Projected Washington Husky Recruiting Class of 2017 Signing Day
By Bret Stuter
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.
SUMMARY
So where does that leave the team? Glad you asked. I’ve summarized the projected gains below. To help follow where the roster has lost a significant contributor, I’ve included them at their respective positions.
10 Special Teams – 3-star kicker Joel Whitford (lost Cameron Van Winkle)
9 Running Back – 4-star running back Salvon Ahmed
8 Quarterback – 3-star pocket passer quarterback Jake Haener
7 Outside Linebacker – 3-star outside lineback Ariel Ngata. Team may try either 3-star TE Cade Otton or gray-shirted 3-star Jacob Kizer in OLB “Buck” role. (lost Psalm Wooching and Joe Mathis)
6 Defensive Linemen 3-star defensive end Joe Tryon and 3-star defensive lineman Ali Gaye (lost Elijah Qualls)
5 Tight End 4-star tight end Hunter Bryant, 3-star tight end Cade Otton 3-star tight end Jacob Kizer (see Outside Linebacker) (lost Darrelle Daniels)
4 Wide Receiver 4-star wide receiver Terrell Bynum, 3-star wide receiver Alex Cook, 3-star wide receiver Ty Jones (lost John Ross III)
3 Offensive Linemen 4-star offensive tackle Henry Bainavalu and 3-star offensive tackle Cole Norgaard
2 Safety 4-star safety Brandon McKinney (lost Budda Baker)
1 Cornerback 4-star cornerback Elijah Molden and 3-star cornerback Keith Taylor (lost Sidney Jones)
When you see it summarized, the projected class of 2017 is a very diverse and talented group.
Next: Washington Husky’s National Signing Day Schedule and TV Announcement Times
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