Washington Huskies: Oregon State Beavers
Something about Pac-12 recruits just like 
June, 14, 2013
Jun 14
7:26
AM PT
By
Tom Luginbill | ESPN.com
Recruiting is the lifeblood of every program in the country, and every conference has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to landing top prospects. We've spent a week examining the BCS conferences plus Notre Dame to find each's strength, the biggest obstacle each faces and the overall view of the conference. The final conference we'll look at is the Pac-12.
Biggest obstacle: Defense, defense, defense. While this conference is never short on skill, weapons, quarterbacks and big-play offenses, finding playmakers on the defensive line is a whole lot tougher. It is staggering to see that from the top 40 players we've graded from the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah and Nevada since 2006, there are only three defensive linemen. That is well over 3,000 players graded and just three defensive linemen. Unlike Florida, which borders several states that are loaded with prospects, California does not have this luxury surrounding it in numbers and quality. The Pac-12 has the juice and player pool to be good enough to play for the national championship with a few teams, but can they win it without being loaded up front on defense?
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There are times where it seems as though defensive end Keisean Lucier-South (Orange, Calif./Orange Lutheran) is playing a video game out on the field, as the 6-foot-4, 200-pound defensive end can be a terror on both sides of the ball. Off of it, Lucier-South said life has begun to reflect a virtual reality as well.
It began this past December, when the sophomore made contact with his first college coach. But rather than the usual feeling-out process recruits and coaches go through, Lucier-South was thrust immediately into the ranks of the early offered. That first offer came from Boise State.
It began this past December, when the sophomore made contact with his first college coach. But rather than the usual feeling-out process recruits and coaches go through, Lucier-South was thrust immediately into the ranks of the early offered. That first offer came from Boise State.
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Although proven that it's here to stay, there is still some debate over the merits of the club 7-on-7 season. Injuries on the field and some unsavory elements off of it are usually brought up as reasons to stay away. But on the other side of the discussion sits wide receiver Erik Brown (Fontana, Calif./Summit).
Brown entered the spring 7-on-7 circuit without a scholarship offer, but used it to turn himself into one of the most sought-after receivers in California. He holds 15 offers now, after adding his most recent one from Notre Dame. Brown said he first took notice of what could be accomplished on the spring circuit last year.
Brown entered the spring 7-on-7 circuit without a scholarship offer, but used it to turn himself into one of the most sought-after receivers in California. He holds 15 offers now, after adding his most recent one from Notre Dame. Brown said he first took notice of what could be accomplished on the spring circuit last year.
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The Pac-12 has published its official 2013 media guide, which means each team has provided its official tally of returning starters.
What is a "returning starter"? Typically, it means a player who started at least five games in 2012, though in some cases it might include a 2011 starter who missed last season due to injury.
As a conference, 187 total starters are back from a possible 288, including punters and kickers. That's an average of 15.6 per team, which is well above the 10-year average of 14.9 returning starters. Last year, 173 starters -- 14.4 per team -- were coming back.
Washington returns the most with 20 starters, followed by Colorado with 19. Utah returns the fewest, with 12.
Here are the numbers:
That's an average of 7.1 players on offense and 7.3 players on defense. Last year, the numbers were 6.3 for offense and 6.8 for defense. The numbers are slightly down for specialists (1.2 versus 1.3).
Of the returning starters, 12 were first-team All-Pac-12.
Of course, returning starters don't mean everything.
USC was widely celebrated for its 19 returning starters in 2012, which earned it the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Associated Press poll. Things didn't go so well thereafter. Meanwhile, Arizona State went a surprisingly sound 8-5 with just 10 returning starters, fewest in the conference in 2012.
What is a "returning starter"? Typically, it means a player who started at least five games in 2012, though in some cases it might include a 2011 starter who missed last season due to injury.
As a conference, 187 total starters are back from a possible 288, including punters and kickers. That's an average of 15.6 per team, which is well above the 10-year average of 14.9 returning starters. Last year, 173 starters -- 14.4 per team -- were coming back.
Washington returns the most with 20 starters, followed by Colorado with 19. Utah returns the fewest, with 12.
Here are the numbers:
That's an average of 7.1 players on offense and 7.3 players on defense. Last year, the numbers were 6.3 for offense and 6.8 for defense. The numbers are slightly down for specialists (1.2 versus 1.3).
