Washington Huskies: Darrell Daniels
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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Lupoi takes lead as Washington recruiter 
February, 7, 2013
Feb 7
6:00
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Take a closer look at Washington’s 2013 recruiting class and one thing starts to stand out.
This group has Tosh Lupoi’s fingerprints all over it.
The Huskies’ ace recruiter made an impact with the program from the moment he was hired less than a month before signing day in 2012.
This group has Tosh Lupoi’s fingerprints all over it.
The Huskies’ ace recruiter made an impact with the program from the moment he was hired less than a month before signing day in 2012.
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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.”
For as long as Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) has been committed to Washington, he has shown his support for the Huskies.
Whether through Twitter hashtags or Husky beanies, the 6-foot-3, 211-pound receiver has displayed his affection for the program throughout the recruiting process.
“I’m a Dawg all the way,” Daniels said during his senior season.
Whether through Twitter hashtags or Husky beanies, the 6-foot-3, 211-pound receiver has displayed his affection for the program throughout the recruiting process.
“I’m a Dawg all the way,” Daniels said during his senior season.
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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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Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) wanted to make two things clear after his official visit to Washington.
The 6-foot-3, 211-pound enjoyed his visit, and he has taken his last trip before signing with the Huskies on Feb. 6.
Instead of spreading the news to reporters through a Sunday full of phone calls, Daniels posted a couple of quotes on Twitter.
The 6-foot-3, 211-pound enjoyed his visit, and he has taken his last trip before signing with the Huskies on Feb. 6.
Instead of spreading the news to reporters through a Sunday full of phone calls, Daniels posted a couple of quotes on Twitter.
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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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Washington well represented in ESPN 300
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
11:16
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Washington’s 2013 recruiting class received a boost Thursday.
No, the program didn’t land a new commitment, but some of its current prospects moved up in the final ESPN 300 player rankings.
No, the program didn’t land a new commitment, but some of its current prospects moved up in the final ESPN 300 player rankings.
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Joe Mixon (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) isn’t satisfied with being good.
The 6-foot-1, 191-pound running back isn’t content with the seven offers he currently carries.
What would the junior be happy with?
The 6-foot-1, 191-pound running back isn’t content with the seven offers he currently carries.
What would the junior be happy with?
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SEATTLE -- It started Friday.
On the NFL Network during the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, John Ross (Long Beach, Calif./Jordan) stood behind a table lined with hats.
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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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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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WR Darrell Daniels prepares for next step
December, 26, 2012
12/26/12
10:39
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
OAKLEY, Calif. -- Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) looked like a senior who just finished a final.
The 6-foot-3, 211-pound receiver had a wide smile on his face. He was closing in on winter break and there was a clear sense of relief in his demeanor.
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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.