Huskies 2020 “Early Signing Period” Recruiting Primer

The Washington Huskies Football Team just underwent a change at the top, and time will tell how that will impact the recruiting trail for the Huskies.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 2020 Early Signing Period which is mandated by the NCAA.  It gives recruits the option and ability to sign with their school of choice and end the recruiting process earlier.  Early Signing Period ends on December 20th.

Normal signing day each year takes place in February, and the recruiting battles can become fierce and tiresome for both coaches and recruits.  The upcoming Regular Signing Day for recruits takes place on February 5, 2020.

One positive trend for Husky fans, is that newly appointed head coach Jimmy Lake has been relentlessly recruiting lately, which means not much of a chance for decommitments.

Lake has been working hard to keep the players that Chris Petersen and his staff have corralled, which has yielded them 22 current commits.

With these commitments, the Husky coaching staff is hauling in some elite talent and stockpiling their pipeline of players for the future.

There is a real chance that all 22 of these commits will sign tomorrow, during the Early Signing Period, and solidify their place as future Husky Football players.

The Huskies have other players on their radar in the coming weeks, which could take them into regular Signing Day on February 5th, before they complete their entire 2020 recruiting class.

We take a look at the 22 recruits that are currently committed, with early signing period on the horizon this week…..

 

Sav’ell Smalls

High School:  Kennedy Catholic (Burien, Washington)

Position:  Outside Linebacker

Height:  6-3

Weight:  230

Evaluation (247Sports): Size indicates he can play both as a hybrid edge rusher with his hand down or as a standup rush end. Terrific instincts. Quickly reads and reacts. Outstanding pass rusher who can also drop into coverage on occasion. Cat quick at the line of scrimmage, with a quick first step. Can chase down backs and end the play. Has shown improved technique. Uses his hands extremely well. Played a lot of linebacker in 7v7 in offseason to work on pass coverage. Also plays tight end and receiver and has natural pass-catching ability. Projects as immediate Power 5 starter and projects as first-round NFL draft choice.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  10th

Position:  2

Regional:  3

State:  1

247Sports 

Stars Rating:  5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  3

National:  18

State:  1

Rivals

Stars Rating:  5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  1

National:  12

State:  1

 

Jalen McMillan

High School:  San Joaquin Memorial (Fresno, California)

Position:  Wide Receiver

Height:  6-2

Weight:  181

Evaluation (247Sports): Has great size and length with elite speed. Two-sport star (also a D-I baseball prospect), easily gets separation from opponents. Has tremendous body control and a huge catch radius. Quick release off the line, ability to go up and get the ball. Difficult to jam at the line of scrimmage. Needs to add some weight for when drawing bigger, physical corners. Projects as immediate Power 5 starter and projects and first-day NFL draft pick.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  120th

Position:  20

Regional:  18

State:  11

247Sports

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  8

National:  38

State:  6

Rivals

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  13

National:  84

State:  9

 

Myles Murao

High School:  Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)

Position:  Center

Height:  6-2

Weight:  312

Evaluation (247Sports): Well built frame and still looks lean and not close to maxing out yet. Versatile offensive lineman with the ability to play all three positions at the college level but size wise, projects best as an interior lineman. A tackle at the high school level because of his feet, short area quickness and advanced technique. Is athletic enough to play some tight end and even caught a touchdown last season. Does a very nice job sliding his feet and pass protecting against speed rushers and can get to the second level and make a block on a linebacker or safety. Strong and tough at the point of attack and can be a dominant run blocker. Plays with a nice edge and a mean streak. Finishes his blocks well. Projects as a impact upper-tier Power 5 starter and future mid-high round NFL draft pick depending on where his body goes in a few years.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  72nd

Position:  2

Regional:  13

State:  8

247Sports

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  3

National:  122

State:  12

Rivals

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  2

National:  141

State:  120

 

Roger Rosengarten

High School:  Valor Christian (Littleton, Colorado)

Position:  Offensive Tackle

Height:  6-7

Weight:  275

Evaluation (247Sports): Tall frame with well-proportioned build and impressive length. Easily carries 275 pounds with plenty of room to add muscle. Athletic and nimble blocker who can pull. Consistently reaches second level in run support. Quick to set his base in pass protection. Tough and relentless player with a high motor. Length makes him a tough matchup for edge rushers, as he absorbs contact well and holds his ground. Could improve overall consistency in hand techniques and punch. Potential multi-year starter and all-conference honoree at Power Five level. Upside as NFL Draft Day 2 selection.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  225th

