SEATTLE -- With two Pac-12 contests and a bowl game left in 2012, Washington’s season has hit the backstretch.
However, while the Huskies are facing those few final games, the program’s second season -- the recruiting season -- is reaching its crescendo.
Washington is preparing for its final recruiting push before signing day. There are plenty of prime prospects weighing their final decisions, with Washington getting at least a passing glance.
Recently the nation’s top linebacker, Reuben Foster (Auburn, Ala./Auburn), said he is considering an official visit to Washington despite his commitment to hometown Auburn. Athlete Max Redfield, rated the nation’s No. 36 prospect, recently took a visit and the Huskies are sure to at least get a second look at the interest of offensive lineman Alex Redmond (Los Alamitos, Calif./Los Alamitos), who recently decommitted from Oregon.
If Foster takes a visit to Seattle, it still seems unlikely he ends up wearing purple and gold. However, if he is impressed by what he sees and shares positive comments following his trip, it will be a recruiting win for Washington.
Will Washington pull off any surprises in the dwindling months before signing day? This recent run of victories certainly helps the Huskies, but if prospects such as Notre Dame commit Danny Mattingly or UCLA commit Myles Jack are going to flip their commitments, it isn’t likely to happen soon.
This never-ending drama will produce plenty to talk about and, while the nation’s top names continue to weigh their options, it is time for HuskyNation to tackle the mailbag.
Have a question? Need an answer? Send submissions via Twitter to @MasonKelleyESPN or email: MasonKelleyESPN@gmail.com.
Here is this week’s HuskyNation mailbag:
@choidog00 via Twitter: Do you think UW will recruit Alex Redmond harder now that he has decommitted from Oregon?
A: At 6-foot-5 and 302 pounds, Redmond would be a nice addition to Washington’s offensive line class. However, while the Huskies seemed to be one of the finalists for his services before he originally selected Oregon, the common thought is that he is looking at other programs.
While Washington might not be the favorite to land Redmond, the program’s track record suggests it will certainly make one last attempt to gauge the senior’s interest.
@kevins206 via Twitter: Is there a QB they’re recruiting that is interested in them and has a chance to be a program-building type?
A: Washington has its quarterback for the 2013 class in Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne). The senior is having a huge season -- he has thrown for more than 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns -- and the Gauchos are undefeated so far.
With a pair of true freshmen in the program already and Williams on the way, the Huskies have several prospects who are capable of being program-sustaining passers when Keith Price graduates.
@JayDavis44 via Twitter: With (Ryan) Turman walking on, will that carry any leverage with (Myles) Jack and (Bishard “Budda”) Baker? Best friends, I keep hearing?
A: Inviting Ryan Turman to join the program as a walk-on this week was a shrewd move for the Huskies. He is athletic enough that he can fill the role expected from a walk-on, while also helping the Huskies with a pair of prospects they are hoping to land.
I spoke to Myles Jack at school Thursday, and he said it’s a nice gesture. It certainly helps. Turman is very good friends with both Jack and Bishard Baker and his presence in the program is just one more familiar face for the standouts, should they pick the program.
But, while Turman’s addition helps, it is not enough by itself to cause Jack and Baker to commit to Washington.
@JayDavis44 via Twitter: It looks like UW is out of the running for (Max) Redfield and (Tahaan) Goodman. Does that make it a bigger priority to get (Johnny) Johnson and another DB?
A: The Huskies currently have one prospect committed who projects to be a defensive back at the next level: cornerback Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd). Washington would like to add a few more defensive backs, but the program loaded up on the position in its 2012 class.
The defensive backfield wasn’t as much of a priority in this year’s class, but the Huskies still appear to be in good shape with cornerback Johnny Johnson Jr. and safety Patrick Enewally, so Washington still has options.