - Jayshawn as an offer from WSU.
S Ma'ne Manaea - Ma'ne has offers from WSU, Colorado, and Utah.
Dawg Pound Posting Schedule
I didn't get a chance to write the "Monday Morning Wash" column this week. I had family staying with us the past seven days and I simply did not have the time to get it out. This has been an unusual spring for me activity wise but things will start even out by the end of the month.
Thanks for everyone's patience and contributions.