Washington Huskies: Daeshon Hall
It's quality over quantity for Huskies
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
7:30
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- Steve Sarkisian settled into his usual press conference position wearing a dark pinstriped suit with a light purple tie.
He described the 20 recruits who signed letters of intent Wednesday -- two more enrolled early -- as quality over quantity.
The Huskies went after length -- 11 prospects 6-foot-3 or taller -- and production on both sides of the ball, acquiring talent and depth.
“This class is all about quality,” Sarkisian said. “This isn’t necessarily all about quantity. It’s about getting quality individuals that are going to make us a better football team, that are going to continue us on a quest, not only for a Pac-12 championship, but a Rose Bowl championship and, ultimately, a national championship.”
Washington lost defensive end Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) to Texas A&M, but added cornerback Patrick Enewally (Cerritos, Calif./Gahr) and linebacker Keishawn Bierria (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne) to take his place.
When the coaching staff set out to assemble this class, the Huskies focused on explosive receivers. According to Sarkisian, they signed their top three targets -- Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde), Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) and John Ross (Long Beach, Calif./Jordan).
All three bring something different. All three fill a need.
“You can argue it’s probably the best core of wide receivers of any class in the country,” Sarkisian said.
At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Sarkisian said Daniels, “can really go.” Ross is smaller than Daniels, but at 5-11, 180 pounds, he is a likely threat on special teams. And Stringfellow, “if he walked in the room, he looks like an NFL wideout today.”
On the other side of the ball, the key was to get bigger, faster and more athletic throughout the defense. With four defensive linemen, four linebackers and four defensive backs, the Huskies have plenty of balance among this group.
Each one of the cornerbacks -- Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian), Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd) and Enewally -- is at least 6-1, which fits the mold Washington wants in its secondary.
The Huskies also brought in dynamic linebackers and excellent pass-rushers on the defensive line.
When talking about defensive end Marcus Farria (Peoria, Ariz./Centennial), Sarkisian said, “I’m excited to watch him rush the passer. He brings a couple of things we might not have in our program right now.”
For all the impressive pieces Washington added, there were questions surrounding both the offensive line and running back.
Sarkisian likes the young depth already in the program on the offensive line and considers Dane Crane (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) as a leader in the 2013 class.
Lavon Coleman (Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc) is the only running back in this group, but at 6-foot, 220 pounds, he is the type of player the Huskies were looking for.
“(Coleman is) a bigger, physical-type back to complement some of the other backs that we have in our program,” Sarkisian said.
Kicker Cameron Van Winkle (Snoqualmie, Wash./Mount Si) plans to enroll at Washington for spring quarter and will get nine practices in the spring, which will allow him to compete for the starting job.
Some of these prospects can contribute right away, but the program has reached a point where the Huskies will be able to redshirt a large portion of this class.
Sarkisian also feels Washington’s 2013 class rivals those put together by the rest of the Pac-12.
“I believe this class is in the upper echelon of our conference in a year in which our conference did a really nice job with recruiting.”
He described the 20 recruits who signed letters of intent Wednesday -- two more enrolled early -- as quality over quantity.
The Huskies went after length -- 11 prospects 6-foot-3 or taller -- and production on both sides of the ball, acquiring talent and depth.
“This class is all about quality,” Sarkisian said. “This isn’t necessarily all about quantity. It’s about getting quality individuals that are going to make us a better football team, that are going to continue us on a quest, not only for a Pac-12 championship, but a Rose Bowl championship and, ultimately, a national championship.”
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Tom Hauck for ESPN.comLaVon Coleman is a bigger running back who can complement the other players in Washington's backfield.
Tom Hauck for ESPN.comLaVon Coleman is a bigger running back who can complement the other players in Washington's backfield.When the coaching staff set out to assemble this class, the Huskies focused on explosive receivers. According to Sarkisian, they signed their top three targets -- Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde), Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) and John Ross (Long Beach, Calif./Jordan).
All three bring something different. All three fill a need.
“You can argue it’s probably the best core of wide receivers of any class in the country,” Sarkisian said.
At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Sarkisian said Daniels, “can really go.” Ross is smaller than Daniels, but at 5-11, 180 pounds, he is a likely threat on special teams. And Stringfellow, “if he walked in the room, he looks like an NFL wideout today.”
