Washington Huskies: Kevin King
SEATTLE -- As Washington continues to develop its program under coach Steve Sarkisian, expect the Huskies to make the cornerback position a priority.
They did exactly that in the 2013 class, landing Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd), Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) and Patrick Enewally (Cerritos, Calif./Gahr).
When Washington recruits corners, they want tall, physical prospects capable of locking up big receivers in man-to-man coverage. The Huskies want players with frames that fit a very specific mold.
They did exactly that in the 2013 class, landing Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd), Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) and Patrick Enewally (Cerritos, Calif./Gahr).
When Washington recruits corners, they want tall, physical prospects capable of locking up big receivers in man-to-man coverage. The Huskies want players with frames that fit a very specific mold.
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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 -- 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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Washington wants big corners.
The Huskies want players in the secondary who can match up well with the big receivers in the Pac-12 both in terms of size and athleticism.
As the program started working on its 2013 class, the coaching staff identified Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd) as a prospect capable of doing just that.
The Huskies want players in the secondary who can match up well with the big receivers in the Pac-12 both in terms of size and athleticism.
As the program started working on its 2013 class, the coaching staff identified Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd) as a prospect capable of doing just that.
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Kelly gives UW another versatile commit 
January, 7, 2013
Jan 7
3:48
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Back in September, when Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) was in Seattle for an official visit to Washington, the cornerback said the Huskies “ooh’d and ahh’d” him.
At the time, the 6-foot-1, 171-pound senior was a UCLA commit. He was exploring his options. He was trying to find the best fit for his future.
Now, about a month before signing day, Kelly has decided to commit to Washington, the program he watched knock off Stanford, 17-13, on Sept. 27 while wearing a purple-and-white scarf.
At the time, the 6-foot-1, 171-pound senior was a UCLA commit. He was exploring his options. He was trying to find the best fit for his future.
Now, about a month before signing day, Kelly has decided to commit to Washington, the program he watched knock off Stanford, 17-13, on Sept. 27 while wearing a purple-and-white scarf.
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SEATTLE -- With two Pac-12 contests and a bowl game left in 2012, Washington’s season has hit the backstretch.
However, while the Huskies are facing those few final games, the program’s second season -- the recruiting season -- is reaching its crescendo.
Washington is preparing for its final recruiting push before signing day. There are plenty of prime prospects weighing their final decisions, with Washington getting at least a passing glance.
However, while the Huskies are facing those few final games, the program’s second season -- the recruiting season -- is reaching its crescendo.
Washington is preparing for its final recruiting push before signing day. There are plenty of prime prospects weighing their final decisions, with Washington getting at least a passing glance.
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Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd): Facing a fourth-and-21 late in the fourth quarter with his team trailing, King caught a pass in traffic that turned into a 32-yard touchdown. His interception on the ensuing possession helped seal a 16-13 playoff win over Lafayette (Calif.) Acalanes.
Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde): The receiver caught a 60-yard touchdown pass on Rancho Verde’s first play and added a second touchdown reception not long before halftime, leading the Mustangs past Ontario (Calif.) Chaffey, 56-6.
Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd): Facing a fourth-and-21 late in the fourth quarter with his team trailing, King caught a pass in traffic that turned into a 32-yard touchdown. His interception on the ensuing possession helped seal a 16-13 playoff win over Lafayette (Calif.) Acalanes.
Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde): The receiver caught a 60-yard touchdown pass on Rancho Verde’s first play and added a second touchdown reception not long before halftime, leading the Mustangs past Ontario (Calif.) Chaffey, 56-6.
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Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom): Impressive performances are nothing new for the receiver. He shows up in the highlights just about every week. However, during a 34-14 win over Antioch (Calif.) Deer Valley, he took his talent to another level, hauling in 11 catches for 194 yards and a touchdown.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The quarterback has had plenty of big games this season, but he only needed one half to post big numbers against Los Angeles Washington Prep. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 232 yards and 5 touchdowns in the first two quarters. He also rushed for a 23-yard touchdown.
Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom): Impressive performances are nothing new for the receiver. He shows up in the highlights just about every week. However, during a 34-14 win over Antioch (Calif.) Deer Valley, he took his talent to another level, hauling in 11 catches for 194 yards and a touchdown.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The quarterback has had plenty of big games this season, but he only needed one half to post big numbers against Los Angeles Washington Prep. He completed 9 of 11 passes for 232 yards and 5 touchdowns in the first two quarters. He also rushed for a 23-yard touchdown.
