Washington Huskies: Dane Crane
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.
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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.”
Washington lands under-the-radar tackle 
February, 3, 2013
Feb 3
10:51
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
As Washington puts the finishing touches on its 2013 recruiting class, the one position that seemed to be an area of need was the offensive line.
The Huskies addressed that need over the weekend, adding an under-the-radar talent.
The Huskies addressed that need over the weekend, adding an under-the-radar talent.
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Future UW teammates take trip together
February, 1, 2013
Feb 1
1:11
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) wanted to make his last trip his best trip.
So the 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback decided to spend the weekend before signing day at Washington on an unofficial visit.
The three-star standout, who committed to the Huskies in January, will be joined by an impressive list of commits in Seattle this weekend.
So the 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback decided to spend the weekend before signing day at Washington on an unofficial visit.
The three-star standout, who committed to the Huskies in January, will be joined by an impressive list of commits in Seattle this weekend.
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Andrew Kirkland (Portland, Ore./Jesuit) saw a sign.
He was out with his father not long after the 6-foot-4, 287-pound offensive lineman landed an offer from Washington this summer. He saw a pair of Huskies.
He was out with his father not long after the 6-foot-4, 287-pound offensive lineman landed an offer from Washington this summer. He saw a pair of Huskies.
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SEATTLE -- If there is one question that has come up throughout the 2013 recruiting cycle, it is: “What is going on with Washington’s offensive line class?”
Don’t panic. The Huskies have plenty of young players already in the program. Throw in the pair of prospects currently committed and, even if the program does not add another recruit in 2013, the offensive line will be fine.
Washington is working to land at least one more player at that position, but if the Huskies can avoid the injuries they endured along the line in 2012, they should be able to develop continuity among the starters while developing their young prospects heading into next season.
Don’t panic. The Huskies have plenty of young players already in the program. Throw in the pair of prospects currently committed and, even if the program does not add another recruit in 2013, the offensive line will be fine.
Washington is working to land at least one more player at that position, but if the Huskies can avoid the injuries they endured along the line in 2012, they should be able to develop continuity among the starters while developing their young prospects heading into next season.
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SEATTLE -- It didn’t take Dane Crane (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) long to fall in love with Washington.
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SEATTLE -- Connor O’Brien (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) was sold on Washington during his first trip to Seattle.
Joined by high school teammate and fellow Washington commit Dane Crane, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound athlete knew he wanted to play college football for the Huskies.
When he returned for his official visit in October, he was able to watch Washington upset Stanford, 17-13.
Joined by high school teammate and fellow Washington commit Dane Crane, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound athlete knew he wanted to play college football for the Huskies.
When he returned for his official visit in October, he was able to watch Washington upset Stanford, 17-13.
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Sean Harlow (San Clemente, Calif./San Clemente) confirmed through a text message Saturday that he has decommitted from Washington in favor of Oregon State.
The 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive lineman originally gave the Huskies a verbal commitment in July. He took an official visit to Seattle in November that, at the time, reaffirmed his commitment.
But, once he took an official visit to Oregon State on Nov. 23, things seemed to change for the three-star standout. Not long after his decommitment became public Saturday, Harlow gave a verbal commitment to Oregon State.
The 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive lineman originally gave the Huskies a verbal commitment in July. He took an official visit to Seattle in November that, at the time, reaffirmed his commitment.
But, once he took an official visit to Oregon State on Nov. 23, things seemed to change for the three-star standout. Not long after his decommitment became public Saturday, Harlow gave a verbal commitment to Oregon State.
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SEATTLE -- Washington is in a very good position to bring in some top talent this weekend.
Receiver John Ross (Long Beach, Calif./Jordan) is planning to pick between Washington, Oregon and UCLA at Friday’s Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, and defensive end Joe Mathis (Upland, Calif./Upland) is expected to announce his college choice at Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
At this point, the Huskies seem to be the favorite to land both four-star prospects, even though Mathis said Thursday he might not have his final decision made -- his finalists are Washington, Alabama, USC and UCLA -- before his nationally televised announcement.
