Washington Athletics
 
Signing Day Central

The newest class of Huskies is ready to sign their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday and GoHuskies.com is the place to be to find out all the scoop.

Throughout the day, GoHuskies.com will report the latest signings in this Signing Day Chat. As soon as the Washington coaching staff has received each athletes' LOI and the fax has been verified by the UW Compliance office, we'll report it here! Only then, are the members of the 2010 class officially HUSKIES!

If you have any comments or questions as we verify LOI's, we welcome you to submit them here. We'll post some of your thoughts and answer as many of your questions as we can.

We'll have updates throughout the entire day, including a 12 noon live stream of Head Coach Steve Sarkisian's press conference and up to the minute updates of all the activities. Stay tuned all day to the GoHuskies.com Signing Day Central!

GoHuskies.com: Well, it's here! It is 7 a.m. Pacific time and Signing Day 2010 is officially underway. We'll have the news right here as soon as it happens so Husky fans can get the immediate official notification of the newest class of Dawgs!
GoHuskies.com: Feel free to ask questions through this special Signing Day chat. We are even planning to have a few special visitors stop by throughout the morning.
GoHuskies.com: Here's the process: Prospects and their parents or guardians sign their National Letter of Intent. Then, they fax it into the football office. Kyle Pifer of the UW compliance office certifies that it is official and that's it! As soon as Kyle certifies the LOI, we'll announce it.
GoHuskies.com: The first official NLI of the morning has arrived! Mike Criste from Santa Margarita, Calif. is a DAWG!
GoHuskies.com: Mike is a 6'-5", 279-pound offensive lineman from Mission Viejo High School in Santa Margarita, Calif.
GoHuskies.com: The Husky coaches are expecting somewhere around 30 signees today, give or take a couple.
GoHuskies.com: Signing Day is one of the most anticipated days of the year for college football programs! At the very least, it's the most exciting day of the offseason!
GoHuskies.com: Speaking of offseason, the UW football team begins Spring Practice on March 30! The team is planning Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday practices and the public is invited to attend. The spring game is scheduled for Friday night, April 30.
GoHuskies.com: Welcome Erik Kohler to the UW! Erik is a 6'-5", 304-pound offensive lineman from Camarillo, Calif.
GoHuskies.com: Jamaal Kearse, a 6'-2", 209-pound Safety/Receiver from Lakewood, Wash. is in the house! Jamaal will be joining his brother Jermaine at the UW!
GoHuskies.com: The NLI's are rollin' in now! Welcome to Gregory Ducre to the UW - a 5'-10" cornerback from Los Angeles!
GoHuskies.com: Now, we can officially welcome Jesse Callier, a 5'-10", 187-pound running back from Downey, Calif.! Welcome to the Dawgs Jesse!
GoHuskies.com: Here's the scoop on how to get more official info on today's official signees. Go to the GoHuskies.com Signing Day Central Page (look on the front of the site for the link) and click on each signee's name. Jeff Bechthold from the UW Athletic Communications Office has prepared complete bio information on each guy.
GoHuskies.com: Also, keep up on various UW Twitter pages: @CoachSark and @UWSportsNews.
Seattle: How about (name deleted)? Come on (name deleted). Join the Dawgs
GoHuskies.com: So, here's the deal... Feel free to ask questions, but understand NCAA rules don't allow us to talk about guys who haven't submitted a valid NLI. As soon as we hear the official word, you will be the first to know! Hint: We do hear some pretty cool news though.
GoHuskies.com: Welcome Kevin Smith, a 6'-0", 194-pound wide receiver from Compton, Calif. to the Dawgs!!!
GoHuskies.com: Another brother has signed to play for the Huskies! Zach Fogerson, a 6'-0", 231-pound fullback from Kent, Wash. will join brother Johri at the UW!
Scott from Richland: What's the earliest hour that recruits can send their letters?
GoHuskies.com: Prospects can sign their National Letter of Intent and send it in no earlier than 7 a.m. local time. For example, a player from Hawai'i can't sign until 7 a.m. on the island - which is 9 a.m. here in Seattle.
GoHuskies.com: Welcome Ben Riva, a 6'-6", 276-pound offensive lineman from Seattle!
GoHuskies.com: Quarterback Nick Montana, a 6'-3", 191-pounder from Thousand Oaks, Calif. is now officially a Dawg! Welcome Nick!
GoHuskies.com: We look forward to seeing Colin Tanigawa, a 6'-3", 291-pound offensive lineman from Pasadena, Calif. in a Husky uniform next year! Welcome Colin!
Scott Richland: Is this the best place to follow the latest news?