Position:  25

Regional:  48

State:  3

247Sports

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  9

National:  89

State:  1

Rivals

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  14

National:  128

State:  2

 

Ethan Garbers 

High School:  Corona Del Mar (Newport Beach, California)

Position:  Quarterback

Height:  6-2

Weight:  190

Evaluation (247Sports): Corona Del Mar (Calif.) quarterback Ethan Garbers has been one of our favorite signal callers this past season. Garbers has broken several school records and is putting his name up on some top 10 lists for state production as well. He has shown great toughness in the pocket and several of his runs have ended with him putting his head down and running over linebackers and defensive backs. Garbers deep ball accuracy has really improved this year and his touch and ability to throw down the field with accuracy is as good as you’ll see.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  191st

Position:  12

Regional:  27

State:  14

247Sports

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  6

National:  177

State:  18

Rivals

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  5

National:  93

State:  12

 

Jacobe Covington

High School:  Saguaro (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Position:  Cornerback

Height:  6-1

Weight:  193

Evaluation (247Sports): Muscular build with high hips and broad shoulders. Tremendous length and physical upside. Very good ball skills and reach to limit passing windows. Aggressive defender in one-on-one situations. High comfort level in coverage, with the reactions to stick to wideouts. Versatility and size to play safety. Closes quickly on the football. Could improve tackling technique and be smoother through backpedal. Candidate to be multi-year starter at Power Five level, with chance to make early impact. Likely develops into an NFL Draft Day 3 selection.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  283rd

Position:  17

Regional:  39

State:  9

247Sports

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  16

National:  213

State:  5

Rivals

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  9

National:  119

State:  5

 

Geirean Hatchett

High School:  Ferndale (Ferndale, Washington)

Position:  Offensive Guard

Height:  6-5

Weight:  275

Evaluation (247Sports): While he plays tackle as a prep, projects as an interior linemen in college. Has played in the Wing-T as a prep so will need to continue to develop as a pass blocker. In the running game, shows nastiness and quickness when pulling, with elite run blocking skills, hands and violence with foot quickness to sustain and redirect with good body control. In pass blocking, gets caught off balance and can be beaten with good technique so will need to continue to develop in pass pro. Also a high-level baseball prospect. Projects as multi-year Power 5 starter and projects as a third-day pick in the NFL draft.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  170th

Position: 7

Regional:  23

State:  2

247Sports

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  6

National:  210

State:  6

Rivals

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  11

National:  N/A

State:  6

 

Sam Adams II

High School:  Eastside Catholic (Sammamish, WA)

Position:  Athlete

Height:  6-2

Weight:  200

Evaluation (247Sports): Adams is one of the more versatile players in that he can play running back, receiver, corner, safety and returner. Has shared running back duties so has never been a feature back in high school. which should keep him fresh for the next level. An excellent receiver out of the backfield who can line up in the slot and beat defenders with his size and strength. Shows patience and good balance when running. While he lacks elite top end speed, can break long runs when in the open field. Is the son of former Texas A&M and NFL DT Sam Adams. Projects as immediate Power 5 contributor and projects as second day NFL draft pick.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  292nd

Position:  22

Regional:  41

State:  4

247Sports

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  4

National:  113

State:  3

Rivals

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  10

National:  N/A

State:  3

 

Rome Odunze

High School:  Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Position:  Wide Receiver

Height:  6-2.5

Weight:  200

Evaluation (247Sports): Lean frame with length and strong build. Room to add mass without losing flexibility. Stellar straight-line speed. Physicality to gain separation at the line of scrimmage. Smooth route runner, although needs some refinement in getting out of breaks. Athleticism to go up for the football in traffic. Good body control and fluidity to make defenders miss in space. Threat to stretch the field and get behind the secondary. Could improve as a natural pass-catcher and being more consistent over the middle. Potential multi-year starter at the Power Five level and All-Conference type performer. Upside as a Day 3 NFL Draft selection.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  62

Regional:  53

State:  3

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  32

National:  187

State:  2

Rivals

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  44

National:  239

State:  2

 

Mark Redman

High School:  Corona Del Mar (Newport Beach, California)

Position:  Tight End

Height:  6-6

Weight:  250

Evaluation (247Sports): Redman is one of the top tight ends out West and is one of the most versatile tight end in the country.  Redman is an every down tight end who does everything well. He has prototype size for the position and can fill multiple roles in an offense. He has solid ball skills, does a nice job getting open in the passing game and is a very good blocker as well.  He’s a natural pass catcher, does a nice job adjusting to the football and is an advanced route runner. He’s a coordinated athlete who is comfortable in tight spaces and uses his body well to create separation.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  10

