Ten Washington Husky Recruiting Needs Before 2017 Signing Day
By Bret Stuter
![Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) gets ready to receive the opening kick off against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) gets ready to receive the opening kick off against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/564f5c5444b814e59695bbef690ba65342645a942754a07b0e63814c7a326a9c.jpg)
Top Three
3 Offensive Linemen (2)
As a matter of fact, offensive linemen are always a top priority, and the loss of starting offensive tackle Jake Eldenkramp has simply placed the exclamation point on it this year. The Huskies have gotten commitments from 3-star 73 graded offensive tackle Cole Norgaard, as well as 4-star 82 graded offensive tackle Henry Bainivalu.
And so, that leaves The Huskies one shy of their target, with two weeks or so to go. With nine returning from last season, plus two recruits, the team will have a starter and backup for all positions plus one. Don’t be surprised to see the team land another OL recruit before signing day.
Defensive Backs
2 Safety (1)
The role of safety continues to evolve, and Budda Baker will lead that evolution in the NFL next season. Unfortunately, that means that the Huskies must somehow fill the void vacated by Baker with a new starter.
The team has managed to fill that void with 4-star 80 graded safety Brandon McKinney.
1 Cornerback (2)
Cornerbacks seem to hold the keys to success. In a passing offense, the defense must either sack the quarterback, or defend the pass. Wise teams do both. Husky cornerback Sidney Jones was the type of cornerback who kept his defensive coordinator sleeping peacefully at night.
Stars In The West
Now the quality of sleep will fall upon 4-star 81 graded cornerback Elijah Molden, and 3-star 78 graded cornerback Keith Taylor. In both prospects, the Huskies have young men who have great natural pass defense instincts, good range, and excellent speed and agility.
Next: Washington Huskies Football 2017 Recruiting Lands OT Cole Norgaard
National Signing Day is February 1st, 2017. While the Huskies have some big shoes to fill from the players declaring or graduating, this class is both diverse and talented. It should be a good year for the fans, and the team. #GoDawgs