2015 ATH Austin Joyner talks Huskies offer 
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
9:16
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By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
During each break in Tuesday’s practice, Washington coaches would jog over to Austin Joyner (Marysville, Wash./Marysville-Pilchuck) to talk about the prospect of the sophomore one day playing for the program.
Toward the end of practice, Huskies head coach Steve Sarkisian pulled the 5-foot-10, 180-pound athlete aside and offered him a scholarship.
“It’s great,” Joyner said. “It’s just good to know I’m capable of playing at the next level and that other people see it, too. It’s not just I think I could be a D-I athlete. Now that I have the first offer, I’ve realized what I’m able to do.”
Toward the end of practice, Huskies head coach Steve Sarkisian pulled the 5-foot-10, 180-pound athlete aside and offered him a scholarship.
“It’s great,” Joyner said. “It’s just good to know I’m capable of playing at the next level and that other people see it, too. It’s not just I think I could be a D-I athlete. Now that I have the first offer, I’ve realized what I’m able to do.”
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UCLA impresses '14 OG Viane Talamaivao
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
9:05
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By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Watch List offensive guard Viane Talamaivao (Corona, Calif./Centennial) is becoming one of the more highly recruited big men in the West region for the 2014 class, and the UCLA Bruins made quite a statement in their recruitment of the 6-foot-2, 299-pound lineman this past Saturday.
"It was my first time at the Rose Bowl," Talamaivao said, adding that it was actually his first time at any college football game. "I enjoyed it. It was crazy. The atmosphere was crazy. I was excited for the whole trip, but I didn't realize how big the rivalry was. It was kind of rowdy, man. USC fans and UCLA fans were going at it."
The teams played through some significant rain at times, but Talamaivao said that only added to the atmosphere. As a lineman, he could appreciate the wet and muddy conditions.
"It was my first time at the Rose Bowl," Talamaivao said, adding that it was actually his first time at any college football game. "I enjoyed it. It was crazy. The atmosphere was crazy. I was excited for the whole trip, but I didn't realize how big the rivalry was. It was kind of rowdy, man. USC fans and UCLA fans were going at it."
The teams played through some significant rain at times, but Talamaivao said that only added to the atmosphere. As a lineman, he could appreciate the wet and muddy conditions.
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When Steve Sarkisian went to work trying to assemble his first full recruiting class, he made it a point to make his mark in Washington.
The Huskies coach landed three of the four prospects rated blue chips by The Seattle Times: offensive lineman Colin Porter, defensive lineman Sione Potoa’e and safety Chris Young.
At the time, it looked like the only top talent who was going to leave the state was quarterback Jake Heaps, who signed with BYU.
The Huskies coach landed three of the four prospects rated blue chips by The Seattle Times: offensive lineman Colin Porter, defensive lineman Sione Potoa’e and safety Chris Young.
At the time, it looked like the only top talent who was going to leave the state was quarterback Jake Heaps, who signed with BYU.
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Big UW wins pay big recruiting dividends
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
8:00
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By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- As the scrum started to spread after fans stormed the field following Washington’s 17-13 win over Stanford. As fans finally began working their way toward the CenturyLink Field exits. As the players started to make their way to the locker room, Tosh Lupoi found the three teammates from Bellevue (Wash.).
On the sideline, not far from the section where recruits sit during games, Lupoi bounced up and down, circling Huskies commit Sean Constantine, UCLA commit Myles Jack and 2014 prospect Bishard “Budda” Baker.
As he spun around the teammates, Lupoi said “What are you waiting for?” It was directed at Jack, who continues to be a top target for the Huskies, despite his commitment to UCLA. The addition of Jack would improve an already-strong recruiting class that is ranked No. 19 in the country.
On the sideline, not far from the section where recruits sit during games, Lupoi bounced up and down, circling Huskies commit Sean Constantine, UCLA commit Myles Jack and 2014 prospect Bishard “Budda” Baker.
As he spun around the teammates, Lupoi said “What are you waiting for?” It was directed at Jack, who continues to be a top target for the Huskies, despite his commitment to UCLA. The addition of Jack would improve an already-strong recruiting class that is ranked No. 19 in the country.
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Myles Jack wants right fit in future home
November, 20, 2012
11/20/12
9:00
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By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- There is a large foyer in recently remodeled Bellevue (Wash.) High School. Large windows on one side of the room frame a courtyard that leads to a set of stairs. On Friday nights, the Bellevue football team’s cleats click on each step as they head toward the field.
