The Husky Haul
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Can Washington Football Team overcome USC allure for top recruits?

By Bret Stuter

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen speaks at a press conference after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen speaks at a press conference after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen speaks at a press conference after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen speaks at a press conference after the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports /

Some football programs win in recruiting, while others win on the field. Can the Washington Football Team convert team success into recruiting success?

The University of Washington Football team has emerged as one of the best teams in the NCAA today. But there is still a fear when the Washington Football recruiting efforts intersect with those of the USC Trojans, Washington will come up short.

That was then, this is now.

Now, the Washington Football team is the defending PAC-12 champion. In fact, the Washington Football team is earning the respect of the National Football League.  And they are doing it with superior coaching.

Compare Outcomes

The 2014 recruiting class found the USC Trojans ranked tenth in the nation.  USC had attracted such top nationally ranked stars as five-star recruits cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and four-star cornerback Jonathan Lockett.  In stark contrast, the Washington Huskies were ranked 37th in the nation. Led by four-star safety Budda Baker and three-star cornerback Sidney Jones, and joined by 2013 four-star wide receiver John Ross.

The NFL Draft results for the Trojans were Adoree’ Jackson selected 18th, Juju Smith-Schuster selected 62nd, and Lockett played primarily as a backup until his season ended with hip surgery. He will now compete for a starting role as a senior.

Related Story: 2017 NFL Draft Special Washington Huskies Making History

The NFL Draft results for the Huskies were John Ross selected 9th, Budda Baker selected 36th, and Sidney Jones, despite a ruptured Achilles Tendon, selected 43rd.  And there’s the rub.

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