On the other side of the ball, the key was to get bigger, faster and more athletic throughout the defense. With four defensive linemen, four linebackers and four defensive backs, the Huskies have plenty of balance among this group.
Each one of the cornerbacks -- Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian), Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd) and Enewally -- is at least 6-1, which fits the mold Washington wants in its secondary.
The Huskies also brought in dynamic linebackers and excellent pass-rushers on the defensive line.
When talking about defensive end Marcus Farria (Peoria, Ariz./Centennial), Sarkisian said, “I’m excited to watch him rush the passer. He brings a couple of things we might not have in our program right now.”
For all the impressive pieces Washington added, there were questions surrounding both the offensive line and running back.
Sarkisian likes the young depth already in the program on the offensive line and considers Dane Crane (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) as a leader in the 2013 class.
Lavon Coleman (Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc) is the only running back in this group, but at 6-foot, 220 pounds, he is the type of player the Huskies were looking for.
“(Coleman is) a bigger, physical-type back to complement some of the other backs that we have in our program,” Sarkisian said.
Kicker Cameron Van Winkle (Snoqualmie, Wash./Mount Si) plans to enroll at Washington for spring quarter and will get nine practices in the spring, which will allow him to compete for the starting job.
Some of these prospects can contribute right away, but the program has reached a point where the Huskies will be able to redshirt a large portion of this class.
Sarkisian also feels Washington’s 2013 class rivals those put together by the rest of the Pac-12.
“I believe this class is in the upper echelon of our conference in a year in which our conference did a really nice job with recruiting.”
Midway through a signing-day presentation that included 11 players, four-star defensive end Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) verbally committed to Texas A&M, switching from Washington.
Hall, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound end, committed to Washington on June 29 but wavered with his commitment.
Hall, who originally is from Seattle, ultimately chose Texas A&M over Washington and TCU. He was once committed to Texas earlier in his process.
What is the impact of Hall's decision?
Hall, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound end, committed to Washington on June 29 but wavered with his commitment.
Hall, who originally is from Seattle, ultimately chose Texas A&M over Washington and TCU. He was once committed to Texas earlier in his process.
What is the impact of Hall's decision?
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After all of the camps, recruiting trips, in home visits and official visits, it is time to fire up the fax machines.
Washington will officially unveil its 2013 recruiting class Wednesday, a group that features five members of the ESPN 300.
Here are five things to think about as the Huskies wait for the faxes to flow in.
Washington will officially unveil its 2013 recruiting class Wednesday, a group that features five members of the ESPN 300.
Here are five things to think about as the Huskies wait for the faxes to flow in.
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Four-star defensive end Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster), despite being a Washington commit, is considered one of the hottest targets as national signing day approaches.
Hall has announced that he will choose either Washington, Texas A&M or TCU on signing day. In a last-chance effort, Hall is hosting all three schools via in-home visits this week. Texas A&M visited on Tuesday, and the 6-foot-6, 235-pound end was visited by wide receivers coach David Beaty and defensive line coach Terry Price.
“Everything was good [Tuesday],” Hall said. “It was pretty much the same old, same old. They told me that they think I can come in and play in the SEC. Coach Price said he would be excited to work with me. They also talked about academics, which was big.”
Hall has announced that he will choose either Washington, Texas A&M or TCU on signing day. In a last-chance effort, Hall is hosting all three schools via in-home visits this week. Texas A&M visited on Tuesday, and the 6-foot-6, 235-pound end was visited by wide receivers coach David Beaty and defensive line coach Terry Price.
“Everything was good [Tuesday],” Hall said. “It was pretty much the same old, same old. They told me that they think I can come in and play in the SEC. Coach Price said he would be excited to work with me. They also talked about academics, which was big.”
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Signing day announcement for UW commit 
January, 29, 2013
Jan 29
7:29
PM PT
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
Washington defensive end commitment Daeshon Hall has been one of the quietest prospects out there even as he has been exploring options aside from the school he has been committed to since the summer.
The Huskies have plenty of competition when it comes to keeping four-star defensive end's pledge and the drama and intrigue will continue all the way until national signing day.
