Washington Huskies: Damore'ea Stringfellow
SEATTLE -- This is the year. Washington coach Steve Sarkisian is preparing for his fifth season with the Huskies and, after three straight bowl appearances, 2013 seems to be the season where the program is expected to take the next step.
After signing four straight top 25 recruiting classes, Washington is now expected to put a top 25 team on the field.
After signing four straight top 25 recruiting classes, Washington is now expected to put a top 25 team on the field.
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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.”
SEATTLE -- Washington went looking for playmakers at the receiver position.
As the Huskies assembled their 2013 class, they wanted to pile up prospects who were capable of keeping defenses from focusing attention on standouts Kasen Williams and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
They brought in an explosive group.
As the Huskies assembled their 2013 class, they wanted to pile up prospects who were capable of keeping defenses from focusing attention on standouts Kasen Williams and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
They brought in an explosive group.
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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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No. 6 WR Stringfellow 'done' after visit 
January, 20, 2013
Jan 20
3:36
PM PT
By
Blair Angulo | ESPN.com
ESPN 150 receiver Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde) pulled off a slight surprise by scheduling a last-minute official visit to USC this weekend. The Washington commit, who is rated No. 6 at his position nationally and No. 1 in the state, had not hinted to having much interest in the Trojans since deciding on the Huskies in June.
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When Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde) participated in The Opening last summer, the 6-foot-3, 203-pound receiver showed off his ability to catch passes in traffic.
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SEATTLE -- If Wednesday were any indication, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian made the rounds this week.
He was in Diamond Bar (Calif.) to watch film and extend scholarship offers to sophomore receivers Cordell Broadus and Kanya Bell. He spent an evening with cornerback commit Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) during an in-home visit. And he stopped by Pomona (Calif.) High School to check in on linebacker commit Azeem Victor.
He was in Diamond Bar (Calif.) to watch film and extend scholarship offers to sophomore receivers Cordell Broadus and Kanya Bell. He spent an evening with cornerback commit Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) during an in-home visit. And he stopped by Pomona (Calif.) High School to check in on linebacker commit Azeem Victor.
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SEATTLE -- With less than a month to go before signing day, Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande) has resumed his role as one of Washington’s top recruiters.
Whether a prospect is committed to or considering the Huskies, Qualls keeps an eye on the program’s recruiting effort. He tries to contribute wherever he can.
Whether a prospect is committed to or considering the Huskies, Qualls keeps an eye on the program’s recruiting effort. He tries to contribute wherever he can.
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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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When John Ross (Long Beach, Calif./Jordan) was in Seattle for Washington’s Rising Stars Camp last summer, the 5-foot-9, 170-pound athlete said the Huskies made him feel like part of the family.
Whether he was on the field with Troy Williams, the program’s quarterback commit, or spending time with one of his former teammates who currently plays for Washington, Ross knew the Huskies would be a good fit.
His cousin and high school teammate, 2014 receiver Rahshead Johnson, enjoyed the trip to the camp so much he gave the university a verbal commitment before returning to California.
Whether he was on the field with Troy Williams, the program’s quarterback commit, or spending time with one of his former teammates who currently plays for Washington, Ross knew the Huskies would be a good fit.
His cousin and high school teammate, 2014 receiver Rahshead Johnson, enjoyed the trip to the camp so much he gave the university a verbal commitment before returning to California.
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SEATTLE -- By the time Washington’s last big recruiting weekend of 2012 wraps up, the Huskies will have hosted 11 members of the ESPN 300.
The program has been able to bring in plenty of top talent and will get a few more to visit in January, including Reuben Foster (Auburn, Ala./Auburn), who is planning to take his official visit to Washington on Jan. 11.
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SEATTLE -- With one verbal commitment and eight official visitors, it was a busy weekend for Washington.
While cornerback Daquawn Brown (Los Angeles/Dorsey) was getting a tour of the Space Needle and offensive tackle Na’Ty Rodgers (Pomfret, Md./McDonough) was tweeting pictures of the view from his hotel room, linebacker Azeem Victor (Pomona, Calif./Pomona) was at home in California deciding it was the right time to announce he would play college football for the Huskies. Now that Victor has joined the program's 2013 class, Washington has 20 current commitments.
