In a move that’s been speculated for a couple of weeks, the Washington Huskies have named Tosh Lupoi their new defensive line coach/defensive run game coordinator.
Lupoi joined the staff at the University of California not long after he graduated from the school. He spent two years as a graduate assistant before becoming the defensive line coach, which is where he spent the last four years.
The strength of Lupoi and the main reason for excitement in Husky nation is that Lupoi is widely considered one of the best recruiters in the conference and potentially the nation.
In 2010 he was recognized by Rivals.com as the ‘Recruiter of the Year’ in large part thanks to being an instrumental player in inking two top 15 classes in the nation in 2010 and 2011.
While the rumors swirled over the possibility of Lupoi joining Sarkisian’s staff, many thought there was no chance he would leave the school he played for, graduated from, and had spent the last six years coaching for.
The contract numbers are not yet out yet, but the Huskies likely gave him a substantial pay upgrade along with the added title of ‘defensive run game coordinator’.
The effects of Lupoi’s arrival could be huge even to the Huskies 2012 class.
In the immediate moments after the news came out, Shaq Thompson, a five star safety and California verbal commit that also considered Washngton; Tweeted “I have
A lot of thinking to do.”
Five star Defensive Tackle Aziz Shittu also Tweeted “WOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!! The Game Just Changed” and “I want to cryyyyyyy”.
Washington could land both Shittu and Thompson with the addition of Lupoi, as the Huskies are near the top of both players lists.
Adam Gorney of Rivals.com Tweeted that he spoke to several California commits, WR Bryce Treggs, LB Hardy Nickerson, OL Steven Moore and WR Darius Powe, who said the move by Lupoi doesn’t change their commitments.
The 2013 class is where the Huskies defensive recruiting class should make its biggest mark in a long time.
Lupoi joins an overhauled defensive staff that includes new defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox, defensive backs coach Keith Heyward and linebackers coach Peter Sirmon.
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