GoHuskies.com: Certainly, we think so Scott! GoHuskies.com is the first OFFICIAL place to get the news on the signees!
GoHuskies.com: DiAndre Campbell is a DAWG! Welcome the 6'-1", 186-pound athlete from Oakland, Calif.!
Mark (Bowie, MD): Question about those asked to enroll late. Do late enrollees or those asked to greyshirt sign a LOI on this day as well?
GoHuskies.com: Prospects have until April 1 to sign a football National Letter of Intent. However, they have to sign it with two weeks of receiving it from the school. Every situation is different with regard to greyshirting. Anyone can attend the school part-time and not play football and retain their eligibility.
GoHuskies.com: There is some SERIOUS barking going on here in the football offices! Coach Holt is leading the charge!
GoHuskies.com: Welcome Andrew Hudson, a 6'-3", 222-pound defensive end from Redlands, Wash. to the UW!
GoHuskies.com: Bothell's Colin Porter, a 6'-4", 314-pound offensive lineman is in! Welcome to the UW Colin!
Tyler (displaced in Mesa, AZ): How long does it normally take to verify a NLI. I am hearing news on other sites but not posted here yet.
GoHuskies.com: Other websites, radio stations, television station, etc... They are able to speculate or announce signings before they are official. NLI's are not valid until they arrive completely filled out, signed and are validated by the UW compliance staff!
Scott Richland: Does that mean that Nick Montana won't be enrolling in the spring? Or can these guys still do that?
GoHuskies.com: Prospects who sign a NLI can always enroll early, provide the opportunity is there. Since the UW is a quarter school, they can enroll for the quarter - as opposed to a semester school that does not provide that opportunity.
Scott Richland: I love the coaching staff! They bring so much energy into everything they do! So glad they're at Washington!
GoHuskies.com: We agree Scott!
GoHuskies.com: It is amazing how much adrenaline is flowing through the Husky football offices right now! The coaching staff is FIRED-UP!!!
GoHuskies.com: So far, we have 13 NLI's in so far! Nearly halfway there!!!!
GoHuskies.com: Thanks to Top Pot Donuts for supplying the breakfast for the football staff today!
GoHuskies.com: Welcome Garret Gilliland, a 6'-0", 214-pound linebacker from Anaheim, Calif. to Washington!
Mac (Edmonds): Saw a young man don a purple hat with a W on it on ESPNU. How do you feel about that format for kids announcing school choices?
GoHuskies.com: We'll try to ask Coach Sark that question sometime this morning. The national coverage of signing day is a little extreme - but what in sports isn't these days! If a person can get a little extra attention on Signing Day, so be it!
GoHuskies.com: We'll try to ask Coach Sark that question sometime this morning. The national coverage of signing day is a little extreme - but what in sports isn't these days! If a person can get a little extra attention on Signing Day, so be it!
GoHuskies.com: We'll try to ask Coach Sark that question sometime this morning. The national coverage of signing day is a little extreme - but what in sports isn't these days! If a person can get a little extra attention on Signing Day, so be it!
GoHuskies.com: We'll try to ask Coach Sark that question sometime this morning. The national coverage of signing day is a little extreme - but what in sports isn't these days! If a person can get a little extra attention on Signing Day, so be it!
GoHuskies.com: Hey, as long as a "W" is flashing we don't mind!
GoHuskies.com: James Atoe, a 6'-6", 339-pound offensive lineman from The Dalles, Ore. is in! Welcome James!
GoHuskies.com: We just verified the signing of Brent Williams, a 6'-2", 186-pound defense end from North Hills, Calif.!
sean (SD): any surprise (or maybe not a surprise to the coaches) visits this weekend from potential recruits? (without naming them of course)
GoHuskies.com: With all the contact and constant planning that takes place, there are rarely too many surprises regarding visits. So, no there really weren't any surprises on visits coming down to the wire.
GoHuskies.com: The second Bothell player to sign with the Dawgs is in! Michael Hartvigson, a 6'-6", 236-pound defensive end/tight end is officially a Dawg!
Scott Richland: I hope there are a couple of last minute surprises, the good kind of course!
jeffrey vancouver washington: why is the spring game on a friday night this year instead of a saturday afternoon like past years ?
GoHuskies.com: The coaches wanted to try something a little different this year! It will be quite the party!
Brandon (Normandy Park): Any suprise visitors expected for next weekend?
GoHuskies.com: Unlikely, but we'll try to ask Coach Sark later today.
Scott Richland: What happens with an athlete who can't play football anymore because of a medical condition? Do they still count against the scholarship numbers? Thanks Scott
GoHuskies.com: The player would be considered "permanently disabled" and can retain his scholarship (assuming the school continues to renew it and he remains eligible) but no, it does not count toward the NCAA maximum allowable limit of 85 total scholarships.
jeff brockway: when will we find out the time of the spring game ?
