Washington Huskies: Jermaine Kelly
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.”
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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Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) showed up in Seattle for Washington’s first big recruiting weekend of the season in late September.
At the time, the 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback was committed to UCLA. The Huskies were preparing to play Stanford, and Kelly stood on the sideline watching pregame warmups with defensive backs Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga), a USC commit, and Johnny Johnson (Fresno, Calif./Central East).
The smile on his face, and the purple and white scarf wrapped around his neck, made it clear Kelly was enjoying the experience. Then, after Washington finished off a 17-13 win over Stanford, he disappeared into the sea of students storming the field.
At the time, the 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback was committed to UCLA. The Huskies were preparing to play Stanford, and Kelly stood on the sideline watching pregame warmups with defensive backs Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga), a USC commit, and Johnny Johnson (Fresno, Calif./Central East).
The smile on his face, and the purple and white scarf wrapped around his neck, made it clear Kelly was enjoying the experience. Then, after Washington finished off a 17-13 win over Stanford, he disappeared into the sea of students storming the field.
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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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Ryan Turman helps UW's recruiting effort
January, 8, 2013
Jan 8
12:29
PM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
When Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) committed to Washington on Monday, he was asked about Ryan Turman.
The 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback has yet to spend any time around Turman, a 6-foot, 195-pound receiver out of Bellevue (Wash.) Interlake. But through social media, text messages and phone calls, the two seniors are becoming fast friends.
“Ryan Turman is my best friend, man,” Kelly said. “I think we’re going to be good friends up there. He’s a really cool dude.”
The 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback has yet to spend any time around Turman, a 6-foot, 195-pound receiver out of Bellevue (Wash.) Interlake. But through social media, text messages and phone calls, the two seniors are becoming fast friends.
“Ryan Turman is my best friend, man,” Kelly said. “I think we’re going to be good friends up there. He’s a really cool dude.”
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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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Washington’s weekend recruiting haul spilled into Monday when Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) gave the Huskies a verbal commitment.
“I felt like this was the place I should be,” Kelly said. “I’ve always had love for Washington. I felt like I had to be there. I had to be at that school. It’s just the right choice for me.”
The 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback is the third prospect to join the program’s 2013 class in four days, joining receiver John Ross (Long Beach, Calif./Jordan) and defensive end Joe Mathis (Upland, Calif./Upland).
“I felt like this was the place I should be,” Kelly said. “I’ve always had love for Washington. I felt like I had to be there. I had to be at that school. It’s just the right choice for me.”
- Jermaine Kelly
- Wide receiver
- 2013
- Uncommitted: List
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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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SPOKANE, Wash. -- There are moments as a sports writer when a plan comes together. And, after what transpired Thursday, I’m still having a hard time soaking in everything -- both the expected and unexpected.
The day started with a morning to drive to Spokane, Wash. I planned to talk to Notre Dame commit Danny Mattingly (Spokane, Wash./Mead) in the afternoon before watching sophomore quarterback Brett Rypien (Spokane, Wash./Shadle Park) play later that evening.
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SEATTLE -- Jermaine Kelly stood on the sideline with a broad smile across his face and a purple-and-white Washington scarf wrapped around his neck.
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback (Los Angeles/Salesian) soaked up the scene as Washington and Stanford prepared to play in a nationally televised matchup at CenturyLink Field last week.
He was on an official visit, enjoying the moment. He was flanked by two high-profile prospects -- USC cornerback commit Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) and uncommitted cornerback Johnny Johnson Jr. (Fresno, Calif./Central East).
The 6-foot-1, 170-pound cornerback (Los Angeles/Salesian) soaked up the scene as Washington and Stanford prepared to play in a nationally televised matchup at CenturyLink Field last week.
He was on an official visit, enjoying the moment. He was flanked by two high-profile prospects -- USC cornerback commit Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) and uncommitted cornerback Johnny Johnson Jr. (Fresno, Calif./Central East).
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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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When Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) was asked about what he thought of his official visit to Washington, the senior said simply “They ooh’d and ahh’d me.”
The 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback was in Seattle for the Huskies’ 17-13 upset win over Stanford. He was one of five official visitors who stormed the field after the game.
“It was crazy,” Kelly said. “I’ve never even witnessed something like that in person. I’ve always seen it on TV. It was great. I don’t know how they did it. They pulled it off. The crowd was just amazing. Like I said, I’ve never witnessed anything like that up close.”
The 6-foot-1, 171-pound cornerback was in Seattle for the Huskies’ 17-13 upset win over Stanford. He was one of five official visitors who stormed the field after the game.
“It was crazy,” Kelly said. “I’ve never even witnessed something like that in person. I’ve always seen it on TV. It was great. I don’t know how they did it. They pulled it off. The crowd was just amazing. Like I said, I’ve never witnessed anything like that up close.”
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SEATTLE -- As the final seconds ticked off the clock, fans inched closer and closer to the rails that ring the CenturyLink Field stands. They prepared to jump down to the turf and celebrate Washington’s 17-13 win over No. 8 Stanford. As they leapt, five official visitors followed.
Washington commits center Dane Crane and athlete Connor O’Brien -- teammates at Rancho Santa Margarita (Calif.) Santa Margarita -- were embraced by Huskies offensive line coach Dan Cozzetto.
Defensive backs Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) -- a UCLA commit -- Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) -- a USC commit -- and Johnny Johnson Jr. (Fresno, Calif./Central East) disappeared in a sea of black, purple and gold.
Washington commits center Dane Crane and athlete Connor O’Brien -- teammates at Rancho Santa Margarita (Calif.) Santa Margarita -- were embraced by Huskies offensive line coach Dan Cozzetto.
Defensive backs Jermaine Kelly (Los Angeles/Salesian) -- a UCLA commit -- Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) -- a USC commit -- and Johnny Johnson Jr. (Fresno, Calif./Central East) disappeared in a sea of black, purple and gold.
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A Washington win would help recruiting
September, 27, 2012
9/27/12
7:30
AM PT
By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
SEATTLE -- For a few hours Thursday, CenturyLink Field becomes the center of the college football world.
Washington welcomes No. 8 Stanford in the only game of the night -- a nationally televised matchup on ESPN. The Huskies are trying to orchestrate the “Blackout of the Century,” wearing all black uniforms, while encouraging their fans to follow suit.
The game is an opportunity to pull off an upset against a ranked opponent. It is a chance to show Washington is ready to take the next step under fourth-year coach Steve Sarkisian. But it is also a chance for the Huskies to build their brand in front of a national audience peppered with prospects.
Washington welcomes No. 8 Stanford in the only game of the night -- a nationally televised matchup on ESPN. The Huskies are trying to orchestrate the “Blackout of the Century,” wearing all black uniforms, while encouraging their fans to follow suit.
The game is an opportunity to pull off an upset against a ranked opponent. It is a chance to show Washington is ready to take the next step under fourth-year coach Steve Sarkisian. But it is also a chance for the Huskies to build their brand in front of a national audience peppered with prospects.
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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.