Washington Football recruiting close but short on DT Tommy Togiai

The Washington Football team recruited DT Tommy Togiai hard, but it wasn’t enough. He has committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes

The Washington Football team has a strong need for a defensive tackle. And for much of the season, the coaching staff spent a great deal of time recruiting for that position. In fact, for a period of time, that defensive tackle appeared to be Tommy Togiai.  He certainly fit the needs of the Washington Football team, and the Huskies appeared to be perfectly suited to showcase the unique talents of Togiai in college football.

But a funny thing happened on the way to his decision. Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai chose the Ohio State Buckeyes.  I respect him for making a very challenging decision. As a young man emerging from high school, the wisdom and experience to make a lifelong commitment is still under development. He weighed his options, and chose another school.

High school coach favored Ohio State

And so, most young men rely upon loved ones, and those they trust, to sort through these matters. Togiai was no different.  Reports emerged that his high school coach promoted Ohio State. In the aftermath, it looks like his high school coach got what he wanted.

Win some and lose some. But the fit of Togiai with the Washington Huskies was very real and very obvious.  Unfortunately, the Washington Huskies have lost out on a highly prized defensive tackle in two consecutive years.  And with the likely attrition of standout DT Vita Vea to the NFL, that leaves the team at a defensive line deficit.

So the question becomes: what now?