Washington Huskies: Washington State Cougars
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.
Defensive end Don Hill (Boise, Idaho/Timberline) committed Friday to sign with Washington, according to the Idaho Statesman.
"I felt really comfortable with the program as a whole, with the coaches, the school, the football team and what they had to offer me with the education and the football side of it," he said.
Hill, 6-foot-4, 235-pounds, turned down scholarship offers from Boise State, Utah, Washington State and Wyoming. Stanford showed interest.
Last season, he registered 70 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 7 sacks.
Hill is commitment No. 3 for the Huskies.
"I felt really comfortable with the program as a whole, with the coaches, the school, the football team and what they had to offer me with the education and the football side of it," he said.
Hill, 6-foot-4, 235-pounds, turned down scholarship offers from Boise State, Utah, Washington State and Wyoming. Stanford showed interest.
Last season, he registered 70 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 7 sacks.
Hill is commitment No. 3 for the Huskies.
DE Emesibe picks up first three offers 
April, 15, 2013
Apr 15
12:00
PM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
As often happens, the first offer issued to a recruit creates some momentum and others follow suit once one team pulls the trigger.
Defensive end Kennedy Emesibe (Hester, Calif./Oak Hills) is learning that first hand as he not only picked up his first offer last weekend from Cal, but added offers from Colorado State and Washington State a couple of days later.
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Recruiting coming around for LB Lazarus 
April, 13, 2013
Apr 13
12:00
PM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
One of the top players in northern California, and one of the top linebackers on the West Coast is finally starting to gain some traction on the recruiting trail. Linebacker Michael Lazarus (Berkeley, Calif./Berkeley) recently picked up his second Pac-12 offer.
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Petaluma (Calif.) Casa Grande High School was a must-stop location for college coaches last season, as Elijah Qualls wowed onlookers with his ability to play defensive tackle and running back. Qualls eventually signed with Washington, but the attention he earned last spring helped shed some light on John Porchivina, who could be asked to pick up some of the slack left by Qualls' departure.
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Offer, interest motivates 2014 DL Griffin 
February, 21, 2013
Feb 21
11:09
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Marcus Griffin (Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue) wasn’t sure when he would land his first scholarship offer.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive lineman thought it might take some time, but that didn’t stop the stress.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive lineman thought it might take some time, but that didn’t stop the stress.
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Williams has plenty of Pac-12 interest 
February, 13, 2013
Feb 13
5:46
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Los Angeles Dorsey is no stranger to producing FBS talent, and in the 2014 recruiting class, the Dons could have one of the top safeties in the state in David Williams.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety is hearing from Pac-12 programs Arizona State, Colorado, Washington and Washington State the most at this point, and plans to take a closer look at each during the offseason.
This past weekend, Williams took an official visit to Washington for the Huskies' junior day.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety is hearing from Pac-12 programs Arizona State, Colorado, Washington and Washington State the most at this point, and plans to take a closer look at each during the offseason.
This past weekend, Williams took an official visit to Washington for the Huskies' junior day.
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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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BOTHELL, Wash. -- It was a busy football season for Brett Rypien (Spokane, Wash./Shadle Park).
When the 6-foot-2, 175-pound quarterback wasn’t putting together gaudy performances -- he threw for a state-record 577 yards against Spokane Valley (Wash.) Central Valley -- he was starting to experience the stages of the recruiting process.
Only a sophomore, Rypien has already landed an offer from Washington State, giving him the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien.
When the 6-foot-2, 175-pound quarterback wasn’t putting together gaudy performances -- he threw for a state-record 577 yards against Spokane Valley (Wash.) Central Valley -- he was starting to experience the stages of the recruiting process.
Only a sophomore, Rypien has already landed an offer from Washington State, giving him the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien.
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According to multiple sources, Washington landed a verbal commitment from senior point guard Jahmel Taylor (Los Angeles/Pacific Hills) on Monday night.
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2014 OL Streuli looks to add interest 
January, 16, 2013
Jan 16
10:50
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Chandler Streuli (Enumclaw, Wash./Enumclaw) couldn’t wait for the one-on-one matchups.
The 6-foot-3, 294-pound offensive lineman was at a Barton Football Academy workout and his favorite session was about to begin.
“I just love the competition,” the junior said. “It’s you versus someone else and, being a tackle, I’m on an island, so it’s always me versus someone else. That’s fun.”
The 6-foot-3, 294-pound offensive lineman was at a Barton Football Academy workout and his favorite session was about to begin.
“I just love the competition,” the junior said. “It’s you versus someone else and, being a tackle, I’m on an island, so it’s always me versus someone else. That’s fun.”
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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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Wrestling helps Frick train for football 
January, 8, 2013
Jan 8
2:28
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Andrew Frick (Palo, Alto, Calif./Palo Alto) had always heard wrestling was the hardest sport someone could participate in at the high school level.
But, as a freshman, he didn’t believe it. It didn’t take him long to change his mind.
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UW, UCLA continue to compete for recruits 
January, 7, 2013
Jan 7
11:25
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- Take a look at the ESPN.com 2013 football class rankings and it should come as little surprise Washington and UCLA sit side-by-side.
The Huskies (No. 19) and Bruins (No. 20) have been targeting a similar set of prospects throughout this recruiting cycle.
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