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Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The quarterback was practically perfect, completing 13 of 14 passes for 116 yards during a 28-7 victory over San Pedro (Calif.). Williams contributed on all four of the Gauchos' scores, throwing three touchdown passes in addition to finding the end zone on a 9-yard run.
Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande): During a 62-14 victory over Ukiah (Calif.), the defensive lineman finished with five tackles and a blocked punt. While he had a strong game on defense, he was also productive on offense, rushing for 93 yards and three touchdowns on five carries.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The quarterback was practically perfect, completing 13 of 14 passes for 116 yards during a 28-7 victory over San Pedro (Calif.). Williams contributed on all four of the Gauchos' scores, throwing three touchdown passes in addition to finding the end zone on a 9-yard run.
Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande): During a 62-14 victory over Ukiah (Calif.), the defensive lineman finished with five tackles and a blocked punt. While he had a strong game on defense, he was also productive on offense, rushing for 93 yards and three touchdowns on five carries.
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Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O'Dowd): The cornerback commit played in his first game since he suffered a concussion Sept. 14 and contributed right away. He entered Bishop O'Dowd's 34-20 win over Castro Valley (Calif.) at quarterback in the second quarter and threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another score. He completed 4 of 9 passes for 89 yards and rushed for 47 yards on four carries.
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Oregon-UW Recruiting Q&A: Part 2
October, 8, 2012
10/08/12
9:12
AM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
Oregon-Washington is one of the more underappreciated and heated rivalries in the country lies in the Pacific Northwest. For decades, it was all Washington. But since 1994, the Ducks are 14-4, including nine straight wins in the series.
Despite Oregon's 52-21 triumph over Saturday night, things are starting to turn around in Seattle. Steve Sarkisian and his staff have the Huskies on the right track on the field and in recruiting.
Anyone up for a little border-war Q&A?
Despite Oregon's 52-21 triumph over Saturday night, things are starting to turn around in Seattle. Steve Sarkisian and his staff have the Huskies on the right track on the field and in recruiting.
Anyone up for a little border-war Q&A?
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CB Travell Dixon fits preferred mold for UW
September, 19, 2012
9/19/12
3:39
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- With the combination of size and speed at the receiver position throughout the Pac-12, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian wants to bring in long, athletic cornerbacks who can run.
That is exactly the kind of player the Huskies think they have secured in cornerback Travell Dixon.
“He’s obviously got great length at the corner position,” Sarkisian said. “He has tremendous speed, which are two things we’re continually looking for at that spot. Ideally, we’re recruiting 6-foot-or-taller corners who can really run to defend the length in our conference, as well as the speed.
The 6-foot-1, 191-pound Miami native is now practicing with Washington after transferring from Alabama.
“In our conference, the more corners, good corners, you have, the better,” Sarkisian said. “Getting a guy with some experience for next year, as we lose Tru (senior Desmond Trufant), I think will be good for us.”
After spending two years at Eastern Arizona College, Dixon enrolled at Alabama in January, but he didn’t find the fit he was looking for in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
“Things didn’t work out, and we had a scholarship available,” Sarkisian said. “We were able to get him in academically and it fit that way, so we got him on board.”
Washington was interested in Dixon before he enrolled at Alabama, but the Huskies weren’t sure how much of a need they had at the position.
“He probably would have been a real, real priority for us if it wasn’t for Tre Watson and what he brought and what we saw out of him,” Sarkisian said.
While Dixon has to sit out the 2012 season, he will provide a veteran presence with Watson next year. With 6-foot-2 cornerback Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd) committed to the 2013 class, Washington continues to work on bringing athletes into its secondary who are as tall as they are fast.
That is exactly the kind of player the Huskies think they have secured in cornerback Travell Dixon.
“He’s obviously got great length at the corner position,” Sarkisian said. “He has tremendous speed, which are two things we’re continually looking for at that spot. Ideally, we’re recruiting 6-foot-or-taller corners who can really run to defend the length in our conference, as well as the speed.
The 6-foot-1, 191-pound Miami native is now practicing with Washington after transferring from Alabama.
“In our conference, the more corners, good corners, you have, the better,” Sarkisian said. “Getting a guy with some experience for next year, as we lose Tru (senior Desmond Trufant), I think will be good for us.”
After spending two years at Eastern Arizona College, Dixon enrolled at Alabama in January, but he didn’t find the fit he was looking for in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
“Things didn’t work out, and we had a scholarship available,” Sarkisian said. “We were able to get him in academically and it fit that way, so we got him on board.”
Washington was interested in Dixon before he enrolled at Alabama, but the Huskies weren’t sure how much of a need they had at the position.