GoHuskies.com: We hear it will be announced soon... Maybe later this week. Keep an eye on GoHuskies.com
GoHuskies.com: 6'-1", 227-pound linebacker Darius Waters from Lakewood, Wash. is now officially a DAWG!!!! Welcome Darius!
GoHuskies.com: What a great day!!!!! Anyone not excited about the Dawgs doesn't have a pulse!
John Usky - Auburn, WA: Which freshman do you think will have the most immediate impact? Bring the pain CY!
GoHuskies.com: There is a guarantee that somebody will ask Coach Sark that during his 12 noon press conference - which you can watch live on GoHuskies.com by the way!
Josh (Federal Way, WA): Are we expecting any last minute commits that the public doesn't already know about?
GoHuskies.com: What information isn't public these days? The recruiting websites seem to be on it 24-7 so the easy answer is... no, there isn't much suspense or surprises as far as prospects nobocy knows about.
Mark (Port Orchard): When do they get the pictures of the recruits - I was surprised that you have team pictures for most of the new guys already with the Purple and Gold ties. Are they photo-shopped? ;)
GoHuskies.com: The UW Athletic Communications staff takes photos of each prospect on their official visit. Those are the photos you see on their bios on GoHuskies.com. The photos of the guys who don't sign are just deleted from the system. Pretty cool feature, huh? And, the guys enjoy getting their photo taken in the purple and gold during their visit!
sean (SD): Anyone expected to enroll in time for spring ball? I've heard Callier, Montana, and an unsigned commit LB will be here in March. Anyone else?
GoHuskies.com: We will find out more about that today at Coach Sark's presser at noon. We do know that Deontae Cooper is currently enrolled and taking classes as we speak!
Scott Richland: Could you thank the coaches again for me for such a fantastic Apple Cup performance! Great Job, Coach Sark and Staff!
GoHuskies.com: Will do!
Matt (Chandler, AZ): Really excited about both lines in this class. Is the coaching staff going to continue making the trenches a priority in their recruiting or is this year an anomoly?
GoHuskies.com: The key is to recruit need and try to balance out the positions each year so there is consistency in depth from year to year. So, it is safe to say the line, like every position, will continue to be a priority.
Scott Richland: Well I know DAWGfans are! The program was in a coma before he arrived but the giant is waking up...GO DAWGS!!
GoHuskies.com: Not sure about the program being in a "coma" but we certainly feel the optimism from the coaching staff and look forward to getting back into the Rose Bowl sooner rather than later!
GoHuskies.com: A quick reminder... even if you see an announcement on a recruiting site or on television, it isn't official until the NLI is certified by the compliance office!
GoHuskies.com: It's official! Sean Parker, a 5'-10", 204-pound safety from Los Angeles, Calif. is now a DAWG!
GoHuskies.com: Sean announced his decision on ESPNU and its been all over the ticker throughout the morning! Welcome to Seattle Sean!!! Go Dawgs!
GoHuskies.com: We have a guest joining us now... Linebackers coach Mike Cox!
GoHuskies.com: How crazy is the atmosphere leading up to signing day?
Coach Cox: Ninety percent of the time it goes as we expect it to. There's always a chance for a surprise or two. It's great for us this morning that it's gone as planned!
GoHuskies.com: Is it always high-energy here in the football offices around this time of year, especially with the assistant coaches?
Coach Cox: There's always a lot of anticipation of the unexpected. You put in A LOT of hard work and it all comes down to one morning.
GoHuskies.com: Do you get a lot of sleep the night before Signing Day?
Coach Cox: I'm pretty restless. We were in here pretty late last night, and then we called everybody (the recruits), so we had a pretty good idea what's going to happen.
GoHuskies.com: Are you glad to be off the road for a while now?
Coach Cox: It'll be nice to get back to normal; sleeping in our own beds and coaching our own kids for a while now.
GoHuskies.com: Does this day for you validate a lot of the hard recruiting work that goes into bringing in a class?
Coach Cox: It does. With everybody. We're all in this together. You won't recruit successfully if you don't do this together. You never get all the guys you want, but it's been very successful for us we think.
GoHuskies.com: It must be great to get off the road. Any frustrating travel stories this year?
Coach Cox: Of course. Cancelled flights and stuck in airports and all that kind of stuff. That's just part of traveling. The long lines in airports, you never get used to it. Still the same problems.
GoHuskies.com: Hey Coach Cox, thanks so much for stopping by. I know this is a big day for everyone here in the football offices, so we appreciate the time.