The Huskies have plenty of competition when it comes to keeping four-star defensive end's pledge and the drama and intrigue will continue all the way until national signing day.
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Team needs: For the 2013 recruiting class, the Huskies tried to add talent throughout their roster. They had specific needs but wanted to bolster strengths as well.
Some of the key areas the Huskies identified as positions to pursue included receiver, running back, linebacker and defensive line. With six defensive linemen committed and three receivers heading to Seattle next season, Washington has stockpiled prospects at each position.
Help is on the way: Washington is pursuing a pass rush. The Huskies have a star in Danny Shelton, but ace recruiter Tosh Lupoi made it a point to bring in top-tier talent along the program’s defensive line.
Some of the key areas the Huskies identified as positions to pursue included receiver, running back, linebacker and defensive line. With six defensive linemen committed and three receivers heading to Seattle next season, Washington has stockpiled prospects at each position.
Help is on the way: Washington is pursuing a pass rush. The Huskies have a star in Danny Shelton, but ace recruiter Tosh Lupoi made it a point to bring in top-tier talent along the program’s defensive line.
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SEATTLE -- When Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) gave a verbal commitment to Washington back in June, he talked about playing college football in his hometown.
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Washington added another commitment this weekend to their improving defense. Already holding verbals from defensive line prospects like athletic and active D-Tackle Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande) and promising D-End Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster), they have now gained Joe Mathis (Upland, Calif./Upland) to the mix.
Listed as defensive end, Mathis is a bit off a ‘tweener as he is a bigger, thickly built kid especially through his lower body. He could initially add depth at the weak end spot behind Andrew Hudson while potentially developing more into that strong defensive end spot in their scheme. The four-star is a tough, active player in the trenches who flashes a nice initial burst off the ball. He needs to keep developing aspects of his game, but as he continues to blend more consistent technique with his motor he can be a productive player in the trenches defending the run as well as pressuring the quarterback.
Listed as defensive end, Mathis is a bit off a ‘tweener as he is a bigger, thickly built kid especially through his lower body. He could initially add depth at the weak end spot behind Andrew Hudson while potentially developing more into that strong defensive end spot in their scheme. The four-star is a tough, active player in the trenches who flashes a nice initial burst off the ball. He needs to keep developing aspects of his game, but as he continues to blend more consistent technique with his motor he can be a productive player in the trenches defending the run as well as pressuring the quarterback.
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The East team snuck out with a 17-14 win at the 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, thanks to a touchdown pass from Eddie Printz (Marietta, Ga./Lassiter) to Ryan Switzer (Charleston, W. Va./George Washington) with six seconds remaining. But the biggest takeaway from the game was the impact made by the future Washington Huskies.
Wide receiver Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) caught a touchdown in the game, but the biggest impact he made were the big impacts he made. On a scramble by his quarterback, Daniels peeled back and leveled a pursuing East defender, sending helmets flying. Later, in punt coverage, Daniels got his hands on Switzer and threw the much smaller receiver to the turf.
“I just came out wanting to have fun and make a statement that I could be physical instead of just running around people,” Daniels said.
Wide receiver Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) caught a touchdown in the game, but the biggest impact he made were the big impacts he made. On a scramble by his quarterback, Daniels peeled back and leveled a pursuing East defender, sending helmets flying. Later, in punt coverage, Daniels got his hands on Switzer and threw the much smaller receiver to the turf.
“I just came out wanting to have fun and make a statement that I could be physical instead of just running around people,” Daniels said.
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UW goes to Texas for Trevor Walker
December, 14, 2012
12/14/12
12:44
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
The Huskies went into Texas and landed a safety.
The addition of three-star standout Trevor Walker (Arlington, Texas/Mansfield Timberview) provides a prominent piece to Washington’s 2013 recruiting class. But his addition means more than just adding another name to an already impressive list.
Walker announced his decision Friday. When it came time to pick a school, he selected UW over Vanderbilt and Ole Miss. He had more than 25 offers, but he chose to play college football in Seattle, one week after taking his official visit.