Brown and Rodgers were joined on their visits by USC commits offensive tackle Nico Falah (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) and cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy).
While cornerback Daquawn Brown (Los Angeles/Dorsey) was getting a tour of the Space Needle and offensive tackle Na’Ty Rodgers (Pomfret, Md./McDonough) was tweeting pictures of the view from his hotel room, linebacker Azeem Victor (Pomona, Calif./Pomona) was at home in California deciding it was the right time to announce he would play college football for the Huskies. Now that Victor has joined the program's 2013 class, Washington has 20 current commitments.
Brown and Rodgers were joined on their visits by USC commits offensive tackle Nico Falah (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) and cornerback Jalen Ramsey (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy).
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SEATTLE -- With at least eight official visitors in Seattle this weekend, there was plenty to get Washington fans excited.
Then Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead) decommitted from Notre Dame on Thursday. Less than 24 hours later, Reuben Foster (Auburn, Ala./Auburn) announced he no longer was committed to Auburn.
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Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): Despite fighting through a separated shoulder suffered in the CIF L.A. City Section Division I semifinals last week, the quarterback helped lead Narbonne to a 25-0 win over Los Angeles Crenshaw in the title game. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 107 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown.
Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde): In his final high school game, Stringfellow did everything he could to cap his career with a victory. The receiver caught a pair of touchdown passes -- 70 and 7 yards -- to tie the game twice, but the Mustangs fell to Fontana (Calif.) Kaiser, 28-21, in the CIF Southern Section Central Division championship game.
Sean Constantine (Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue): As he has done throughout his high school career, Constantine was a key contributor in the Class 3A state championship game. The linebacker totaled 9.5 tackles -- 0.5 for loss -- and broke up a pair of passes during a 35-3 win over Sammamish (Wash.) Eastside Catholic. The Wolverines, ranked No. 2 in the nation, won their fifth straight state title.
Jaimie Bryant (Tumwater, Wash./Tumwater): The defensive lineman finished with five tackles -- two for loss -- in Tumwater’s 41-7 loss to Lynden (Wash.) in the Class 2A state championship game.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): Despite fighting through a separated shoulder suffered in the CIF L.A. City Section Division I semifinals last week, the quarterback helped lead Narbonne to a 25-0 win over Los Angeles Crenshaw in the title game. He completed 10 of 15 passes for 107 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown.
Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde): In his final high school game, Stringfellow did everything he could to cap his career with a victory. The receiver caught a pair of touchdown passes -- 70 and 7 yards -- to tie the game twice, but the Mustangs fell to Fontana (Calif.) Kaiser, 28-21, in the CIF Southern Section Central Division championship game.
Sean Constantine (Bellevue, Wash./Bellevue): As he has done throughout his high school career, Constantine was a key contributor in the Class 3A state championship game. The linebacker totaled 9.5 tackles -- 0.5 for loss -- and broke up a pair of passes during a 35-3 win over Sammamish (Wash.) Eastside Catholic. The Wolverines, ranked No. 2 in the nation, won their fifth straight state title.
Jaimie Bryant (Tumwater, Wash./Tumwater): The defensive lineman finished with five tackles -- two for loss -- in Tumwater’s 41-7 loss to Lynden (Wash.) in the Class 2A state championship game.
Damore'ea Stringfellow has visits planned
November, 27, 2012
11/27/12
2:00
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Wide receiver Damore'ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde) was one of seven players to make a verbal commitment to Washington during the Huskies' Rising Stars Camp in late June. Since then, Stringfellow said the recruiting process has slowed somewhat, but it hasn't completely stopped.
This week will be particularly busy for Stringfellow, who hosted Mississippi head coach Hugh Freeze and assistant coach Chris Kiffin on Monday night. Washington State coaches were on campus Monday to watch practice, while Stringfellow said Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian and assistant coach Jimmie Dougherty will be by for an in-home visit on Wednesday.
This week will be particularly busy for Stringfellow, who hosted Mississippi head coach Hugh Freeze and assistant coach Chris Kiffin on Monday night. Washington State coaches were on campus Monday to watch practice, while Stringfellow said Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian and assistant coach Jimmie Dougherty will be by for an in-home visit on Wednesday.
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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.