Myles Jack sits on the other side of those windows. On the far side of the room there is a large piece of butcher paper taped to the wall. It features Washington’s Class 3A state playoff bracket. Someone has already scribbled “Bellevue” in the spot reserved for the state champion.
In two weeks, that anonymous prediction could come true. If the Wolverines are going to win their fifth straight state title, they will rely on their 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker.
Myles Jack sits on the other side of those windows. On the far side of the room there is a large piece of butcher paper taped to the wall. It features Washington’s Class 3A state playoff bracket. Someone has already scribbled “Bellevue” in the spot reserved for the state champion.
In two weeks, that anonymous prediction could come true. If the Wolverines are going to win their fifth straight state title, they will rely on their 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker.
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SEATTLE -- In the middle of a tied game, with Seattle (Wash.) Roosevelt believing it could potentially upset Washington’s top-ranked team in the 4A classification, Nic Sblendorio delivered some doubt.
The 6-foot, 190-pound senior receiver (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) got behind the Roughriders’ defense and hauled in a precisely placed ball from quarterback Max Browne for a 73-yard scoring strike.
“That just kind of gave them a little bit of doubt in their minds,” Sblendorio said. “It was a good momentum booster.”
The 6-foot, 190-pound senior receiver (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) got behind the Roughriders’ defense and hauled in a precisely placed ball from quarterback Max Browne for a 73-yard scoring strike.
“That just kind of gave them a little bit of doubt in their minds,” Sblendorio said. “It was a good momentum booster.”
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Royce Freeman will take momentum into offseason
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
4:27
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By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Junior running back Royce Freeman (Imperial, Calif./Imperial) saw his season end this past Friday night, but the 6-foot, 216-pound back could become a very intriguing recruit this offseason. He only recently sent out his highlight tape and didn't attend any school camps this past summer, but college coaches have taken notice. Freeman received his first scholarship offer, from Washington, earlier this month.
"They received information about me when they did their rounds in San Diego," Freeman said of the Huskies. "They watched my film and I called them. They told me they'd like to offer me a scholarship because they think I'm their caliber of player."
Freeman said his tape has also been sent to programs such as Notre Dame, Oregon and UCLA, but he has yet to receive serious interest from any other program. Though once word gets out about the season Freeman just turned in, it would be somewhat shocking if he didn't find himself on the recruiting board of more than a few West region programs.
"They received information about me when they did their rounds in San Diego," Freeman said of the Huskies. "They watched my film and I called them. They told me they'd like to offer me a scholarship because they think I'm their caliber of player."
Freeman said his tape has also been sent to programs such as Notre Dame, Oregon and UCLA, but he has yet to receive serious interest from any other program. Though once word gets out about the season Freeman just turned in, it would be somewhat shocking if he didn't find himself on the recruiting board of more than a few West region programs.
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Mattingly 'disappointed' by season's end
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
10:00
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By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
AUBURN, Wash. -- Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead) pointed toward his teammate, Langston Ward.
“Langston over there, I was his first friend he ever met when he moved here from New York,” the senior athlete said.
The Notre Dame commit stood in the rain. He couldn’t believe his senior season was finished. He tried to process the Panthers’ 21-7 loss to Auburn in the Class 4A state quarterfinals.
“Langston over there, I was his first friend he ever met when he moved here from New York,” the senior athlete said.
The Notre Dame commit stood in the rain. He couldn’t believe his senior season was finished. He tried to process the Panthers’ 21-7 loss to Auburn in the Class 4A state quarterfinals.
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SEATTLE -- Steve Sarkisian’s speech got through to his players. Washington’s coach described his halftime talk as “tough love.” Whatever he said, it worked.
After being held to a touchdown over the first two quarters, the Huskies erupted for 31 second-half points to pull away from Colorado, 38-3, on the road Saturday.
Washington now has an opportunity to build on its four-game winning streak with a victory Friday at Washington State in the Apple Cup.
After being held to a touchdown over the first two quarters, the Huskies erupted for 31 second-half points to pull away from Colorado, 38-3, on the road Saturday.
Washington now has an opportunity to build on its four-game winning streak with a victory Friday at Washington State in the Apple Cup.
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While it seems like Austin Seferian-Jenkins’ career just started, it is never too early to start grooming the sophomore tight end’s heir apparent.
With that in mind, the Huskies received some good news Sunday when senior David Ajamu (Shelton, Wash./Shelton) decided to flip his commitment from Oregon State to Washington.