The addition of three-star standout Trevor Walker (Arlington, Texas/Mansfield Timberview) provides a prominent piece to Washington’s 2013 recruiting class. But his addition means more than just adding another name to an already impressive list.
Walker announced his decision Friday. When it came time to pick a school, he selected UW over Vanderbilt and Ole Miss. He had more than 25 offers, but he chose to play college football in Seattle, one week after taking his official visit.
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SEATTLE -- As soon as coaches were allowed to hit the road for in-home visits last Sunday, Washington’s coaching staff scattered.
One of the Huskies’ first stops was on the other side of the state to see Notre Dame athlete commit Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead). Since then the list of stops has been long and impressive.
Ace recruiter Tosh Lupoi has visited commits defensive end Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster), receiver Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom), offensive lineman Sean Harlow (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) and defensive tackle Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande), among others.
One of the Huskies’ first stops was on the other side of the state to see Notre Dame athlete commit Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead). Since then the list of stops has been long and impressive.
Ace recruiter Tosh Lupoi has visited commits defensive end Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster), receiver Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom), offensive lineman Sean Harlow (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) and defensive tackle Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande), among others.
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Washington made the most of its final home game of the season.
With six official visitors in Seattle over the weekend, the Huskies knocked off Utah 34-15 and put together an impressive performance with plenty of prospects in the CenturyLink stands.
For offensive line commit Sean Harlow (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) it was an opportunity to reaffirm the decision he made in July. For defensive end commit Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) it was a chance to return to his hometown for a few days. For unofficial visitor and Oregon State commit David Ajamu (Shelton, Wash./Shelton) it was a moment that gave him something to think about after earning an offer from the Huskies.
With six official visitors in Seattle over the weekend, the Huskies knocked off Utah 34-15 and put together an impressive performance with plenty of prospects in the CenturyLink stands.
For offensive line commit Sean Harlow (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) it was an opportunity to reaffirm the decision he made in July. For defensive end commit Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) it was a chance to return to his hometown for a few days. For unofficial visitor and Oregon State commit David Ajamu (Shelton, Wash./Shelton) it was a moment that gave him something to think about after earning an offer from the Huskies.
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Washington won its third consecutive game over the weekend, as the Huskies downed Utah, 34-15. Being their final home game of the season, the Huskies had to do it big from the standpoint of recruiting visits.
Four-star defensive end Daeshon Hall (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) was one of many Washington commits in attendance at CenturyLink Field. Hall, who recently earned that fourth star, said he enjoyed being with 60,050 screaming fans and gave the visit high marks overall.
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UW visit solidifies Sean Harlow's decision
November, 11, 2012
11/11/12
4:28
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Sean Harlow has been to Seattle enough to know what the city and the University of Washington’s football program have to offer.
The 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive lineman (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) committed to the Huskies in July because he felt the program best fit his future.
Since his commitment, the three-star recruit has taken an unofficial visit to watch Washington's 24-14 loss to USC and an official visit to Wisconsin. But after taking an official visit to watch the Huskies defeat Utah, 34-15, the senior said he is not wavering in his pledge to play for Washington.
The 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive lineman (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) committed to the Huskies in July because he felt the program best fit his future.
Since his commitment, the three-star recruit has taken an unofficial visit to watch Washington's 24-14 loss to USC and an official visit to Wisconsin. But after taking an official visit to watch the Huskies defeat Utah, 34-15, the senior said he is not wavering in his pledge to play for Washington.
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Plenty of prospects watch Washington win
November, 11, 2012
11/11/12
12:33
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- Max Redfield (Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo) didn't seem to be in a hurry.
The 6-foot-2, 181-pound athlete, rated the No. 36 player in the nation, waited while other prospects, fans with field passes and the family members of Washington players marched down the stairs toward the field following Washington's 34-15 win over Utah at CenturyLink Field.
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ABOUT HUSKY NATION
Mason Kelley
Mason Kelley joined ESPN.com in 2012 and covers Washington recruiting. Kelley came to ESPN after spending three years as the high school sports coordinator at The Seattle Times. He has written about high school, college and professional sports since 2004, working for newspapers in Florida, California, Idaho and Washington. He currently lives in Seattle and can be reached at masonkelleyESPN@gmail.com.