Washington Huskies: LaVon Coleman
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.”
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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A program can never have enough running backs. In 2012, depth didn’t seem to be an issue for Washington at that position.
Then Deontae Cooper suffered another knee injury. Then Jesse Callier suffered a knee injury. All of a sudden, Bishop Sankey became the Huskies’ feature back.
Fortunately for the program, he had the talent to be a 1,000-yard rusher. He proved he was ready to play at a high level.
Then Deontae Cooper suffered another knee injury. Then Jesse Callier suffered a knee injury. All of a sudden, Bishop Sankey became the Huskies’ feature back.
Fortunately for the program, he had the talent to be a 1,000-yard rusher. He proved he was ready to play at a high level.
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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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Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde): The receiver continues to deliver in the playoffs, catching five passes for 93 yards during a 35-28 victory over Menifee (Calif.) Paloma Valley. One of Stringfellow’s receptions resulted in a 65-yard touchdown that helped the Mustangs earn a return trip to the CIF Southern Section Central Division championship game.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The Gauchos kept their unblemished season intact with a 39-13 win over Carson (Calif.) in the CIF City Section Division I semifinals. Williams had another strong performance, completing 8-of-13 pass attempts for 173 yards and a touchdown. He also finished with five carries for 13 yards.
Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde): The receiver continues to deliver in the playoffs, catching five passes for 93 yards during a 35-28 victory over Menifee (Calif.) Paloma Valley. One of Stringfellow’s receptions resulted in a 65-yard touchdown that helped the Mustangs earn a return trip to the CIF Southern Section Central Division championship game.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The Gauchos kept their unblemished season intact with a 39-13 win over Carson (Calif.) in the CIF City Section Division I semifinals. Williams had another strong performance, completing 8-of-13 pass attempts for 173 yards and a touchdown. He also finished with five carries for 13 yards.
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Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The Gauchos improved to 12-0 after a 45-0 victory over Los Angeles Garfield. The nation’s No. 2-rated dual-threat quarterback completed 13 of 19 passes for 193 yards and four touchdowns. He also had six carries for 59 yards.
Lavon Coleman (Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc): The Braves piled up 380 rushing yards during a 49-6 victory over Culver City (Calif.) in the CIF Southern Section Western Division quarterfinals. Coleman finished with 121 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The Gauchos improved to 12-0 after a 45-0 victory over Los Angeles Garfield. The nation’s No. 2-rated dual-threat quarterback completed 13 of 19 passes for 193 yards and four touchdowns. He also had six carries for 59 yards.
Lavon Coleman (Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc): The Braves piled up 380 rushing yards during a 49-6 victory over Culver City (Calif.) in the CIF Southern Section Western Division quarterfinals. Coleman finished with 121 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 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): 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:
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): Rated the nation’s No. 2 dual-threat quarterback, Williams continues to prove just how prolific he can be each week. During a 53-7 victory over Gardena (Calif.), the 6-foot-2, 190-pound passer completed 20-of-25 passes for 347 yards and six touchdowns.
Lavon Coleman (Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc): After missing time with a thigh injury, Coleman is making the most of the games he has left. The running back returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown and piled up 133 rushing yards on 12 carries, during a 66-0 victory over Long Beach (Calif.) Cabrillo.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): Rated the nation’s No. 2 dual-threat quarterback, Williams continues to prove just how prolific he can be each week. During a 53-7 victory over Gardena (Calif.), the 6-foot-2, 190-pound passer completed 20-of-25 passes for 347 yards and six touchdowns.
Lavon Coleman (Lompoc, Calif./Lompoc): After missing time with a thigh injury, Coleman is making the most of the games he has left. The running back returned a punt 72 yards for a touchdown and piled up 133 rushing yards on 12 carries, during a 66-0 victory over Long Beach (Calif.) Cabrillo.
