Team Recruiting Countdown: No. 17 Washington Huskies

No. 17 Washington Huskies (Pac-10 No. 4)

2008 haul: 26 signees, 1 Athlon Consensus 100

Scouting Report:

After three losing seasons under Ty Willingham, Washington Husky fans have something to smile about. The emergence of the Tim Tebow of the west – Jake Locker – has given hope to U of W fans. Willingham needed to give him some help, though. The 2008 recruiting class did just that.

To protect his young star at quarterback, the Huskies landed six offensive lineman, including the massive Alameda Ta’amu (Seattle, Wash.) who checks in at 6-2 and at least 335 pounds. Allen Carroll (Oakland, Calif.) and Senio Kelemete (Seattle, Wash.) round out one of the top offensive line classes in the Pac-10.

This class is also chalk full of pass-catching options for Locker. Kavario Middleton (Lakewood, Wash.) could end being the top tight end prospect in the nation, if he isn’t moved to defense. Chris Polk (Redlands, Calif) is a dynamic player on the outside and was once a USC commit (so he must be good). Jermaine Kearse (Lakewood, Wash.) and Vince Taylor (Issaquah, Wash.) add much needed depth to the receiving corp. Cody Bruns (Prosser, Wash.) might be the most interesting, however. He lacks the physical tools of his fellow pass catching recruits but was arguably the most productive wide receiver in the history of high school football in this country. Just for safe measure, the Huskies landed three running backs as well.

The offense should be very potent for the coming years. The defense, however, is a different story. Washington ranked 107th in the total defense last season and needs upgrades at nearly every position, defensive end in particular. Willingham did a solid job at the end position with Everrette Thompson (Burien, Wash.) and potentially Middleton – who is also a very good defensive prospect. Three linebackers and three defensive backs will attempt to sure up a porous back seven.

Overall, Willingham and staff did a marvelous job of upgrading the talent on offense. The defense is more of a question mark, though. Fans will have to wait and see if the Husky defense improves in 2008.

As expected, the state of California was a fertile proving ground for the Huskies. They landed nine prospects from the Golden State including the very talented Carroll and Polk.

In addition, if Washington expects to compete in the very difficult Pac-10, they needed to close down the borders of their own state and keep talent at home. They did so in 2008 by landing 12 of the top 15 prospects in the state of Washington.

Top Prospect: Kavario Middleton – TE/DE – Lakewood, Wash. (6-6, 250) AC100 No. 44

Middleton has the physical ability to be the best tight end in the nation for 2008. He also has the ability to be a dynamic defensive end as well. He should play on offense, however. He has wonderful receiving skills and has no fear whatsoever about going over the middle to make the tough catch. Middleton will also be a go-to red zone target as he uses his massive 6-6 frame to out-leap smaller defenders for the ball. He has solid hands and nice ball skills.

Middleton is not just an end zone, possession-type receiver at the tight end position. He has some athleticism too. Al la Ben Troupe at Florida, Middleton once leaped over an opposing defensive back who was making a poor effort at a tackle in the open field. This athleticism is what defensive coordinators love about his D-line potential.

His pass-catching ability, big-play skills and red zone dominance should place him in the offensive huddle, though. As a blocker, he has the potential to be very productive. A little work here and there should clean his technique up a bit and allow him to be a solid blocker.

Best of the Rest:

Everette Thompson – DE – Burien, Wash. (6-5, 240)
Chris Polk – ATH – Redlands, Calif. (6-0, 200)
Allen Carroll – G – Oakland, Calif. (6-4, 290)
Alameda Ta’amu – G – Seattle, Wash. (6-2, 335)
Senio Kelemete – T/DT – Seattle, Wash. (6-4, 270)

Sleeper: Cody Bruns – WR – Prosser, Wash. (5-11, 185)

Bruns is a classic over-achiever. He is too small and too slow to be a big time recruit, but he simply does whatever it takes. His level of production is unprecedented in high school football as he set a national record for receptions with 304 catches for 5,080 yards and 72 touchdowns. That’s getting the job done. He is an incredibly heady player who has a great natural feel for the game.