Of the returning starters, 12 were first-team All-Pac-12.
Of course, returning starters don't mean everything.
USC was widely celebrated for its 19 returning starters in 2012, which earned it the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Associated Press poll. Things didn't go so well thereafter. Meanwhile, Arizona State went a surprisingly sound 8-5 with just 10 returning starters, fewest in the conference in 2012.
Each week, we will profile one of the region's 7-on-7 teams, featuring the squad's top player, those who made the biggest strides this spring, the recruits to watch out for in the fall and the underclassmen poised to take over next spring.
This week, it's Ground Zero, a California Inland Empire-based team coached by Anthony Brown and Armond Hawkins.
Top prospect: Wide receiver Erik Brown (Fontana, Calif./Summit) was a revelation during the spring and vaulted himself into the discussion of the elite pass catchers in the state. Pac-12 offers from Arizona, Oregon State, UCLA, Washington and Washington State rolled in, and he is hearing from USC as well. Brown has said he would like to take his time with the process, but the Bruins put themselves in good position with the early offer.
This week, it's Ground Zero, a California Inland Empire-based team coached by Anthony Brown and Armond Hawkins.
Top prospect: Wide receiver Erik Brown (Fontana, Calif./Summit) was a revelation during the spring and vaulted himself into the discussion of the elite pass catchers in the state. Pac-12 offers from Arizona, Oregon State, UCLA, Washington and Washington State rolled in, and he is hearing from USC as well. Brown has said he would like to take his time with the process, but the Bruins put themselves in good position with the early offer.
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Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the Pac-12:
Arizona Wildcats
What they're selling: Rich Rodriguez's offensive system worked wonders at West Virginia and introduced the nation to Denard Robinson at Michigan. In 2012, the explosive offense scored at least 34 points in 10 of the Wildcats' 13 games.
What they're missing: The Wildcats don't have the Territorial Cup, which went to Arizona State following a 41-34 victory last season. If Arizona is going to climb the Pac-12 ranks, it'll need to win at home and lock up local talent over the Sun Devils.
Arizona State Sun Devils
What they're selling: There's a new attitude at Arizona State, as Todd Graham took the Sun Devils from the most penalized team in the country to one of the least penalized in just one year. Installing that discipline and accountability has been a major selling point for recruits signing up to play with Graham.
What they're missing: The Sun Devils won their final three games of the season for the first time in more than three decades, but losses to UCLA and USC leave them looking up at the Pac-12 South leaders in the battle for national prominence.
California Golden Bears
What they're selling: One of the top public universities in the world, Cal will always be able to pitch its strong academics to recruiting. The new facilities and revamped California Memorial Stadium will help accentuate the package with a pretty bow.
What they're missing: Coach Sonny Dykes has recent Pac-12 experience, but his three years at Louisiana Tech took him completely out of the minds of West region recruits. In-state recruits, essential to Cal's recruiting success, are unfamiliar with what Dykes' systems look like in game action, although the Golden Bears will have a chance to make several statements this fall.
Colorado Buffaloes
What they're selling: The Buffaloes need playmakers at a multitude of position on both sides of the ball. Playing time and the ability to make an instant impact are certainly on the table for Colorado recruits.
What they're missing: Colorado was two points away from a winless season in 2012 and has very little on-field momentum heading into 2013. The Buffs have just four wins in two years in the Pac-12, and until that changes, it'll be difficult to win significant recruiting battles.
Oregon Ducks
What they're selling: The noisy uniforms and noisier Autzen Stadium provide the flash, but there is plenty of substance in the fast-paced offense the Ducks run. It's unlikely that will slow down under new coach Mark Helfrich.
What they're missing: Mostly obviously, they're missing Chip Kelly, which has left a slight cloud over how the program might change direction or continue unaltered under the new staff. But the possibility of looming NCAA sanctions means the Ducks can't sell completely smooth sailing to recruits in this class.
Oregon State Beavers
What they're selling: The Beavers can sell credibility, not just on the field, but with the coaching staff as well. Mike Riley and his staff have proven they can win in Corvallis and year after year, the Beavers' coach comes across as incredibly genuine to recruits.
What they're missing: In state, Oregon State is the decided underdog when it comes to flash and national appeal. The Beavers aren't often referred to as a "dream school" by recruits, so there is rarely a sure-fire commitment for coaches when they go out of state.
