Washington Football 2018 class recruits 4-Star DB Julius Irvin

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies reacts during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies reacts during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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There is no doubt that safety Julius Irvin is a very talented defensive back. Now that he is commiting to the Washington Fooball team recruiting class of 2018, coach Jimmy Lake will transform him into an NFL talent

Four star safety Julius Irvin from Servite High in Anahiem, California committed to the Washington Football team recruiting class of 2018 on Wednesday night. Irvin is one of the best safety prospects in the country, so this is a huge win for Jimmy Lake and the Death Row defense.  He had been sought by some of the nation’s best college programs, included Alabama, Oklahoma, and Penn State. But there is a special magic going on at the University of Washington right now. And Irvin wisely wants to be part of that magic.

When and where will he play?

Don’t expect to see Irvin on the field a ton in 2018. Jojo McIntosh will be a senior in 2018, and he’s not losing his job unless he gets hurt. Taylor Rapp may leave school early for the NFL Draft, but that is highly unlikely. If Rapp does so, the door swings open for Irvin.  As it now stands, he will likely be one of the rotational players in 2018, aiming to have a bigger role in 2019. If Irvin were to see the field in 2018, it would probably be in a three safety set, which Jimmy Lake favors. Irvin might fit in as that third safety like Ezekiel Turner did in 2017. Irvin also has cornerback potential, as he’s the son of former All-Pro corner Leroy Irvin.

Elite Skill Set

Irvin has the perfect skill set that Jimmy Lake looks for. He excels in man coverage and has great recovery speed. He also is able to sit back and play center field, with the range to help over the top. Irvin has great ball skills and knows how to play with discipline. He’s a very high football IQ guy, and also has great size at 6’2. Irvin is a definite OKG, and will be an impact player whenever he hits the field.

Changing the Guard?

Is there a changing of the guard starting in the Pac 12? Recruits are starting to notice what the Huskies are doing, and they want in. This was a huge recruiting battle for the Huskies to win, with teams like Alabama, Notre Dame and USC. Irvin was originally projected to commit to Notre Dame before Early Signing Day. He held off due to a family emergency, and then seemed pretty set on staying at home at USC.

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Getting any southern Calinfornia prospect away from USC is a tough thing to do. Not to mention the giants that are Notre Dame and Alabama. Jimmy Lake has established himself as one of the best recruiters and coaches in the country, and this big win just solidifies his status. Julius Irvin is going to be a great addition for the Huskies, and he is one more prospect who is making the University of Washington that much more competitive next season.