2008 Sleepers

The term role player has long been regarded as one with negative connotations. On a basketball court, it’s a scrappy, less-talented ball player who can do a little bit of everything. On a baseball diamond, it’s the utility infielder who will play any position you ask him to.

In recruiting classes, the “role players” can end up being stars.

Yes, the top-notch, five-star type players are needed if one expects to win a national championship in college football these days. But staying competitive in today’s NCAA landscape means developing talent better than the next guy. That is where the two-and three-star players come in. They are the underlying foundation of depth on conference championship teams.

Just ask Oklahoma, Ohio State, Alabama, West Virginia or Wisconsin.



The Buckeyes and Crimson Tide both had linebackers recently who were not only high draft picks but are now NFL stars: A.J. Hawk and DeMeco Ryans. Both were three-star prospects coming out of high school.

Oklahoma’s record-setting freshman quarterback, Sam Bradford, was not a big-time recruit.

Pat White and Steve Slaton were both asked to play other positions – by LSU and Maryland respectively –  coming out of high school until Rich Rodriguez and WVU gave them a shot in the backfield. Next season, White is likely to become the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher from the quarterback position.

Wisconsin’s bruising tailback P.J. Hill was a two-star fullback and nine defensive starters for the Badgers were ranked three-stars or lower coming out of the prep ranks.

So who are those sleepers this season? Here are some mid-level prospects who might have a chance at being stars for their school of choice:

Darius Ashley        Cincinnati, OH    RB    5’9” 190    Louisville

This kid also was the leader and main factor on a state championship football team. This was the highest division of play in Ohio, though, so no small feat. He is tough. He is fast and he wins. Steve Kragthorpe and company got a nice player in Ashley.

Willie Bohannon        Mobile, AL        DE    6’3” 240    Tennessee

Bohannon has the size/speed combination that is so valuable to defensive coordinators. He has great pass rush ability as well as lateral quickness in the run game. He played very physical football in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic. Now all John Chavis has to figure out is where to play him.

Cody Bruns            Prosser, WA        WR    5’11” 185    Washington

This little over-achiever is going to be a great receiving option for Husky quarterback Jake Locker. He is just a bit too short and just a bit too slow, right? Well, Bruns simply gets the job done. He set national high school career receiving records with 304 career receptions for 5,080 yards and 72 touchdowns. He is too smart a player not to be successful.

Alfred Jenkins        Jacksonville, FL    WR    6’ 178        Illinois

There is no secret that freshmen will be given the shot to play at Illinois. Jenkins is no exception. He has great speed and will make things happen with the ball in his hands. Juice Williams will need another receiving option next season across from Arrelious Benn, and Jenkins could be the guy.

Wes Kemp            St. Louis, MO    WR    6’4” 226    Missouri

Originally headed to Wisconsin, Kemp recently switched to the Tigers. He might be moved to tight end, and in Gary Pinkel’s system, he is a perfect fit. His size and athleticism make him an ideal piece to the Pinkel offensive puzzle. He will be a faster, slightly smaller version of Martin Rucker.

D’anton Lynn        Celina, TX        S    6’1” 180    Penn State

Penn State dipped into Texas to pull an underrated defensive back prospect. Lynn will be very good against the run. His aggressive, attacking style of play allows him to play down in the box. His speed and athleticism give him the ability to play sideline-to-sideline.

Kyle Parker            Jacksonville, FL    QB    6’ 192”    Clemson

This Todd Reesing look-alike played very well at the Under Armour All-American Game. He has such a natural feel for the game, that it might be hard to keep him off the field. He goes through his progressions very quickly and accurately. Watch out Willy Korn!

Curt Phillips            Kingsport, TN    QB    6’3” 218    Wisconsin

This kid is the complete package of physical ability at the quarterback position. He has nice height and a well-built, muscular frame. His arm strength is more than adequate. It is his athleticism that makes him so intriguing. He has the ability to be a run option from out of the backfield. Phillips gained 9,206 total yards and was responsible for 115 touchdowns over three seasons.

James Vandenberg        Keokuk, IA        QB    6’2” 185    Iowa

Vandenberg leaves Keokuk High with almost sole possession of the Iowa state passing record book. He also led his team to the 3A state championship. On film, he shows nice footwork and nice fundamentals. He is productive, he is a winner and he has nice technique. That is all I need to know.