“He probably would have been a real, real priority for us if it wasn’t for Tre Watson and what he brought and what we saw out of him,” Sarkisian said.
While Dixon has to sit out the 2012 season, he will provide a veteran presence with Watson next year. With 6-foot-2 cornerback Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd) committed to the 2013 class, Washington continues to work on bringing athletes into its secondary who are as tall as they are fast.
Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom): The 6-foot-3, 211-pound receiver continues to show his versatility, returning the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown in a 43-6 win over San Leandro (Calif.). He also had three carries for 102 yards and a touchdown and 37 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The quarterback continues to build on his strong early season, completing 8-of-13 pass attempts for 109 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, helping Narbonne beat Lakewood (Calif.), 61-6.
Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom): The 6-foot-3, 211-pound receiver continues to show his versatility, returning the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown in a 43-6 win over San Leandro (Calif.). He also had three carries for 102 yards and a touchdown and 37 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The quarterback continues to build on his strong early season, completing 8-of-13 pass attempts for 109 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, helping Narbonne beat Lakewood (Calif.), 61-6.
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Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom): After scoring a pair of touchdowns last week, Daniels exploded for 218 yards -- 115 rushing and 103 receiving -- and four touchdowns in Freedom’s 41-28 victory over Pleasanton (Calif.) Foothill.
Lavon Coleman (Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc): For the second week in a row, Coleman turned in a dynamic performance, rushing for 216 yards on 24 carries, scoring touchdowns of 72 and 40 yards in Lompoc’s 21-14 win over Bakersfield (Calif.) Frontier.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): Williams opened his senior season by completing 18 of 25 passes for 224 yards, a touchdown and an interception, leading Narbonne past Palos Verdes Estates (Calif.) Palos Verdes, 41-0.
Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande): The defensive tackle had a big offensive outing this week, rushing for 108 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. On defense he had four tackles and assisted on three more during Casa Grande’s 34-21 victory over Brentwood (Calif.) Heritage.
Cameron Van Winkle (Snoqualmie, Wash./Mount Si): The highly touted kicker made his 2012 debut this week and picked up where he left off as a junior, hitting field goals from 36, 38 and 40 yards in a 30-0 victory over Burien (Wash.) Kennedy Catholic.
Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd): The lanky cornerback also contributed on offense, catching a 10-yard touchdown pass in Bishop O’Dowd’s 33-26 victory over Oakland (Calif.) McClymonds.
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Tom Hauck/ESPNHSElite 11 member Troy Williams will try to lead his Narbonne team past Lakewood on Friday.
Tom Hauck/ESPNHSElite 11 member Troy Williams will try to lead his Narbonne team past Lakewood on Friday.Lavon Coleman (Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc): For the second week in a row, Coleman turned in a dynamic performance, rushing for 216 yards on 24 carries, scoring touchdowns of 72 and 40 yards in Lompoc’s 21-14 win over Bakersfield (Calif.) Frontier.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): Williams opened his senior season by completing 18 of 25 passes for 224 yards, a touchdown and an interception, leading Narbonne past Palos Verdes Estates (Calif.) Palos Verdes, 41-0.
Elijah Qualls (Petaluma, Calif./Casa Grande): The defensive tackle had a big offensive outing this week, rushing for 108 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. On defense he had four tackles and assisted on three more during Casa Grande’s 34-21 victory over Brentwood (Calif.) Heritage.
Cameron Van Winkle (Snoqualmie, Wash./Mount Si): The highly touted kicker made his 2012 debut this week and picked up where he left off as a junior, hitting field goals from 36, 38 and 40 yards in a 30-0 victory over Burien (Wash.) Kennedy Catholic.
Kevin King (Oakland, Calif./Bishop O’Dowd): The lanky cornerback also contributed on offense, catching a 10-yard touchdown pass in Bishop O’Dowd’s 33-26 victory over Oakland (Calif.) McClymonds.
The rash of injuries Washington endured at the linebacker position throughout fall camp further proved that depth is essential when building a successful program.
The Huskies had so much depth at safety, they were able to shuffle players to plug holes.
For some players, such as redshirt freshman Travis Feeney, the move from safety to linebacker resulted in a better fit. For freshman Shaq Thompson, it provided a chance to prove he could play right away.
The Huskies had so much depth at safety, they were able to shuffle players to plug holes.
For some players, such as redshirt freshman Travis Feeney, the move from safety to linebacker resulted in a better fit. For freshman Shaq Thompson, it provided a chance to prove he could play right away.
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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.