Regional:  73

State:  46

247Sports

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  16

National:  419

State:  42

Rivals

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  7

National:  249

State:  24

 

Gaard Memmelaar

High School:  Middleton (Middleton, Idaho)

Position:  Offensive Guard

Height:  6-4

Weight:  290

Evaluation (247Sports): Physical as a run blocker with quickness off the ball, strong lower base and powerful initial punch to offset the bull rush. Competition level is a question mark, but he does dominate at that level. Plays upright at times and can get caught lunging, so technique and strength will need to continue to develop at the next level. Projects as immediate Power 5 starter and projects as third-day NFL draft choice.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  30

Regional:  77

State:  1

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  32

National:  614

State:  1

Rivals

Stars Rating:  4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  28

National:  N/A

State:  N/A

 

Elijah Jackson

High School:  Lawndale (Lawndale, California)

Position:  Cornerback

Height:  6-2

Weight:  175

Evaluation (247Sports): Versatility is the key word with Jackson. When we first saw him as a freshman and sophomore out of Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne, he was more of a receiver. He was a natural athlete, smooth in everything he did. He showed soft hands, was good after the catch and just glided when he ran. He had a long, lean frame and needed to get stronger and add some bulk but you can tell he was a high upside kid. Jackson made the move to Lawndale as a junior and really came in to his own as a two-way player. He still saw time at receiver but it was at corner where he really flashed.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  51

Regional:  103

State:  58

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  47

National:  564

State:  56

Rivals

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  57

National:  N/A

State:  49

 

Makell Esteen

High School:  Lawndale (Lawndale, California)

Position:  Safety

Height:  6-1

Weight:  170

Evaluation (247Sports): He’s a versatile athlete with a ton of upside. He’s played almost exclusively at corner, so he has a lot of experience covering receivers, but when it comes to playing for the Dawgs, Esteen projects as a safety or nickel who can roam the middle of the secondary and make plays on the ball.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  52

Regional:  104

State:  59

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  35

National:  425

State:  43

Rivals

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  72

National:  N/A

State:  54

 

Jay’veon Sunday

High School:  Connally (Waco, Texas)

Position:  Running Back

Height:  5-10

Weight:  190

Evaluation (247Sports): A workhorse running back at Waco (Texas) Connally, Jay’veon Sunday carried the football 300 times for 2,329 yards and 36 touchdowns during his junior campaign. No player in Central Texas rushed for more yards in 2018 and his ground production accounted for more than 50 percent of the Cadets’ total offense. Sunday possesses an impressive combination of size and speed for his body frame.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  66

Regional:  175

State:  128

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  52

National:  796

State:  104

Rivals

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  37

National:  N/A

State:  73

 

Sawyer Racanelli

High School:  Hockinson (Brush Prairie, Washington)

Position:  Athlete

Height:  6-3

Weight:  205

Evaluation (247Sports): One of the most versatile players in the country. Can play receiver, running back, quarterback, linebacker or safety. Record-setting receiver, won’t blow you away with speed, but will consistently get behind the secondary and he has short area burst that wins him 1on1’s. Can overpower cornerbacks, run past linebackers and his body control and hands get the ball in his hands every play. Strength coming off the line of scrimmage makes him a difficult cover. Three-sport star. Projects as immediate Power 5 contributor and projects as a third-day pick in the NFL draft.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  50

Regional:  91

State:  8

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  20

National:  403

State:  9

Rivals

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  N/A

National:  N/A

State:  N/A

 

James Smith

High School:  St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California)

Position:  Cornerback

Height:  6-1

Weight:  180

Evaluation (247Sports): He has all the physical tools you could want in a young corner. He has an athletic frame, runs well, shows good ball skills and has shown a more aggressive edge to his game this off-season. He’s only scratching the surface of how good he can be in a few years and should see his game take a big leap in a few years when he gets bigger, stronger and gains more game experience.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  77

Regional:  143

State:  81

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  82

National:  993

State:  92

Rivals

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  40

National:  N/A

State:  45

 

Carson Bruener

High School:  Redmond (Redmond, Washington)

