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

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.

From whiteboard to football field

And so, it’s simply not enough to have a philosophy. After all, in the end the philosophy must be put into practice. Ultimately, the distinguishing and common thread of all Washington Football players – past, present, and future – is the passion, production, and perseverance that comes from the heart.  In 2018, that quality is beginning to be recognized by national scouts as well.

So you see, National Signing Day no longer requires a painful waiting period for prospects who want to play for the team.  With recent rule changes, the date has gone from February 7, 2018, to a range of time that begins December 20, 2017. That is today.  Thankfully, the Washington Football team, already assembling a group of young man who exhibit the highest potential, need not wait. And today, of the 18 committed young men, 14 have signed today. Er, better make that 15.

And so it begins. On December 20, 2017, the dreams of 18 young men take a step forward to reality.

2018 Recruiting class roster

So who are these young men, and can they deliver? On one hand, the answer to the second question is a definitive yes. On the other hand, the answer to the first question?

15 signed their National Letter of Intent

These are 15 young men who believe in the Washington Football program. And in the coaching staff. And in the fans. You see, it’s a matter of trust. Each prospect wants to achieve their utmost in football. So it’s more than just practice in training camp.

There is the thrill of making a big play in front of appreciative fans.  There is the 24 by 7 commitment to a team, a university, a city, and a region, that is far more than just donning pads and purple. When new recruits look at the total package, there is no better place than the University of Washington.

Three to go…

That’s 15 of 18 so far.  Even more are coming if you are tracking , the remaining players yet to sign are:

Strongside defensive end Draco Bynum
Outside linebacker Zion Tupuola-Fetui
Weakside defensive end Mosiah Liu

Three players for the defense. That totals up to 11 players on offense, and seven players on defense. But it’s not over yet.

More to come?

And today, there are no reports to suggest something will derail their signatures. But there may be more surprises in store. Recruiting is never complete:

And I have a good feeling about this one. So did Roman Tomashoff when he wrote how to round out this recruiting class.  His first stop? Cornerback Kyler Gordon.

Great class made up of courageous young men.

This is a very talented, and very well rounded class.  It’s quite clear that the Washington coaching staff did leverage last year’s success to intrigue prospects. But the final persuasion came from within.  Each member of this class, as others before them, see great possibilities in their future.  Whether that means an NFL contract, the best education possible, or simply the piece of mind for making the right choice at the right time, they are all trusting their future to UW. I applaud each and every courageous young man, here and now.  Regardless of how things turn out, you are confident enough to take a risk.

It’s a time to celebrate, welcome, and applaud each young man whose accomplishments have taken them to this doorway. Today is about what they will do as well as what they have done. Each young man has worked hard to arrive to this moment. And each young man will work hard after this moment.

Next: Washington Football’s perfect 2018 recruiting class

These are our players. They become part of the Washington Football team, and will work hard to get ready to play on the football field. And on game day, they will entertain us, thrill us, and captivate us. We will follow their lives as we would stay in touch with one of our own family.

Welcome home, young men. We’ve been waiting for your arrival.