Stanford Cardinal
What they're selling: Arguably no school in the country has the combination of academics and athletics of Stanford. When you're recruiting student-athletes, that's a good place to start.
What they're missing: Despite the recent success, Stanford is never going to be able to put together the game-day atmosphere of some of its Pac-12 competition, including Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
UCLA Bruins
What they're selling: Jim Mora's staff has Southern California buzzing about the new direction UCLA is headed. That's a good thing for the Bruins, who have climbed out of the shadow of USC.
What they're missing: The Bruins had a chance to completely pass USC, but dropped their final three games of the season. There is still a question about whether they've jumped the Trojans for good and until that is settled on the field this season, the Trojans will likely get the benefit of the doubt, regionally and nationally.
USC Trojans
What they're selling: No Pac-12 program can fall back on tradition like USC. And now with the John McKay Center, old school meets new school in a much-needed facility upgrade.
What they're missing: Rumblings about Lane Kiffin's job security began after a 10-point loss to UCLA, grew louder after a loss to Notre Dame and became deafening after a Sun Bowl loss to Georgia Tech. Despite athletic director Pat Haden throwing his full support behind the coach, recruits and their families are having difficulty believing Kiffin and his staff are there for the long haul.
Utah Utes
What they're selling: Offensively, there is plenty of intrigue as to how co-offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson direct the attack. Overall, there is still the memory of what Utah was able to accomplish as a BCS spoiler in 2008, and Kyle Whittingham hopes to spark some of that magic in the Pac-12.
What they're missing: In two years, the Utes are below .500 in the Pac-12 and missed out on a bowl game last season. At this point, it's still an uphill climb in terms of convincing recruits they can cause an upheaval in the conference standings.
Washington Huskies
What they're selling: It's tough to find a coaching staff with more energy on the field or recruiting trail, starting with head coach Steve Sarkisian and moving to every assistant coach on the staff. It's a young group that relates incredibly well to recruits.
What they're missing: The Huskies have yet to win eight games in Sarkisian's three years in Seattle, so hitting that number would be a big step toward proving there is some growing on-field momentum.
Washington State Cougars
What they're selling: Mike Leach is still one of the most interesting personalities in college football, and despite some stumbles in his first year at Washington State, recruits are still interested to see what the Cougars can do this fall in his second year.
What they're missing: The Cougars need wins and they need them now. Washington State hasn't posted a winning record since 2003 and when it comes to on-field performance, it simply can't compete with a majority of Pac-12 teams.
Arizona Wildcats
What they're selling: Rich Rodriguez's offensive system worked wonders at West Virginia and introduced the nation to Denard Robinson at Michigan. In 2012, the explosive offense scored at least 34 points in 10 of the Wildcats' 13 games.
What they're missing: The Wildcats don't have the Territorial Cup, which went to Arizona State following a 41-34 victory last season. If Arizona is going to climb the Pac-12 ranks, it'll need to win at home and lock up local talent over the Sun Devils.
Arizona State Sun Devils
What they're selling: There's a new attitude at Arizona State, as Todd Graham took the Sun Devils from the most penalized team in the country to one of the least penalized in just one year. Installing that discipline and accountability has been a major selling point for recruits signing up to play with Graham.
What they're missing: The Sun Devils won their final three games of the season for the first time in more than three decades, but losses to UCLA and USC leave them looking up at the Pac-12 South leaders in the battle for national prominence.
California Golden Bears
What they're selling: One of the top public universities in the world, Cal will always be able to pitch its strong academics to recruiting. The new facilities and revamped California Memorial Stadium will help accentuate the package with a pretty bow.
What they're missing: Coach Sonny Dykes has recent Pac-12 experience, but his three years at Louisiana Tech took him completely out of the minds of West region recruits. In-state recruits, essential to Cal's recruiting success, are unfamiliar with what Dykes' systems look like in game action, although the Golden Bears will have a chance to make several statements this fall.
Colorado Buffaloes
What they're selling: The Buffaloes need playmakers at a multitude of position on both sides of the ball. Playing time and the ability to make an instant impact are certainly on the table for Colorado recruits.
What they're missing: Colorado was two points away from a winless season in 2012 and has very little on-field momentum heading into 2013. The Buffs have just four wins in two years in the Pac-12, and until that changes, it'll be difficult to win significant recruiting battles.
