Husky Headlines -- 4/12
- By JRowland
- The 12th Man
- 0 Replies
This is a new feature that will be updated periodically, daily if needed, where we will track the latest, most pertinent headlines that we generally cover. That means football recruiting and basketball recruiting take center stage, of course, but we'll also include other news items that will help keep everyone up to speed on what's going on.
April 12, 2015
We've been talking about this as a pivotal point in the season for the Washington baseball team and it certainly is. They started to climb out of their self-made hole with a three-game sweep of woeful Stanford and things were really looking up because Wazzu loomed and the Cougars have been nearly as bad.
Unfortunately the Huskies dropped that three-game set in Pullman though they did avoid the sweep yesterday with a 5-2 win.
Washington State scored eight runs on Friday, which was among the highest totals allowed by the Huskies all season. Tyler Davis didn't have his best outing on Saturday but it was late when the Cougars really ripped that one open.
Washington currently sits 6-9 in the Pac-12 which is seventh in the 11-team baseball league. Oregon State (6-5) and Arizona (7-6) are just ahead and the Huskies are within striking distance there. The issue here becomes finding away to stay afloat and respectable in the league but they need quality wins from here on out.
The Dawgs take on Seattle in a one-game setting on Tuesday. They then host Arizona State (2nd in the league) for three games, Seattle again for one (at Bellevue) and then Oregon -- currently only 3-8 in the Pac-12.
Nigel Williams-Goss is reported to be taking official visits to Texas, UNLV and Georgetown according to reports from various places.
With three players getting releases -- Williams-Goss, Darin Johnson and Gilles Dierickx -- the Huskies are losing one major contributor, a modest/minor contributor and someone that was a down the road guy. Johnson's '14-15 season was inefficient if ever an inefficient season there was (sub-.300 shooting %) but he had his moments, like his 11-point 'outburst' late in the season against UCLA.
It's really going to be a team dominated by newcomers. Some young guys that you'd normally like to ease in, getting their feet wet, are going to have to step into major roles.
April 3, 2015
Lamar Winston will be unofficially visiting Oregon today. That's a noteworthy event because Washington is very high on Winston's list. So is Oregon as an in-state school. Winston isn't a kid that will automatically pick the Ducks because of proximity. He actually has more family ties to UDUB. But it's definitely a situation to watch.
Winston could be a versatile athlete but his best potential might be at safety. It's nice that the Huskies already have Taylor Rapp on board there, but Winston would give them a duo they'd be thrilled about.
Washington's football program had their Pro Day yesterday and what an event it was. Reading between the lines (heck, even on the surface), it's evident that the guys are ready to get the whole draft process over with. You come out with a lot of energy and you know it's the biggest extended job interview/vetting process of your life, but even knowing that it's a huge grind and yesterday had a bit of a climactic sense to it.
Bucky Brooks of NFL Media tweeted that he was very impressed with Marcus Peters' footwork. He's got the potential to be one of the bigger surprises; not that anyone doubted his talent, it's just that a lot of folks probably wrote him off. There are obvious issues/concerns beyond what meets the eye at these prep events, but some franchises have shown they aren't bothered by things like that.
Peters was roundly praised from almost everyone that commented on the day. His stock is really soaring right now.
Reports were that Kasen Williams ran a 4.52, which I think he has to take every day of the week.
Initially most scouts not around the program were adamant than Shaq Thompson would be a better safety; gradually folks seem to be coming around to him more as a linebacker. He will not answer the 'tweener/tough fit questions from everyone and he might not be a great fit in every system but it's tough to believe there aren't a good number of front offices out there that seem him as exactly what they're looking for.
On the baseball front the Huskies' 4-2 win over Stanford was badly needed. Noah Bremer didn't go as long as you'd hope but he only gave up two through five sets. He didn't have his best stuff but got out of some spots. Brandon Choate and Troy Rallings stole the show as the pen masters allowing no hits and only one base runner in their four innings of relief.
There's a LONG way to go at 3-7 in the Pac-12 but if they take it one game at a time and at least split the next two with the Cardinal --- very doable --- the outlook is a little different leaving Palo Alto.
April 2, 2015
There's been a little lull in the process of offers going out. UW has sent a couple of offers out recently but their big push was a few weeks ago. Now, as time and rule allow, they're in the process of building relationship and identifying which players from this latest wave of 'casting the net' will emerge as primary targets.
