Washington football gets another big-time player before early signing day at a much-needed position.
Washington football grabbed another big-time recruit shortly before the 2018 early signing period gets underway, this time in the form of four-star defensive end Laiatu Latu. Latu is currently ranked as the 133rd overall recruit and 6th overall at his position. He’s listed as a defensive end, and is athletic enough to play outside linebacker in the Huskies’ scheme.
Latu had an incredible senior year at Jesuit High in Carmichael, California. He showed off his athleticism on offense, racking up over 350 all-purpose yards, and scored one touchdown. On defense, he was able to collect 94 total tackles, which was almost double what the second leading tackler on his team was able to accrue. His 29.5 tackles for loss and six sacks were also the best top numbers on his team.
Best Defensive Line Class Ever?
Joining Faatui Tuitele, Jacob Bandes, Sama Paama, Bralen Trice, Miki Ah You, and Noa Ngalu, Latu has helped the Huskies put together an exceptional defensive line class. Only time will tell how good the class will turn out to be, but off of the merit of these players, and the coaching staff at Washington, that’s a great sign for the future of the Huskies defensive front.
Looking ahead to next season, Latu might have a good shot to get on the field right away. Benning Potoa’e will be a senior, and he and Ryan Bowman didn’t produce at the level the team would have liked. Joe Tryon will likely see more snaps too, but if Latu can impress during spring and summer camp, don’t be surprised if he carves out a place for himself on the depth chart right away.
A source I talked to said if Laiatu Latu isn't a five star, then there shouldn't be five stars...And I've been covering recruiting for almost 20 years.
— Ruth Robbins-Dahlin (@RJRobbinsDahlin) December 19, 2018
This brings the total number of recruits to 21, on the class currently ranked 15th in the nation. Most, if not all of those recruits are also expected to sign their letters of intent during the early signing period which begins on December 19th, and continues through the 21st. A best-case scenario for the Huskies will put them around 24 or 25 recruits, but the remaining targets for the Dawgs will not be signing during the early period.