Shaq Thompson Commits to The Washington Huskies

Shaq Thompson, the number one safety in the nation, decided to commit to the University of Washington and Coach Steve Sarkisian. He is the biggest edition to a recruiting class that was amongst the lowest in the Pac-12.

Thompson had originally committed to the California Golden Bears but after his recruiter, Tosh Lupoi was hired away to the Huskies, Thompson decided to reconsider that commitment. He re-opened his list to UCLA, Cal, Washington, and Oregon. There were rumors that he may be a package deal with Arik Armstead, who recently committed to Oregon. However, many sources were saying that they met and talked and each had a different favorite. In the end, he decided to follow Lupoi to Washington.

He is also joining a close friend from his high school days in James Sample. Sample was his guide around campus and helped recruit his close friend to come to the Huskies.

Thompson is one of the best recruits in the nation and UW was able to help secure him and seal up their secondary. He is the type of recruit that could make a very early impact, even as early as his true freshman year which is rare.

In his original announcement to play for Cal, he did it at the US Army All-American Bowl where he donned a Cal hat. This time his announcement came over his personal twitter account. Here is the tweet:

He visited the Huskies back during the season on an official visit and it came down to the Huskies and the Golden Bears originally, back when Lupoi was on the Bear’s staff. He stated that he loved the Huskies but wanted to go to Cal because of the coaching staff. When the staff came to Washington, so did Thompson.

This is one of the biggest commitments that the Huskies have had in recent years. He is a 5-star and the number 3 overall prospect by Scout.com, the highest safety rated. Rivals has him as the number 4 overall prospect and the highest safety. Regardless, he is a big-time edition to the Washington Huskies in a position that UW was desperate to fix and shore up for the future.

This could just be the first of a few that are said to be leaning towards Washington or may have already silently committed to UW. Announcement’s tomorrow with UW still in the picture is Jaydon Mickens, Jordan Payton, and Kenny Walker. Signing day is on Wednesday February 1. UW fans are hoping Thompson is just the beginning to what shapes up to be an impressive class.