On the baseball front, going into the USC series we said a modest but essential goal would be to take one of three from the Trojans. They almost did better than that, but one's what they got. USC won consecutive extra inning games to close the series out, which makes you wonder how the team will respond. That's either emotionally crushing for a team that's been leaving everything out there to claw their way back up the Pac-12 standings and to find quality wins while there's still time ... or it's reinforcement that they're "right on the cusp" and able to consistently play with anyone.
Once again, the pitching and defense held up its end of the bargain; not perfectly, but when you hold USC to eight runs over three games you need to be able to take at least two. Especially when a total of seven extra innings were played.
A three-game set against Stanford begins this evening and here you really need to take two or three to start positioning yourself for the stretch run before it's too late.
Spring ball has obviously kicked off and no answers yet at quarterback; as we wrote at the start of camp, that's the main question now and always when you're unsettled at the position. Just our take, but when you're replacing as much as Washington on defense you'd better be at least more than a little competent on offense if you expect to be relevant in games against the Pac-12's best. We'll soon see how confident the coaches are heading into the summer and fall camp.
March 23, 2015
It's been about a week since this went out but Athlon offered their take on UW's offseason uncertainty given Cyler Miles' stepping away from the program.
Comcast broke down Shaq Thompson in advance of the NFL Draft. As you probably know, Thompson would love the opportunity to play linebacker in the NFL but franchises seem to be sold him on him as more of a safety.
Staying with the draft theme, check out this glowing review for Hau'oli Kikaha.
ESPN recently listed Kikaha as a player to watch for the Chargers as an edge rusher in the upcoming draft. The Bucs are reportedly also interested. He probably hurt himself by not running the 40-yard dash at the combine.
But nobody's getting as much praise and love as Danny Shelton. Lots of folks are saying Shelton will go to Cleveland.
On the hardwood you may have tuned out with UDub's collapse but the Pac-12 is getting some praise for its play in the NCAAT. Oregon gave Wisconsin a good game but faded late. Arizona's on the Sweet 16, as is Utah. The Utes have the difficult assignment of matching up with Duke's potent offense in the Sweet 16.
Most surprising, though, is UCLA. The most maligned team heading into the tournament is now one of its region's semifinalists after two surprising wins. Steve Alford's doing it again with a team that "shouldn't be there." True or not, it's helping the league save face.
March 13, 2015
As usual we're breaking down UDUB's new offers. One recently went out to 2017's Thomas Graham and some more info is available on him on the front page today.
Melquise Stovall has been a big Washington target for a long time and USC recently offered. He unofficially visited USC yesterday and spoke with the coaches. The good news is he left without committing but it's clear they have emerged as probably the most serious contender to UW's chances.
Hawaii offensive lineman Michael Eletise tweeted yesterday that he's feeling the love from Washington. From the usual kind of interest from coaches, e.g. phone convos, mail, etc., to photo shops, he likes their interest. He also recently visited USC and (I believe) UCLA but no offer from the Trojans.
Seeing a lot of mock drafts and talk from reputable people with Danny Shelton in the top 7-13 picks. Looks like the range to watch for right now. Seeing talk of Shaq Thompson landing anywhere from mid-late 1st to 2nd round. Very possible that Hau'oli Kikaha lands in the second.
March 11, 2015
Big day of content on TDR's front page. As usual, you won't find more or more up to date recruiting content on any other Washington site.
Highlights: Per Blair Angulo, Amandre' Williams visits Friday. We've got the latest and quotes from '17 offer recipient Austin Jackson, who has serious connections to UDUB. Melquise Stovall talks about his interest in Washington. That and more.
The Huskies had a dramatic, walk-off win against Seattle to cap their nine-game home stand yesterday.
Rumors floating around that Javon McKinley considers Washington a top choice. And remember, yesterday Steffon McKnight tweeted that UDUB is his favorite. The list of top talent with the Dawgs at or near the top of their list is pretty staggering for '16. Chance for a monster class especially with a four-star in Brandon Wellington already on board. Get Matt Fink, which won't be easy and may hinge on what USC/UCLA do, and the staff will feel incredible I'm sure.