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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:
Cameron Van Winkle (Snoqualmie, Wash./Mount Si): The kicker set Washington's career field goals mark, hitting his 34th during a 51-0 victory over Kirkland (Wash.) Lake Washington. The 30-yard kick pushed him past Washington State kicker Andrew Furney, who previously held the record during his high school career at Burlington-Edison (Wash.). Van Winkle also made all six of his extra-point attempts.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): Narbonne had to rally in the second half to knock off Carson (Calif.), 26-20. Williams threw three touchdown passes in the win -- 21, 14 and 69 yards -- and completed 9 of 13 passes for 178 yards.
Cameron Van Winkle (Snoqualmie, Wash./Mount Si): The kicker set Washington's career field goals mark, hitting his 34th during a 51-0 victory over Kirkland (Wash.) Lake Washington. The 30-yard kick pushed him past Washington State kicker Andrew Furney, who previously held the record during his high school career at Burlington-Edison (Wash.). Van Winkle also made all six of his extra-point attempts.
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): Narbonne had to rally in the second half to knock off Carson (Calif.), 26-20. Williams threw three touchdown passes in the win -- 21, 14 and 69 yards -- and completed 9 of 13 passes for 178 yards.
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High school highlights -- Sept. 23 
September, 23, 2012
9/23/12
9:30
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Recapping the weekend's prime-time performances from Washington's 2013 recruiting class:
Darrell Daniels (Oakley Calif./Freedom): The four-star receiver continues to do a little bit of everything for the Falcons. He rushed for 31 yards and a touchdown on four carries and caught three passes for 25 yards during Oakley’s 55-27 victory over Castro Valley (Calif.).
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The quarterback helped the Gauchos improve to 4-0 on the season, completing 13 of 20 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown during a 22-9 victory over (Gardena, Calif./Serra). He didn’t throw an interception.
Darrell Daniels (Oakley Calif./Freedom): The four-star receiver continues to do a little bit of everything for the Falcons. He rushed for 31 yards and a touchdown on four carries and caught three passes for 25 yards during Oakley’s 55-27 victory over Castro Valley (Calif.).
Troy Williams (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne): The quarterback helped the Gauchos improve to 4-0 on the season, completing 13 of 20 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown during a 22-9 victory over (Gardena, Calif./Serra). He didn’t throw an interception.
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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:
Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde): Stringfellow is having a huge senior season through three games. The four-star receiver had eight catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Mustangs to a 28-24 victory over Temecula (Calif.) Great Oak.
Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom): If Daniels has shown one thing this season, it is his knack for scoring touchdowns. After finding the end zone twice during the Falcons’ 31-21 loss to Elk Grove (Calif.) Franklin -- he caught a 37-yard touchdown pass and returned an interception 27 yards four a touchdown -- the receiver has eight touchdowns through three games.
Damore’ea Stringfellow (Moreno Valley, Calif./Rancho Verde): Stringfellow is having a huge senior season through three games. The four-star receiver had eight catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Mustangs to a 28-24 victory over Temecula (Calif.) Great Oak.
Darrell Daniels (Oakley, Calif./Freedom): If Daniels has shown one thing this season, it is his knack for scoring touchdowns. After finding the end zone twice during the Falcons’ 31-21 loss to Elk Grove (Calif.) Franklin -- he caught a 37-yard touchdown pass and returned an interception 27 yards four a touchdown -- the receiver has eight touchdowns through three games.
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A live Bengal tiger? At practice? Really?
It was an interesting week at Washington, as the program prepared to play third-ranked LSU. Coach Steve Sarkisian pulled out all the stops to prepare his team, including a surprise visit from Sheena, a 300-pound Bengal tiger.
The Huskies head on the road this week to the hostile confines of Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., facing a loud crowd and tough team.
It was an interesting week at Washington, as the program prepared to play third-ranked LSU. Coach Steve Sarkisian pulled out all the stops to prepare his team, including a surprise visit from Sheena, a 300-pound Bengal tiger.
The Huskies head on the road this week to the hostile confines of Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La., facing a loud crowd and tough team.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.
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.