The 6-foot-5, 231-pound tight end became the 19th member of the Huskies’ 2013 recruiting class and continued the program’s recent push to bring in local prospects.
The Huskies also offered a pair of local seniors opportunities this week, inviting safety Mason Stone (Mountlake Terrace, Wash./Mountlake Terrace) and receiver Ryan Turman (Bellevue, Wash./Interlake) to join the program as preferred walk-ons next season. Turman already has accepted Washington's invitation.
With that in mind, the Huskies received some good news Sunday when senior David Ajamu (Shelton, Wash./Shelton) decided to flip his commitment from Oregon State to Washington.
The 6-foot-5, 231-pound tight end became the 19th member of the Huskies’ 2013 recruiting class and continued the program’s recent push to bring in local prospects.
The Huskies also offered a pair of local seniors opportunities this week, inviting safety Mason Stone (Mountlake Terrace, Wash./Mountlake Terrace) and receiver Ryan Turman (Bellevue, Wash./Interlake) to join the program as preferred walk-ons next season. Turman already has accepted Washington's invitation.
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TE David Ajamu flips to Washington
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
5:03
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By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
David Ajamu (Shelton, Wash./Shelton) called it the toughest decision of his life.
After receiving an offer from Washington before the Huskies’ win over Utah at CenturyLink Field two weeks ago, the 6-foot-5, 231-pound tight end spent the game wondering what it would be like to be Austin Seferian-Jenkins’ understudy.
Ajamu continued thinking about it throughout the week before deciding Sunday the best fit for his future was with Washington, not Oregon State. Ajamu, who committed to the Beavers in August, alerted the coaching staffs at both programs that he was flipping his verbal to the Huskies.
After receiving an offer from Washington before the Huskies’ win over Utah at CenturyLink Field two weeks ago, the 6-foot-5, 231-pound tight end spent the game wondering what it would be like to be Austin Seferian-Jenkins’ understudy.
Ajamu continued thinking about it throughout the week before deciding Sunday the best fit for his future was with Washington, not Oregon State. Ajamu, who committed to the Beavers in August, alerted the coaching staffs at both programs that he was flipping his verbal to the Huskies.
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Huskies fall to No. 4 Ohio State
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
4:08
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By BuckeyeNation staff | ESPN.com
Deshaun Thomas led all scorers with 31 points as No. 4 Ohio State defeated Washington 77-66.
Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The Gauchos improved to 12-0 after a 45-0 victory over Los Angeles Garfield. The nation’s No. 2-rated dual-threat quarterback completed 13 of 19 passes for 193 yards and four touchdowns. He also had six carries for 59 yards.
Lavon Coleman (Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc): The Braves piled up 380 rushing yards during a 49-6 victory over Culver City (Calif.) in the CIF Southern Section Western Division quarterfinals. Coleman finished with 121 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The Gauchos improved to 12-0 after a 45-0 victory over Los Angeles Garfield. The nation’s No. 2-rated dual-threat quarterback completed 13 of 19 passes for 193 yards and four touchdowns. He also had six carries for 59 yards.
Lavon Coleman (Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc): The Braves piled up 380 rushing yards during a 49-6 victory over Culver City (Calif.) in the CIF Southern Section Western Division quarterfinals. Coleman finished with 121 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
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What we learned in the Pac-12: Week 12
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
10:00
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By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
What did we learn in Week 12? Read on.
Barring a miracle, Oregon won't play for the national title, and even its Pac-12 supremacy is threatened: Oregon's hopes to play for a national title for the second time in three years took a huge and likely catastrophic hit with a 17-14 overtime loss to Stanford. The Ducks' chances to win the Pac-12 for a fourth consecutive year also are in doubt. If Stanford prevails at UCLA on Saturday, the Cardinal would win the North Division and would host UCLA on Nov. 30 for the Pac-12 title and Rose Bowl berth. Yes, they'd play a second time within a week.
The football monopoly in L.A. is over: UCLA whipped USC to capture the Pac-12 South Division, and there is no asterisk, as there was when the Bruins represented the South at Oregon last year. The Bruins jumped to an early lead and then didn't wilt when the Trojans charged back. First-year coach Jim Mora, who is now clearly in the conference coach of the year race, has emphasized mental toughness and discipline, and in a single season he seems to have changed the culture in Westwood. By the way, this is good news: The Pac-12 will benefit if the USC-UCLA game is again nationally and regionally meaningful.