March 10, 2015
Of current offers Washington probably leads for QB Matt Fink. But he's said enough recently, and based on what we're hearing, that we can reasonably surmise that USC or UCLA offers would make the difference. He wants to be close to home.
We've got front page stories on a pair of Arlington (Tex.) prospects with offers -- Tope Imade and Kofi Boateng. The outlook is significantly better on Boateng, a 6-foot-1 receiver, as he will visit this summer and told TDR the Dawgs are already top five.
Here's a nice write up on 2016 hoops recruit Markelle Fultz, who has listed UDUB for a while.
USC offered Jay Tufele, so that obviously shakes things up a bit.
More significant was USC's offer to Melquise Stovall. Previously Washington and Miami were his two favorites, although he's had a curiously minimal amount of contact with 'the U' at least. He's playing things quiet early, off the radar with coaches at least. USC was a dream offer so we'll see how that changes things.
March 7, 2015
As reported in another post David Long says Washington, UCLA, Michigan, Duke and Oregon are the schools recruiting him the hardest. He has visited UDUB in the past.
The News Tribune named 2015 UDUB commit Dejounte Murray their Player of the Year in the state. Now he's set to lead Rainier Beach against Garfield for the state championship on Sunday at 5 p.m. It would be their fourth consecutive state title.
Tyler Davis moved to 3-1 on the year in his quest for All-American honors -- a very realistic goal -- shutting down Pepperdine, as the Huskies beat the Waves 3-1. More coverage of that on the front page.
March 6, 2015
In-state safety Taylor Rapp picked up an offer from Nebraska this morning.
Washington loses to Colorado 64-47. Just an op-ed observation on media coverage/pundit takes: Lorenzo Romar is largely getting a pass for this season from a lot of folks. Without giving an opinion for/against regarding the future, there should be a difference between giving him a pass for this season, because of legitimate issues outside of his control, and really being enthusiastic about the leadership. This season has not been a rebound year for understandable reasons, but the fact remains, the program still has to turn the corner and fast.
Andrew Andrews hit the 20-point threshold last night but that nearly matched the offensive output of the entire rest of the team. That gives you an idea as to what they're working with.
This post was edited on 3/7 3:29 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 3/10 8:03 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 3/11 3:55 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 3/13 4:22 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 3/23 4:34 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 4/2 7:39 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 4/3 4:16 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 4/12 4:29 AM by JRowland
April 12, 2015
We've been talking about this as a pivotal point in the season for the Washington baseball team and it certainly is. They started to climb out of their self-made hole with a three-game sweep of woeful Stanford and things were really looking up because Wazzu loomed and the Cougars have been nearly as bad.
Unfortunately the Huskies dropped that three-game set in Pullman though they did avoid the sweep yesterday with a 5-2 win.
Washington State scored eight runs on Friday, which was among the highest totals allowed by the Huskies all season. Tyler Davis didn't have his best outing on Saturday but it was late when the Cougars really ripped that one open.
Washington currently sits 6-9 in the Pac-12 which is seventh in the 11-team baseball league. Oregon State (6-5) and Arizona (7-6) are just ahead and the Huskies are within striking distance there. The issue here becomes finding away to stay afloat and respectable in the league but they need quality wins from here on out.
The Dawgs take on Seattle in a one-game setting on Tuesday. They then host Arizona State (2nd in the league) for three games, Seattle again for one (at Bellevue) and then Oregon -- currently only 3-8 in the Pac-12.
Nigel Williams-Goss is reported to be taking official visits to Texas, UNLV and Georgetown according to reports from various places.
With three players getting releases -- Williams-Goss, Darin Johnson and Gilles Dierickx -- the Huskies are losing one major contributor, a modest/minor contributor and someone that was a down the road guy. Johnson's '14-15 season was inefficient if ever an inefficient season there was (sub-.300 shooting %) but he had his moments, like his 11-point 'outburst' late in the season against UCLA.
It's really going to be a team dominated by newcomers. Some young guys that you'd normally like to ease in, getting their feet wet, are going to have to step into major roles.
April 3, 2015
Lamar Winston will be unofficially visiting Oregon today. That's a noteworthy event because Washington is very high on Winston's list. So is Oregon as an in-state school. Winston isn't a kid that will automatically pick the Ducks because of proximity. He actually has more family ties to UDUB. But it's definitely a situation to watch.