Rod Wilks            Smyrna, TN        WR    6’2” 205    Tennessee

Wilks has been compared to Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. He is not quite that physically gifted but he certainly plays a similar brand of football. In fact, Wilks might even be a touch faster than Mr. Fitzgerald. He likes the contact and will make the tough catch. Wilks will be a playmaker in Knoxville.

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Here are some guys who are not so much sleepers as they are underrated. These five names are all outside of the top-125 in the Athlon Consensus 100, but all should be in the top-100.

Nick Cody            Brush Prairie, WA    OL    6’5” 290    Oregon

This young offensive tackle may be the most underrated prospect in the nation. Cody has a great story and a great head on his shoulders. He is a well-grounded, hard-working mauler along the offensive line. He looks to bury defenders on every play and with his size could be an all-Pac-10 type player. I had a chance to interview him during his live commitment.

Listen Here

Jarmon Fortson        Columbus, GA    WR    6’3” 218    Florida State

Fortson put on a show in the Georgia Dome during the 3A state semi-finals. He led his team to 20 unanswered points in the final six minutes of play to pull off the miraculous comeback 26-24. He made spectacular catch after spectacular catch. The big, physical receiver will be a threat in all levels of the passing game.

Max Tuioti-Mariner        Corona, CA        OL    6’4” 300    Colorado

This kid is a beast. He, like Cody, looks to bury defenders on every play. It is this killer instinct that transforms physically limited solid players into all-conference type bruisers. Stick him next to true freshman starter Ryan Miller and the left side of the Colorado offensive line is set for years to come.

Darron Thomas        Aldine, TX        ATH    6’4” 205    Oregon

The Ducks are getting a dynamic playmaker in Mr. Thomas. He has lightning-quick footwork and his acceleration is second to none. I would like to see him get a shot at quarterback as the Chip Kelly system would fit his skills perfectly. He does lack the arm strength coaches like, but he has good touch and accuracy.

MarQueis Gray        Indianapolis, IN    QB    6’4” 220    Minnesota

Arguably the second-best dual-threat quarterback behind Terrelle Pryor, Gray is a dynamic playmaker. This kid has the speed to get downfield in a hurry. He will be a great fit in the spread offense that Tim Brewster is trying to install. He has great acceleration, size and arm strength. Gray is a much more polished passer than a guy like Darron Thomas.

Pre-Signing Day Team Recruiting Rankings:

In the middle of November, the first edition of The UV's Unofficial Team Recruiting Rankings debuted. Notre Dame was the best class in the nation after the first unofficial rankings. Things have changed a bit since then.

Athlon's ranks were USC-1, UGA-2, OSU-3, ALA-4, MIA-5. Our rankings only act as one-fourth of the overall team rankings. Much in the same way that the Athlon Consensus 100 works, these team rankings are compiled using four expert sources. ESPN, Rivals, Scout and Athlon.



Rivals and Scout use a computer system that calculates a point total based on individual rankings and quantities. ESPN's list is a subjective group put together based on one man's opinion. Athlon's rankings are obviously subjective as well. This gives The Unofficial Team Recruiting Rankings equal parts computer and human.

Georgia's consistency at No. 2 across the board gave the Bulldogs enough to overcome Notre Dame's two No. 1's. USC and OSU have the best bang for their buck with the highest level of quality. But schools like Miami and Alabama have put together much bigger classes at the moment so they got the nod in most rankings.

Texas has the top running back class with five nice prospects. They would have one of the best classes at the position in history if land Ventura (Cali.) running back Darrell Scott, whom they seem to be leading for after Longhorn tailback Jamaal Charles declared for the draft. Scott is the No. 1 running back prospect in the nation. If the Gators were to add Jacksonville star Jamie Harper and DeSoto (Tx.) product Cyrus Gray, they might be able to challenge. If the experts want to count USC transfer Emmanuel Moody, Florida might be leading.