Receiver John Ross (Long Beach, Calif./Jordan) is planning to pick between Washington, Oregon and UCLA at Friday’s Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, and defensive end Joe Mathis (Upland, Calif./Upland) is expected to announce his college choice at Saturday’s U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
At this point, the Huskies seem to be the favorite to land both four-star prospects, even though Mathis said Thursday he might not have his final decision made -- his finalists are Washington, Alabama, USC and UCLA -- before his nationally televised announcement.
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At each stop during the final day of this week’s Northern California road trip, I took a minute to check Twitter.
I wanted to see if Lavon Hooks had announced his decision. The defensive tackle out of Northeast Mississippi Community College, rated the No. 15 prospect in the ESPN Junior College 100, had Washington among his finalists.
Each time I checked for an update, his announcement had been delayed. On Thursday, news finally broke the Hooks had picked Ole Miss over his other finalists.
I wanted to see if Lavon Hooks had announced his decision. The defensive tackle out of Northeast Mississippi Community College, rated the No. 15 prospect in the ESPN Junior College 100, had Washington among his finalists.
Each time I checked for an update, his announcement had been delayed. On Thursday, news finally broke the Hooks had picked Ole Miss over his other finalists.
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UW commit Dane Crane recaps home visit
November, 30, 2012
11/30/12
5:21
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
When Dane Crane (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) talks about his commitment to Washington, he often references his relationship with offensive line coach Dan Cozzetto.
The 6-foot-3, 305-pound center has developed the kind of relationship with his future position coach that solidifies his decision with each conversation.
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SEATTLE -- If there is one thing that comes up each week, if not every day, it is the offensive line.
There are questions about the linemen Washington is recruiting. There are questions about the program’s development of linemen. There are questions about the injuries that have plagued the unit and how far the Huskies have to go before the line can be looked at as a position of strength.
If there is one unit Washington fans are desperate to see improvement from, it’s the offensive line. But, as the Huskies prepare to play No. 11 USC at 4 p.m. Saturday at CenturyLink Field, the one thing that has hampered the line more than anything else is injuries.
There are questions about the linemen Washington is recruiting. There are questions about the program’s development of linemen. There are questions about the injuries that have plagued the unit and how far the Huskies have to go before the line can be looked at as a position of strength.
If there is one unit Washington fans are desperate to see improvement from, it’s the offensive line. But, as the Huskies prepare to play No. 11 USC at 4 p.m. Saturday at CenturyLink Field, the one thing that has hampered the line more than anything else is injuries.
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OL Dane Crane has 'incredible weekend'
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
9:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
In the middle of the melee after Washington’s 17-13 upset win over Stanford, Dane Crane found himself face-to-face with his future position coach.
Dan Cozzetto, the Huskies’ offensive line coach, flashed a wide smile at the 6-foot-3, 305-pound center (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita).
Crane, who was on his official visit with teammate Connor O’Brien, said he picked the perfect week to catch a glimpse of what is waiting for him at Washington.
Dan Cozzetto, the Huskies’ offensive line coach, flashed a wide smile at the 6-foot-3, 305-pound center (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita).
Crane, who was on his official visit with teammate Connor O’Brien, said he picked the perfect week to catch a glimpse of what is waiting for him at Washington.
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O'Brien: UW visit 'best week of my life'
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
8:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Connor O’Brien didn’t hesitate. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound athlete (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif./Santa Margarita) called his official visit to Washington “the best week of my life.”
The senior, who committed to the Huskies in April, was in Seattle with teammate and fellow Washington commit center Dane Crane. After watching Washington beat Stanford, 17-13, O’Brien said the win confirmed what he already knew.
“I saw what I’ve seen the whole time,” he said. “They have, obviously, the potential. They’ve got a lot of great players, great coaching staff, a young coaching staff that is all fired up.
The senior, who committed to the Huskies in April, was in Seattle with teammate and fellow Washington commit center Dane Crane. After watching Washington beat Stanford, 17-13, O’Brien said the win confirmed what he already knew.
“I saw what I’ve seen the whole time,” he said. “They have, obviously, the potential. They’ve got a lot of great players, great coaching staff, a young coaching staff that is all fired up.
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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.