Oregon Ducks
What they're selling: The noisy uniforms and noisier Autzen Stadium provide the flash, but there is plenty of substance in the fast-paced offense the Ducks run. It's unlikely that will slow down under new coach Mark Helfrich.
What they're missing: Mostly obviously, they're missing Chip Kelly, which has left a slight cloud over how the program might change direction or continue unaltered under the new staff. But the possibility of looming NCAA sanctions means the Ducks can't sell completely smooth sailing to recruits in this class.
Oregon State Beavers
What they're selling: The Beavers can sell credibility, not just on the field, but with the coaching staff as well. Mike Riley and his staff have proven they can win in Corvallis and year after year, the Beavers' coach comes across as incredibly genuine to recruits.
What they're missing: In state, Oregon State is the decided underdog when it comes to flash and national appeal. The Beavers aren't often referred to as a "dream school" by recruits, so there is rarely a sure-fire commitment for coaches when they go out of state.
Stanford Cardinal
What they're selling: Arguably no school in the country has the combination of academics and athletics of Stanford. When you're recruiting student-athletes, that's a good place to start.
What they're missing: Despite the recent success, Stanford is never going to be able to put together the game-day atmosphere of some of its Pac-12 competition, including Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
UCLA Bruins
What they're selling: Jim Mora's staff has Southern California buzzing about the new direction UCLA is headed. That's a good thing for the Bruins, who have climbed out of the shadow of USC.
What they're missing: The Bruins had a chance to completely pass USC, but dropped their final three games of the season. There is still a question about whether they've jumped the Trojans for good and until that is settled on the field this season, the Trojans will likely get the benefit of the doubt, regionally and nationally.
USC Trojans
What they're selling: No Pac-12 program can fall back on tradition like USC. And now with the John McKay Center, old school meets new school in a much-needed facility upgrade.
What they're missing: Rumblings about Lane Kiffin's job security began after a 10-point loss to UCLA, grew louder after a loss to Notre Dame and became deafening after a Sun Bowl loss to Georgia Tech. Despite athletic director Pat Haden throwing his full support behind the coach, recruits and their families are having difficulty believing Kiffin and his staff are there for the long haul.
Utah Utes
What they're selling: Offensively, there is plenty of intrigue as to how co-offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson direct the attack. Overall, there is still the memory of what Utah was able to accomplish as a BCS spoiler in 2008, and Kyle Whittingham hopes to spark some of that magic in the Pac-12.
What they're missing: In two years, the Utes are below .500 in the Pac-12 and missed out on a bowl game last season. At this point, it's still an uphill climb in terms of convincing recruits they can cause an upheaval in the conference standings.
Washington Huskies
What they're selling: It's tough to find a coaching staff with more energy on the field or recruiting trail, starting with head coach Steve Sarkisian and moving to every assistant coach on the staff. It's a young group that relates incredibly well to recruits.
What they're missing: The Huskies have yet to win eight games in Sarkisian's three years in Seattle, so hitting that number would be a big step toward proving there is some growing on-field momentum.
Washington State Cougars
What they're selling: Mike Leach is still one of the most interesting personalities in college football, and despite some stumbles in his first year at Washington State, recruits are still interested to see what the Cougars can do this fall in his second year.
What they're missing: The Cougars need wins and they need them now. Washington State hasn't posted a winning record since 2003 and when it comes to on-field performance, it simply can't compete with a majority of Pac-12 teams.
The rain might have put a bit of a damper on the Washington spring game, but the Huskies coaches were ready to take advantage of having several of the region's top prospects on hand, including one of the top in-state targets, athlete Devante Downs (Mountlake Terrace, Wash./Mountlake Terrace).
"It was pretty fun," Downs said of his visit to the spring game. "The only thing I didn't like was the rain -- having to sit there in it and not being able to play."
"It was pretty fun," Downs said of his visit to the spring game. "The only thing I didn't like was the rain -- having to sit there in it and not being able to play."
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2014 LB Bodine works to add interest
February, 28, 2013
Feb 28
7:30
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Sam Bodine (Canby, Ore./Canby) wanted to know where he fit among Oregon’s top prospects.
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Oregon DE Humphreys has two on top
February, 11, 2013
Feb 11
11:06
AM PT
By Brandon Oliver | ESPN.com
Hailing from a school that has produced three U.S. Army All-Americans along the defensive line since the 2008 class, DE Connor Humphreys (Portland, Ore./Central Catholic) is looking to make a name for himself as he follows in the path of former Rams' defensive linemen Myles Wade, Brennan Scarlett and current Duck Alex Balducci.