USC is pulling off the same feat along the offensive line with six outstanding prospects. Ohio State could challenge if they were to land a kid like Josh Jenkins and Notre Dame might have something to say if they could snag Kenneth Page from the southeast.

The depth of this wide receiver class is special and there is still a lot of work to be done. With names like Muskogee's (Okla.) Jameel Owens and Foley's (Al.) Julio Jones still hanging in the balance, any number of teams could claim the title.

Florida would certainly clinch this position if they can somehow pull the upset and land Jones. Carl Moore, Omarius Hines and Frankie Hammonds round out a very well-balanced class for the Gators.

USC's class is special. D.J. Shoemate is Percy Harvin plus two inches and 30 pounds. Brice Butler might be the most polished wideout in the entire class. Oklahoma would challenge if they land Owens - which seems likely. Notre Dame recently pulled Deion Walker off the east coast and Michael Floyd is a very special player. Miami could join the action if the 6-6 Tommy Streeter gives The U a clean sweep of the Northwestern-7. (Ben Jones would have to commit as well...work with me here)

Spain Park defensive end William Green would give Alabama the best defensive line class. Miami boasts the best interior group led by Marcus Fortson, Texas A&M leads on the edge with six commits. Georgia has the second best overall class. Clemson and Oklahoma bring in the best two defensive line prospects in DaQuan Bowers and R.J. Washington respectively.

Miami has the linebacker class locked up. This class is so deep that the Canes might have five starters in the group: three linebackers, one safety and one defensive end. Michigan and Virginia Tech both have great depth in the linebacker corp. If the Buffaloes can hang onto Lynn Katoa, Colorado will have a dynamite group at linebacker.

LSU is atop the list of defensive back classes, led by Ely's (Fl.) Patrick Johnson. If Rick Nueheisel can hang onto Rahim Moore, E.J. Woods and company, UCLA might get my nod, however. It just seems so unlikely that will happen. The Gators claim the top safety group with New Jersey product Will Hill and Auburn High's Dee Finley.

The final team rankings will be released post-signing day.

Trouble in Paradise?

The USC Trojans have dominated the recruiting world for nearly half of a decade. Is their grasp slipping?

Recently, East Valley all-purpose standout Chris Polk (Redlands, CA) switched to Washington this week. A Washington program that is flying high on the recruiting trail right now with names like Kavario Middleton and Jermaine Kearse as well as national record setting wide receiver Cody Bruns.

Although USC is not at a loss for superior game-breakers, losing Polk will hurt. It obviously means much more to a very unpopular Ty Willingham than Petey The Poodle but it still stings to lose a top target to a conference foe.

To compound that, stellar do-it-all athlete from Little Rock (Ark.) Joe Adams has stated that he loves the Bobby Petrino hire and is very interested in Arkansas. This would again be much more important to Arky than USC. Arkansas is a state that USC has done very well in with Mitch Mustain, Damien Williams, Broderick Green and now Adams. Keep an eye on Adams who is still technically committed to USC

So, is USC's grasp on recruiting slipping?

The answer is a resounding NO.

Pete Carroll is on the verge of stealing the hard working Derrick Coleman, a big running back from Fullerton, CA, away from crosstown rival UCLA. Top linebacker prospect Arthur Brown is set to announce in a week or so and USC got the last visit. I personally believe its down to Miami and USC. Brown wants to be in a big city. My money is on USC.

Also, if UCLA does not make a coaching hire soon, expecially if that hire does not involve Dwayne Walker, UCLA will lose a large number of their top recruits. Aundre Dean, E.J. Woods, Coleman and others have stated that they would leave if Walker is not some sort of hold over. Petey will be waiting with open arms.

Wait there is more. The Rivals100 has already been released for 2009 and there are eight kids committed nationally. USC has FOUR of them. USC landed #96 prospect T.J. McDonald a week ago to go along with Randall Carroll (#65-WR), Morrell Presley (#78-TE) and Kevin Graf (#88-OL).

I think USC is doing just fine.

Crespi-Servite Overtime Thriller!

One California Pac-5 division semi-final could not have offered more excitement. Anaheim-Servite lost to Encino-Crespi 13-10 in overtime this weekend. The other Pac-5 final was not quite as exciting as Long Beach Poly beat Orange Lutheran 2-0. Yes, thats right. A safety to nothing.

