Wait’ll you get a load of Washington Football’s recruiting class of 2018

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies looks on prior to the game against the Portland State Vikings on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies looks on prior to the game against the Portland State Vikings on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies looks on prior to the game against the Portland State Vikings on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies looks on prior to the game against the Portland State Vikings on September 17, 2016 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Washington Football team has made football pros out of amateurs. But never in Chris Petersen’s history has he had the top-rated class of the Pac-12. That changes this year

While the Washington Football team analyzes errors that cost them two games to Pac-12 opponents, and prepares to face a gritty Penn State team in the upcoming Fiesta Bowl, there is a moment to pause. On one hand, each year the team must recruit replacements and hopefully reinforce weaker spots on the team roster. On the other hand, in the past head coach Chris Petersen and staff have focused on fit over ranking. And as a matter of fact, that was enough.

But word got out. The Washington Football team recruited “Our Kinda Guys”, or OKGs, from a perspective that some skillsets could be learned with superior coaching.  In a recent article discussing defensive tackle Greg Gaines, we dove into the entire OKG philosophy. But that’s all chalkboard chat.

2018 recruiting class

Let’s talk about 2018 and the recruiting class. The Washington Football team, despite not returning to the NCAA Playoff picture, had a successful season.  And with success, comes the natural attrition of college standouts who will test the waters of the pros. In football, that means the NFL.  And with the recent success of Washington Football players in that new venue, there will be even more demand for the hopefuls who wear the Purple and Gold.

You see, it comes down to philosophy. Each player has great passion for the game. Each player is accountable.  But most of all, each player is expected to step up when they have their chance to play.