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Friday, February 8, 2013
 HuskyNation mailbag: Feb. 8
By Mason Kelley
Elijah Qualls
Defensive lineman Elijah Qualls might have an immediate impact for the Huskies.

SEATTLE -- It was an interesting signing day for Washington.

The Huskies revealed their 2013 class Wednesday, a group that includes five members of the ESPN 300, and coach Steve Sarkisian praised the quality of the new prospects in the program.

Washington certainly had its share of hits and misses, but since the ones who got away aren’t coming back, the focus should stay on players the Huskies signed.

It’s a very good group. Washington added length, strength and athleticism. The offensive prospects are proven playmakers and the defensive standouts have big-play potential.

With 22 prospects in this class, quarterback Troy Williams and safety Trevor Walker enrolled early the Huskies had room to add more prospects if they wanted, but Sarkisian said he didn’t want to reach late.

Washington finished with the No. 3 class in the Pac-12. It was rated No. 18 in the nation.

Now that the 2013 class has been announced, the Huskies are already working on 2014. With the program’s junior day set for Saturday, there is little time to rest for the coaching staff.

While Washington looks toward the future, it is time to tackle the mailbag.

Have a question? Need an answer? Send submissions via Twitter to @MasonKelleyESPN or email MasonKelleyESPN@gmail.com.

@PondoCoachReed via Twitter: Will the O-line and D-line be significantly better from this class? That’s all that matters with UW.

A: There is plenty of talent on the offensive and defensive line in the 2013 class. Whether it’s Dane Crane at center or Elijah Qualls on the defensive line, the Huskies added natural leaders who have talent to match.

The true test of this group will come in a couple of years, once these linemen have had time to develop in the program. I would expect these recruits to make the line significantly better long-term.

@rellwanger via Twitter: What happened to Nic Purcell? Academics?

A: Based on everything I have read, Nic Purcell was caught up in an unfortunate situation. It wasn’t an academic issue. It’s an eligibility issue that stems from Purcell playing in two games for a “social club” in New Zealand, where he is from.

Basically, the NCAA said his eligibility clock expired. He filed an appeal, but I have not seen anything reported on the results of that appeal.

@JT_Campos via Twitter: Any chance Joe Sanders signs with the Huskies in the future if grades meet standards?

A: There is always a chance the defensive end will one day play at Washington. However, a lot happens during two years at a junior college. There are no guarantees.

Take Chris Young as an example. He signed with Washington out of Auburn (Wash.) High School. Then committed to Oregon State coming out of Arizona Western College, but signed with Arizona State.

@ToddMcDaniel3 via Twitter: Is there a list of preferred walk-ons or is that pretty fluid where kids can be brought in at any time?

A: Right now, the Huskies have two preferred walk-ons in the 2013 class with receiver Ryan Turman (Bellevue, Wash./Interlake) and Ralph Kinne (Shelton, Wash./Shelton).

There isn’t an official list of preferred walk-ons that I know of. Since there are no scholarship obligations involved, they are not announced as a part of the class on signing day.