Crespi-Servite featured five high-level stars.

Crespi sports three of them. UCLA commit EJ Woods, huge OL Joseph Fauria is committed to Notre Dame and quarterback Kevin Prince is liking headed to Washington.

Servite features two future USC Trojans: athlete D.J. Shoemate and offensive tackle Matt Kalil.

Woods, who has said he is going to look around even though he is committed to UCLA, scored a two-yard touchdown in overtime to win the game. Crespi handed him the ball on almost every play in overtime.

DJ Shoemate, a player that should be ranked in the top-5 nationally, scored Servite's only touchdown late in the game as he tied the score 7-7. Shoemate is Percy Harvin plus 3 inches and 30 pounds.

Long Beach Poly used two key defensive stands inside their own five yard line to win the shootout with Orange Lutheran.

Top player in Washington stays home

After landing record breaking WR Cody Bruns last week (304 receptions), the man who could not recruit, Ty Willingham has landed the best player in the state of Washington for the 2008 class.

6-6, 250 lb tight end, Kavario Middleton committed to play for the Washington Huskies. The Lakes high (Lakewood, WA) product chose Washington over Oregon, Miami, Cal, Arizona St and Michigan. How he ranks:

Rivals: #30 overall, #2 TE in nation
ESPN: #65 overall, #3 TE in nation
Scout: #17 overall, #2 TE in nation

Kavario Middleton is a physical specimen. He is as physically gifted as maybe any athlete in the entire nation for 2008. For a player his size he can fly. The two-way star - he is an outstanding defensive end also - is as versatile a player as I have seen in this class.

As a pass catcher he is an impossible match-up for defenders. He can run past and around any linebacker you can throw at him. When he splits out, he towers over smaller defensive backs, over-powering them for the football. Middleton is superb at working the seems of the football field. He follows his namesake as going over the middle is where he is comfortable. He will stretch any defense at the next level.

He is simply an outstanding athlete. I've seen him completely hurdle a defender much like Ben Troupe did against Georgia when he was at Florida. Kavario is the gem of this Husky recruiting class.

Oh, and just to add a little value, Willingham gets his teammate in the deal too. Jermaine Kearse is one of the top-5 players in the state of Washington as well. The 6-0, 175 pound wide receiver has great speed and will make a nice compliment to the pass catching class Washington is building right now for '08.

The guy who is most excited about this class has to be Jake Locker though. The additions of Middleton, Kearse and Bruns all offer unique abilities to the position players at Washington. Locker will have plenty of weapon at his disposal.

Willingham, once again remember that this man clearly did not know how to recruit, (*cough* Brady Quinn, Jeff Samardzija, John Carlson, Tom Zibby, *cough*) has a chance to land most of the top-20 players in the state of Washington. He already has nine of them locked up and is in the running for seven more.

Record Setting WR Cody Bruns is a Huskie

Washington got beat Saturday by Washington St in the 100th match-up between the interstate rivals. In Cody Bruns mind, it played out a bit differently. The Huskies got the better of the Cougs this time. Bruns had offers from Boise St and Oregon St as well.

The Prosser High School (Prosser, WA) wide receiver is not a big target at 5-11, 175 lbs. His numbers, however, are huge. The little guy set a NATIONAL record for career receptions in high school with 304 catches for 5080 yards and 72 touchdowns.

Oh yeah, Prosser matches up with Burlington-Edison for the Class 2A Washington state championship this Saturday. National records and a state title, not a bad way to go out.

How Cody Bruns ranks:
Rivals: #99 WR nationally
Scout: #34 WR nationally
ESPN: #100 WR nationally

Cody Bruns, despite his diminutive frame and inferior athletic ability, is a great pick up for the Huskies. He has great hands and consistently catches the ball away from his body. He attacks the football with a very natural feel. He lacks all-around speed and athleticism but he makes up for it with good "football" speed. Speed that translates on the field not in a combine. He is a classic over-achiever. One can never have enough over-achievers on their roster.

Wes Welker is a solid comparison. This kid will put up huge numbers with Jake Locker.