Washington Huskies 2013 Recruiting Roundup: Defensive Line

Players signed: Marcus Farria (Centennial HS/Peoria, Ariz.), Joe Mathis (Upland HS/Upland, Calif.), Andrew Basham (Lynnwood HS/Lynnwood, Wash.), Jaimie Bryant (Tumwater HS/Tumwater, Wash.) and Elijah Qualls (Casa Grande HS/Petaluma, Calif.)

Farria’s ratings: Rivals – 3 stars, Scout – 3 stars, ESPN – 3 stars

Mathis’s ratings: Rivals – 4 stars, Scout – 4 stars, ESPN – 4 stars

Basham’s ratings: Rivals – 3 stars, Scout – 3 stars, ESPN – 3 stars

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

Qualls’ ratings: Rivals – 4 stars, Scout – 4 stars, ESPN – 4 stars

Outside of the wide receiver group, this was the most talent at one position grouping that Coach Sark brought in from the Class of 2013. The defensive line already projects to be a strength of the defense with Josh Shirley and Danny Shelton leading the rush. The strong recruiting class coming in will only add to that.

Qualls and Mathis were both ranked in the ESPN 300, with Qualls ranking inside the top 150. Either of them could come in and start right away if Washington needed them too, but it won’t, barring any injuries. Qualls will be fun to watch, as he brings in supreme athleticism from being a running back in high school.

Farria is far less polished than Qualls or Mathis, but has the potential to be just as good, or better than them. He and Mathis should make for a nice duo coming off the ends, while Qualls bursts through the middle.

Neither Basham nor Bryant seem to bring that level of potential to the table, though either could blossom into a nice defensive tackle. If that doesn’t work out, both have also had experience on the offensive line, should they be needed there more.

This defensive line class brings both star power and depth. The Huskies should be able to rely on this class to anchor the defensive line for years to come.