The Husky Haul
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How Did Stanford University Land Two Top Washington Husky Recruiting Targets?

By Bret Stuter

Oct 8, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; The University of Washington Huskies football team takes the field before the start of a game against the University of Oregon at Autzen Stadium. The Huskies won 70-21. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; The University of Washington Huskies football team takes the field before the start of a game against the University of Oregon at Autzen Stadium. The Huskies won 70-21. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Surprisingly, running back Connor Wedington was an early commit to the Washington Husky recruiting class of 2017. Fresh out of their NCAA playoff appearance, the Huskies were pleased to get the commitment from the Sumner Washington running back on February 9th, 2016.

But recruiting is a long involved process. In fact, Wedington had just rushed for 1,501 yards and 22 TDs on 188 carries in his junior year at high school.  An so, Washington was the first in, and as such Wedington was perhaps overwhelmed to have the opportunity.

Present Day Commit Means Recruit Me

But recruiting prospects are not insulated.  In fact, it was coach Petersen’s own admission in his post-signing day press conference that other teams track who UW shows interest in, and then recruits those players.

In the case of Wedington, that strategy worked for Stanford. Ten months later, the young man so eager to join the Washington Huskies changed his mind.

Much of the cause and effect speculated on this change of heart aligned with the academic reputation of Stanford. But was it a smart move?

Stanford Offense Changing

It’s clear that the Washington Huskies love to run. But what will the Stanford Cardinals do on offense? The Cardinals have taken on pro-style QB David Mills, OT Walker Little, and an offensive tackle Husky fans are rather familiar with, Foster Sarrell. Stanford has long been an offense that sparks off it’s running game. But the program’s commitment to bookend offensive tackles and a highly ranked quarterback could spell a change of direction for the Cardinals.

2016 was a tough year for the Cardinals offense, but none more so than the offensive line. Per the CardinalSportsReport.com’s Jacob Rayburn, the top three needs to fix the offense were:

"No. 1 offensive line, No. 2 offensive line and No. 3 offensive line."

But how long will the team need to bring three freshmen along? And even moreso in today’s environment, how long will the Stanford Cardinal’s be able to hold onto those freshmen? Realistically, if the coaches can develop their recruits, the Stanford Cardinals are looking at two seasons of benefit.

Is that enough time for Wedington to wow national scouts? And so, time will tell.

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