Winston could be a versatile athlete but his best potential might be at safety. It's nice that the Huskies already have Taylor Rapp on board there, but Winston would give them a duo they'd be thrilled about.
Washington's football program had their Pro Day yesterday and what an event it was. Reading between the lines (heck, even on the surface), it's evident that the guys are ready to get the whole draft process over with. You come out with a lot of energy and you know it's the biggest extended job interview/vetting process of your life, but even knowing that it's a huge grind and yesterday had a bit of a climactic sense to it.
Bucky Brooks of NFL Media tweeted that he was very impressed with Marcus Peters' footwork. He's got the potential to be one of the bigger surprises; not that anyone doubted his talent, it's just that a lot of folks probably wrote him off. There are obvious issues/concerns beyond what meets the eye at these prep events, but some franchises have shown they aren't bothered by things like that.
Peters was roundly praised from almost everyone that commented on the day. His stock is really soaring right now.
Reports were that Kasen Williams ran a 4.52, which I think he has to take every day of the week.
Initially most scouts not around the program were adamant than Shaq Thompson would be a better safety; gradually folks seem to be coming around to him more as a linebacker. He will not answer the 'tweener/tough fit questions from everyone and he might not be a great fit in every system but it's tough to believe there aren't a good number of front offices out there that seem him as exactly what they're looking for.
On the baseball front the Huskies' 4-2 win over Stanford was badly needed. Noah Bremer didn't go as long as you'd hope but he only gave up two through five sets. He didn't have his best stuff but got out of some spots. Brandon Choate and Troy Rallings stole the show as the pen masters allowing no hits and only one base runner in their four innings of relief.
There's a LONG way to go at 3-7 in the Pac-12 but if they take it one game at a time and at least split the next two with the Cardinal --- very doable --- the outlook is a little different leaving Palo Alto.
April 2, 2015
There's been a little lull in the process of offers going out. UW has sent a couple of offers out recently but their big push was a few weeks ago. Now, as time and rule allow, they're in the process of building relationship and identifying which players from this latest wave of 'casting the net' will emerge as primary targets.
On the baseball front, going into the USC series we said a modest but essential goal would be to take one of three from the Trojans. They almost did better than that, but one's what they got. USC won consecutive extra inning games to close the series out, which makes you wonder how the team will respond. That's either emotionally crushing for a team that's been leaving everything out there to claw their way back up the Pac-12 standings and to find quality wins while there's still time ... or it's reinforcement that they're "right on the cusp" and able to consistently play with anyone.
Once again, the pitching and defense held up its end of the bargain; not perfectly, but when you hold USC to eight runs over three games you need to be able to take at least two. Especially when a total of seven extra innings were played.
A three-game set against Stanford begins this evening and here you really need to take two or three to start positioning yourself for the stretch run before it's too late.
Spring ball has obviously kicked off and no answers yet at quarterback; as we wrote at the start of camp, that's the main question now and always when you're unsettled at the position. Just our take, but when you're replacing as much as Washington on defense you'd better be at least more than a little competent on offense if you expect to be relevant in games against the Pac-12's best. We'll soon see how confident the coaches are heading into the summer and fall camp.
March 23, 2015
It's been about a week since this went out but Athlon offered their take on UW's offseason uncertainty given Cyler Miles' stepping away from the program.
Comcast broke down Shaq Thompson in advance of the NFL Draft. As you probably know, Thompson would love the opportunity to play linebacker in the NFL but franchises seem to be sold him on him as more of a safety.
Staying with the draft theme, check out this glowing review for Hau'oli Kikaha.
ESPN recently listed Kikaha as a player to watch for the Chargers as an edge rusher in the upcoming draft. The Bucs are reportedly also interested. He probably hurt himself by not running the 40-yard dash at the combine.
But nobody's getting as much praise and love as Danny Shelton. Lots of folks are saying Shelton will go to Cleveland.
On the hardwood you may have tuned out with UDub's collapse but the Pac-12 is getting some praise for its play in the NCAAT. Oregon gave Wisconsin a good game but faded late. Arizona's on the Sweet 16, as is Utah. The Utes have the difficult assignment of matching up with Duke's potent offense in the Sweet 16.
Most surprising, though, is UCLA. The most maligned team heading into the tournament is now one of its region's semifinalists after two surprising wins. Steve Alford's doing it again with a team that "shouldn't be there." True or not, it's helping the league save face.