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UW lands 3-star LB Bierria after late visit
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
9:11
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Washington added a fourth linebacker to its 2013 class Wednesday with Keishawn Bierria (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne) committing to the Huskies on signing day.
The three-star prospect, who was high school teammates with early enrollee Troy Williams, picked Washington over Oregon State and Arizona State.
Bierria was in Seattle over the weekend for his official visit. Washington coach Steve Sarkisian offered him a scholarship early in the trip and that made an impression.
“I felt like I was more of a priority to the team, and that’s huge,” Bierria said after his trip. “Usually, when a school comes in late, they don’t consider you much of a need.”
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound senior is the 23rd member of the Huskies’ current class, the 13th recruit from California to commit to a college career in Seattle.
What is the impact of Bierria's decision?
The three-star prospect, who was high school teammates with early enrollee Troy Williams, picked Washington over Oregon State and Arizona State.
Bierria was in Seattle over the weekend for his official visit. Washington coach Steve Sarkisian offered him a scholarship early in the trip and that made an impression.
“I felt like I was more of a priority to the team, and that’s huge,” Bierria said after his trip. “Usually, when a school comes in late, they don’t consider you much of a need.”
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound senior is the 23rd member of the Huskies’ current class, the 13th recruit from California to commit to a college career in Seattle.
What is the impact of Bierria's decision?
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Washington visit impresses three-star LB
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
10:06
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Keishawn Bierria (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne) was sitting down to dinner with the other official visitors taking a trip to Seattle the weekend before signing day when Steve Sarkisian walked in.
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Switch to football works in 2014 LB's favor
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
9:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
BEAVERTON, Ore. -- AJ Hotchkins grew up playing basketball.
He wanted to use hoops to play his way into a Division I scholarship. However, two years into his high school career, he wasn’t getting the interest he wanted.
Seeing his 6-foot, 230-pound frame, the Tigard (Ore.) coaching staff asked him to try football. He put pads on for the first time as a junior and played his way into Division I interest.
He wanted to use hoops to play his way into a Division I scholarship. However, two years into his high school career, he wasn’t getting the interest he wanted.
Seeing his 6-foot, 230-pound frame, the Tigard (Ore.) coaching staff asked him to try football. He put pads on for the first time as a junior and played his way into Division I interest.
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Northwest QBs set example for 2014 passer
January, 28, 2013
Jan 28
11:18
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Nick Mitchell (Snoqualmie, Wash./Mount Si) has grown up watching good quarterbacks.
While the 6-foot-2, 180-pound junior worked to become a more consistent passer, he followed the careers of Northwest standouts such as Jake Heaps, Jeff Lindquist and Max Browne, among others.
“They’ve paved the way for quarterbacks in the Northwest and made a name for us,” Mitchell said.
While the 6-foot-2, 180-pound junior worked to become a more consistent passer, he followed the careers of Northwest standouts such as Jake Heaps, Jeff Lindquist and Max Browne, among others.
“They’ve paved the way for quarterbacks in the Northwest and made a name for us,” Mitchell said.
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The latest stop on Brayden Kearsley’s official visit tour took him to a program he is comfortable with.
After all, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive lineman out of Aloha (Ore.) initially gave his verbal commitment to BYU.
Getting the chance to take a trip out to Provo, Utah, allowed Kearsley to see many of the things that initially drew him to the Cougars.
After all, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive lineman out of Aloha (Ore.) initially gave his verbal commitment to BYU.
Getting the chance to take a trip out to Provo, Utah, allowed Kearsley to see many of the things that initially drew him to the Cougars.
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Watch List LB gets first Big Ten offer
January, 13, 2013
Jan 13
5:51
PM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
As one of the best players on what will presumably be among the top high school football teams in the country next season, ESPN Watch List LB Dwight Williams (Gardena, Calif./Serra) has received plenty of attention from college coaches in recent weeks. Last week, the 6-foot, 200-pound LB received two new scholarship offers from two tradition-rich programs.
The latest schools to be in touch with Williams both pulled the trigger and offered Williams a scholarhsip.
The latest schools to be in touch with Williams both pulled the trigger and offered Williams a scholarhsip.
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