USC's business is finished: It's official: The Trojans' 2012 season is a massive failure. A preseason national title contender, USC is now 7-4 overall and 5-4 in Pac-12 play. It may not be ranked this week. QB Matt Barkley, the preseason Heisman Trophy favorite who spoke of "unfinished business" when he opted to return for his senior year, suffered an injury late against the Bruins, and his business might be finished without another shot at soon-to-be No. 1 Notre Dame. While coach Lane Kiffin told reporters that he was certain of his return in 2013, it's pretty clear Kiffin will top hot-seat projections next summer.
The Pac-12 will have eight bowl-eligible teams: Arizona State's blowout win over Washington State gave the conference eight bowl-eligible teams, while Utah's loss to Arizona ensured there won't be a ninth. The Utes, Colorado, Washington State and California will stay home during the holidays. Further, if Oregon wins the Civil War and Stanford beats UCLA, the conference is almost certain to get two BCS bowl teams, with the UCLA-Stanford winner in the Pac-12 title game going to the Rose Bowl and the Ducks getting an at-large selection, likely to the Fiesta Bowl. That would mean an extra $6.1 million the conference could split up.
Tedford's tenure in California is likely at an end: While there continue to be supporters for Cal coach Jeff Tedford, a fifth consecutive defeat to end the season, particularly a 62-14 blowout at Oregon State, feels like a capper to his 11-year tenure in Berkeley. Tedford is liked and respected and probably will land on his feet and get another head-coaching opportunity, but the Bears have fallen behind in the conference pecking order -- heck, the Bay Area pecking order -- and they have bills to pay while facing growing fan apathy. A decision could come as soon as Sunday.
Barring a miracle, Oregon won't play for the national title, and even its Pac-12 supremacy is threatened: Oregon's hopes to play for a national title for the second time in three years took a huge and likely catastrophic hit with a 17-14 overtime loss to Stanford. The Ducks' chances to win the Pac-12 for a fourth consecutive year also are in doubt. If Stanford prevails at UCLA on Saturday, the Cardinal would win the North Division and would host UCLA on Nov. 30 for the Pac-12 title and Rose Bowl berth. Yes, they'd play a second time within a week.
[+] Enlarge
Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesJohnathan Franklin rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns in UCLA's win over USC.
USC's business is finished: It's official: The Trojans' 2012 season is a massive failure. A preseason national title contender, USC is now 7-4 overall and 5-4 in Pac-12 play. It may not be ranked this week. QB Matt Barkley, the preseason Heisman Trophy favorite who spoke of "unfinished business" when he opted to return for his senior year, suffered an injury late against the Bruins, and his business might be finished without another shot at soon-to-be No. 1 Notre Dame. While coach Lane Kiffin told reporters that he was certain of his return in 2013, it's pretty clear Kiffin will top hot-seat projections next summer.
The Pac-12 will have eight bowl-eligible teams: Arizona State's blowout win over Washington State gave the conference eight bowl-eligible teams, while Utah's loss to Arizona ensured there won't be a ninth. The Utes, Colorado, Washington State and California will stay home during the holidays. Further, if Oregon wins the Civil War and Stanford beats UCLA, the conference is almost certain to get two BCS bowl teams, with the UCLA-Stanford winner in the Pac-12 title game going to the Rose Bowl and the Ducks getting an at-large selection, likely to the Fiesta Bowl. That would mean an extra $6.1 million the conference could split up.
Tedford's tenure in California is likely at an end: While there continue to be supporters for Cal coach Jeff Tedford, a fifth consecutive defeat to end the season, particularly a 62-14 blowout at Oregon State, feels like a capper to his 11-year tenure in Berkeley. Tedford is liked and respected and probably will land on his feet and get another head-coaching opportunity, but the Bears have fallen behind in the conference pecking order -- heck, the Bay Area pecking order -- and they have bills to pay while facing growing fan apathy. A decision could come as soon as Sunday.
3 up, 3 down: Washington 38, Colorado 3
November, 18, 2012
11/18/12
8:00
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By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
A look at positives and negatives from Washington’s 38-3 win at Colorado.
THREE UP
1. Keith Price: The offense struggled at the start against Colorado, but the Huskies figured things out in the third quarter, erupting for 17 points. The quarterback led the way and finished the day completing 22 of 29 passes for 248 yards and five touchdowns -- he tied a school record -- spread around to five receivers.
THREE UP
1. Keith Price: The offense struggled at the start against Colorado, but the Huskies figured things out in the third quarter, erupting for 17 points. The quarterback led the way and finished the day completing 22 of 29 passes for 248 yards and five touchdowns -- he tied a school record -- spread around to five receivers.
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