March 13, 2015
As usual we're breaking down UDUB's new offers. One recently went out to 2017's Thomas Graham and some more info is available on him on the front page today.
Melquise Stovall has been a big Washington target for a long time and USC recently offered. He unofficially visited USC yesterday and spoke with the coaches. The good news is he left without committing but it's clear they have emerged as probably the most serious contender to UW's chances.
Hawaii offensive lineman Michael Eletise tweeted yesterday that he's feeling the love from Washington. From the usual kind of interest from coaches, e.g. phone convos, mail, etc., to photo shops, he likes their interest. He also recently visited USC and (I believe) UCLA but no offer from the Trojans.
Seeing a lot of mock drafts and talk from reputable people with Danny Shelton in the top 7-13 picks. Looks like the range to watch for right now. Seeing talk of Shaq Thompson landing anywhere from mid-late 1st to 2nd round. Very possible that Hau'oli Kikaha lands in the second.
March 11, 2015
Big day of content on TDR's front page. As usual, you won't find more or more up to date recruiting content on any other Washington site.
Highlights: Per Blair Angulo, Amandre' Williams visits Friday. We've got the latest and quotes from '17 offer recipient Austin Jackson, who has serious connections to UDUB. Melquise Stovall talks about his interest in Washington. That and more.
The Huskies had a dramatic, walk-off win against Seattle to cap their nine-game home stand yesterday.
Rumors floating around that Javon McKinley considers Washington a top choice. And remember, yesterday Steffon McKnight tweeted that UDUB is his favorite. The list of top talent with the Dawgs at or near the top of their list is pretty staggering for '16. Chance for a monster class especially with a four-star in Brandon Wellington already on board. Get Matt Fink, which won't be easy and may hinge on what USC/UCLA do, and the staff will feel incredible I'm sure.
March 10, 2015
Of current offers Washington probably leads for QB Matt Fink. But he's said enough recently, and based on what we're hearing, that we can reasonably surmise that USC or UCLA offers would make the difference. He wants to be close to home.
We've got front page stories on a pair of Arlington (Tex.) prospects with offers -- Tope Imade and Kofi Boateng. The outlook is significantly better on Boateng, a 6-foot-1 receiver, as he will visit this summer and told TDR the Dawgs are already top five.
Here's a nice write up on 2016 hoops recruit Markelle Fultz, who has listed UDUB for a while.
USC offered Jay Tufele, so that obviously shakes things up a bit.
More significant was USC's offer to Melquise Stovall. Previously Washington and Miami were his two favorites, although he's had a curiously minimal amount of contact with 'the U' at least. He's playing things quiet early, off the radar with coaches at least. USC was a dream offer so we'll see how that changes things.
March 7, 2015
As reported in another post David Long says Washington, UCLA, Michigan, Duke and Oregon are the schools recruiting him the hardest. He has visited UDUB in the past.
The News Tribune named 2015 UDUB commit Dejounte Murray their Player of the Year in the state. Now he's set to lead Rainier Beach against Garfield for the state championship on Sunday at 5 p.m. It would be their fourth consecutive state title.
Tyler Davis moved to 3-1 on the year in his quest for All-American honors -- a very realistic goal -- shutting down Pepperdine, as the Huskies beat the Waves 3-1. More coverage of that on the front page.
March 6, 2015
In-state safety Taylor Rapp picked up an offer from Nebraska this morning.
Washington loses to Colorado 64-47. Just an op-ed observation on media coverage/pundit takes: Lorenzo Romar is largely getting a pass for this season from a lot of folks. Without giving an opinion for/against regarding the future, there should be a difference between giving him a pass for this season, because of legitimate issues outside of his control, and really being enthusiastic about the leadership. This season has not been a rebound year for understandable reasons, but the fact remains, the program still has to turn the corner and fast.
Andrew Andrews hit the 20-point threshold last night but that nearly matched the offensive output of the entire rest of the team. That gives you an idea as to what they're working with.
This post was edited on 3/7 3:29 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 3/10 8:03 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 3/11 3:55 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 3/13 4:22 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 3/23 4:34 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 4/2 7:39 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 4/3 4:16 AM by JRowland
This post was edited on 4/12 4:29 AM by JRowland