Position:  Inside Linebacker

Height:  6-2

Weight:  205

Evaluation (247Sports): Excellent bloodlines. Father was a first-round draft pick and played in NFL for over a decade and is currently an NFL scout. Has high football IQ having grown up around the game. Ideal linebacker makeup, with good size, length and smarts for the position. Still lean so will need to fill out to be able to handle the rigors of the next level. Has some versatility where he can play Will or Sam, but best suited to be a Mike. Projects as multi-year Power 5 contributor and projects as third day NFL draft pick or UDFA.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  28

Regional:  141

State:  12

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  50

National:  1115

State:  16

Rivals

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  N/A

National:  N/A

State:  8

 

Cooper McDonald

High School:  Northwest (Justin, Texas)

Position:  Inside Linebacker

Height:  6-3

Weight:  220

Evaluation (247Sports): The 6-foot-3, 220-pound McDonald, proved to be a consistent tackle-to-tackle gap-minder with a physical approach to the linebacker position. Playing inside will allow him to concentrate more on defending the run and pursuing laterally and downhill, rather than playing in space more and matching up in coverage more often with backs and tight ends.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  97

Regional:  203

State:  148

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  35

National:  866

State:  123

Rivals

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  N/A

National:  N/A

State:  115

 

Mason West

High School:  La Habra (La Habra, California)

Position:  Tight End

Height:  6-4

Weight:  240

Evaluation (247Sports): Broad shouldered frame. Thickly built with room to add some mass, but close to filled out physically. Good pass-catcher who causes problems over the middle. Active run blocker with strength and technique. Can flex out wide in some packages to support in both facets. Decent speed, but could be quicker and more fluid getting out of breaks. Ability to go up for the football in traffic and can body up linebackers for positioning. Could refine route-running and ability to create separation. Potential multi-year contributor at the Power Five level and could garner looks from NFL Draft scouts.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  30

Regional:  169

State:  94

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  55

National:  1144

State:  111

Rivals

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  27

National:  N/A

State:  38

 

Samuel Peacock

High School:  Gig Harbor (Gig Harbor, Washington)

Position:  Offensive Tackle

Height:  6-6

Weight:  265

Evaluation (247Sports): Samuel Peacock’s strengths are his length and athleticism.  He can move well and quickly get to places on the field, such as pulling, down blocking, pass blocking, or straight getting off the ball and hitting. Peacock’s weakness is his tendency to play standing up: he needs to work on staying low at pad level, popping his hips and driving. He will have to continue putting on weight and getting stronger. 

ESPN

Stars Rating:  2 ⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  198

Regional:  334

State:  29

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  47

National:  597

State:  11

Rivals

Stars Rating:  2 ⭐️⭐️

Position:  N/A

National:  N/A

State:  N/A

 

Triston Brown

Junior College:  Mt. San Antonio (Walnut, California)

Position:  Punter

Height:  6-2

Weight:  205

Evaluation (247Sports): Triston is a big time junior college punting prospect. He is a talented athlete with an explosive leg. He hits a consistent ball and easily averages 45+ yards with 4.5+ hang time. He also shows that he can hit a big time D1 ball of 50+ with 5.0+ hang time. Triston has great footwork and shows that he can directional punt at a high level. A competitor that thrives under pressure. He has shown steady improvement each time we have seen him. He has all the tools to take his game to the 4-year level and dominate. A fine young man that is always a pleasure to work with. Look for Triston to dominate this 2019 summer and pick up multiple college offers. Phenomenal punting prospect.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position: 1

Regional:  N/A

State:  N/A

247Sports

Stars Rating:  3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Position:  1

National:  213

State:  41

Rivals

Stars Rating:  2 ⭐️⭐️

Position:  N/A

National:  N/A

State:  N/A

 

Jaden Green

High School:  Mesa (Mesa, Arizona)

Position:  Long Snapper

Height:  6-0

Weight:  200

Evaluation (247Sports): Green has attended multiple Kohl’s Camps and had is strongest performance yet at the Kohl’s National Scholarship Camp. He showed his superior explosiveness by registering a 41 MPH snap on the radar gun as well as finishing the charting session with an average snap time of .65 seconds. Green capped off the Kohl’s Scholarship Camp by winning the camp wide snapping competition and earning a spot in the Under Armour All America Game. Green is without a doubt one of the most talented snappers and athletes in the 2020 class.

ESPN

Stars Rating:  2 ⭐️⭐️

ESPN 300 Rating:  N/A

Position:  3

Regional:  337

State:  47

247Sports

Stars Rating:  2 ⭐️⭐️

Position:  7

National:  3455

State:  71

Rivals

Stars Rating:  N/A

Position:  N/A

National:  N/A

State:  N/A

 

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