Washington Huskies: UCLA Bruins
Erik McKinney talks with Michele Steele about the trio of 2015 prospects Stanford offered Wednesday and the 2017 recruits to whom UCLA and USC offered scholarships this week.
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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Austin getting bigger on and off the field
June, 5, 2013
Jun 5
12:42
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
"We eatin'' has become a popular refrain signifying success on the football field. Offensive tackle Jordan Austin (Claremont, Calif./Claremont) is finding success by using that phrase off the field.
After playing at 240 pounds last season, the 6-foot-5 tackle pushed himself up to 273 pounds this spring and said he sees himself playing comfortably at 280 during his senior season. As for adding the weight, Austin has been eating -- at home, at school and in the weight room.
After playing at 240 pounds last season, the 6-foot-5 tackle pushed himself up to 273 pounds this spring and said he sees himself playing comfortably at 280 during his senior season. As for adding the weight, Austin has been eating -- at home, at school and in the weight room.
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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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Heading into spring ball, defensive tackle Matt Dickerson (San Mateo, Calif./Junipero Serra) was looking for his first offer. Heading into his summer vacation, he's one of the West region's hottest prospects.
It happened quickly for the 6-foot-5, 250-pound lineman. He hadn't heard from many schools during a junior season in which he posted 42 tackles and 1.5 sacks, but everything changed once the calendar flipped to March.
It happened quickly for the 6-foot-5, 250-pound lineman. He hadn't heard from many schools during a junior season in which he posted 42 tackles and 1.5 sacks, but everything changed once the calendar flipped to March.
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Damien Mama (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) made himself invisible to college coaches for a short time this spring, which isn’t an easy thing for a 6-foot-4, 352-pound recruit -- as well as the No. 68 player overall and No. 3 offensive guard in the country -- to do.
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Centennial spring showcase unveils stars
May, 13, 2013
May 13
3:08
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Corona (Calif.) Centennial was the place to be for college coaches this past Thursday, as the Huskies went through their spring showcase event designed to give schools from every level a chance to evaluate the juniors and top underclassmen. More than 30 schools were represented, including coaches from Alabama, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, USC and Washington.
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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.
Heading into the spring, it was difficult to imagine any duo in the West region stealing the recruiting spotlight from Gardena (Calif.) Serra's Adoree' Jackson and Dwight Williams. And while the five-star cornerback and four-star linebacker still rank as two of the more highly-recruited players in the country, some of the buzz has shifted to another set of teammates in Southern California. You won't hear much complaining from Jackson and Williams, however, as they share a locker room with the new dynamic duo.
Outside linebacker John Houston and defensive end Rasheem Green -- stars of the 2015 recruiting class -- didn't step into the recruiting process this spring; they dove in. For both, it was outstanding performances at the Los Angeles Nike Camp that catapulted them onto the radars of college coaches. UCLA offered both shortly after the event and they have been on a roll since then.
Outside linebacker John Houston and defensive end Rasheem Green -- stars of the 2015 recruiting class -- didn't step into the recruiting process this spring; they dove in. For both, it was outstanding performances at the Los Angeles Nike Camp that catapulted them onto the radars of college coaches. UCLA offered both shortly after the event and they have been on a roll since then.
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Video: Pac-12 spring visits, big decommit
April, 26, 2013
Apr 26
9:57
AM PT
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
In this week's edition of the Pac-12 Official Visit segment, West regional recruiting coordinator Erik McKinney joins Phil Murphy to discuss the latest decommitment for USC and a host of spring game visitors for UCLA, Oregon, and Washington.
The recruiting battle for the top running back in the West is only heating up this spring, as college coaches look for any way to gain an advantage in the Joe Mixon (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) sweepstakes.
This past weekend, Washington had its first chance to impress the nation's No. 135 player, as the 6-foot-2, 205-pound tailback made his way to the Huskies' spring game.
This past weekend, Washington had its first chance to impress the nation's No. 135 player, as the 6-foot-2, 205-pound tailback made his way to the Huskies' spring game.
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#BlueChipBattles: ESPN 150 release edition
April, 19, 2013
Apr 19
9:49
AM PT
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
Student Sports, ESPN, ESPNSpeedy Noil, Adoree Jackson and Da'Shawn Hand are three of the most coveted recruits in the Class of 2014.
: RecruitingNation summoned its writers from around the country to outline the recruiting battles for the ESPN 150's top 10 prospects.
Plus, rank the battles in SportsNation.
#TopFBMixtapes: Athlete mixtapes are all the rage in this highlight-crazed era of sports. We reached out to our Twitter followers to find out which 2014 football stars had the best highlight reels on YouTube, then had our staff rank and comment on the top submissions.
Tom Luginbill writes
: After talking to many coaches across the country and hearing their frustrations, here are their five biggest complaints about homemade highlight videos.