Washington Huskies 2013 Recruiting Roundup: Offensive Line

Players signed: Dane Crane (Santa Margarita Catholic HS/Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.), Andrew Kirkland (Jesuit HS/Portland, Ore.) and Coleman Shelton (Loyola HS/Los Angeles, Calif.)

Crane’s ratings: Rivals – 3 stars, Scout – 3 stars, ESPN – 4 stars

Kirkland’s ratings: Rivals – 3 stars, Scout – 3 stars, ESPN – 2 stars

Shelton’s ratings: Rivals – 3 stars, Scout – 2 stars, ESPN – NR

There probably aren’t any budding stars coming from the offensive line class that Steve Sarkisian brought in from the Class of 2013, but they will offer valuable depth this season and into the future. The line is pretty much set for this season between the seven-plus linemen who have gotten significant playing time in the past, due to injuries, but Crane has an outside chance of sneaking into the starting lineup at center.

For the most part, though, Crane, Kirkland and Shelton will have to earn their playing time from the bench this season. Kirkland has loads of potential, but is a fairly raw prospect and this point and might make good use of a redshirt year. The same could be said for Shelton, however, he doesn’t possess the same upside that Kirkland does.

Crane, on the other hand, is polished and could start for a lot of schools. Luckily, the Huskies shouldn’t have to count on the freshman, allowing him to grow and develop for at least a season before being called on to start.

At the very least, Sarkisian should have found himself a solid, two-to-three-year starter and two others to provide depth. If everything goes right, Kirkland develops into a stud lineman alongside Crane while Shelton is able to step in at a minute’s notice while backing up a tackle.