Coach Cox: No problem. It's a great day to be a Dawg!
GoHuskies.com: How cool was it to see Joe Montana talking about his son, Nick, the newest DAWG live on ESPN2!!!
Scott Richland: Do the coaches recruit the positions they coach or is it strictly by the region of the country?
GoHuskies.com: Generally, they all recruit primarily by region. But, with film and personal relationships there are a ton of other involvements by the entire coaching staff during the recruiting process.
Jake(Puyallup): Can't wait too see you guys get these boys pumped like I see you on the sideline!!go dawgs!!!
James-York,PA: I know that you can not mention names unless they have signed their LOI, however, is there any expected wins of top prospects that might have been mentioned as going somewhere else?
GoHuskies.com: There are always one or two prospects who are on the fence with one school or another. The coaches simply wait and see just like everyone else! That's what makes Signing Day so nervewracking for the coaches. Fans are nervous, right? But, think about the coaches and the impact of recruiting on their jobs, the program and the university! Crazy.
Wade (seattle): Seems like the offense commits firmed up much earlier than the defense. Is that normal or just where the priority was this year?
GoHuskies.com: I wouldn't read anything into that. Commits just happen whenever they happen.
Flint (Marysville): Will any of the current team or new local signees be at the signing day celebration tonight?
GoHuskies.com: NCAA rules prohibit the signees from attending the school's signing day function on campus (or off, for that matter). As far as current players attending, there's no rule on that but since it is a function for the future it makes more sense to keep the topic on the signing class and coaches.
Scott Richland: What time is it in Hawaii?
GoHuskies.com: Hawai'i is two hours behind Seattle. There is a great website to calculate that... www.timezoneconverter.com. Remember they can sign at 9 a.m. Seattle time.
James-York PA: In past years we have had a few JC signees but does not look like there are any this year, why is that?
GoHuskies.com: I think our coaches are pretty focused on 4-year guys. If there was a JC guy they felt was academically solid and could come in right away and fill a need, they aren't opposed to signing him.
Steve Yakima: When do you expect all the Lakes signings to be in?
GoHuskies.com: Lakes High School in Lakewood, Wash. has been a great source for Husky players over the years. So far, we have two NLI's from Lakes athletes: Kearse and Waters.
Scott Richland: How are the offseason workouts going? Does ending the season with two big wins make it easier to motivate guys for the offseason?
GoHuskies.com: Ivan Lewis, the strength and conditioning coach, does a great job for our program. He was up in the football offices earlier. We'll see if we can track him down and answer your questions something this morning.
nick, oakridge: is nick montana going to redshirt his first year or are the coaches going to try and get him some reps in blow out situations
GoHuskies.com: Conventional wisdom would suggest he would redshirt so he can have four years of eligibility remaining. Remember, we have a pretty good QB in Jake Locker coming back and a couple of backups in Keith Price and Taylor Bean.
James-York PA: Looking at the recruits there are a large amount of them from CA, is that because the talent is that much better then OR and WA or is it because some of Coach Sarks roots are from the CA area?
GoHuskies.com: Throughout Husky fooball over the last several decades, California has been important to Washington's football success. Sark's goal is to get the best football players from the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest and fill in the rest of the class with the top players from, generally, the West Coast - including California. His ties to the state certainly don't hurt!
GoHuskies.com: Welcome to Auburn, Wash. 6'-1" linebacker/running back Chris Young! The newest confirmed DAWG!
John Usky - Auburn, WA: What are the staff's thoughts on our non-conference schedule this upcoming season?
GoHuskies.com: The coaches are fired-up for the upcoming season. There's a long way to go before we play another game, but they are excited to play BYU, Syracuse and Nebraska next year! So are Dawg fans, apparently. We've sold more than 1,200 new season tickets already and season ticket renewals are killin' it!
David (seattle): Will Sark's presser be posted online at gohukies for people to watch?
GoHuskies.com: Yes, for sure. And, it's FREE too! Just go to the Signing Day Central page. The link will be posted sometime this morning!
GoHuskies.com: You will also be able to download a Podcast of the presser on iTunes later tonight! Just go to iTunes and search for "Washington Huskies" and subscribe to the Washington Official Athletics Podcast.
Sam: Will there be an actual schedule released for times and dates of the spring practices?
GoHuskies.com: Yes, we'll have that schedule posted soon. Tentatively, they are planning for Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays during the month of April. Usually around 4 p.m.
Tyler (displaced in Mesa, AZ): Do you think that the coaching situation at USC might have swayed a few high caliber recruits our way?
GoHuskies.com: You never know. Coach Sark, Coach Carroll and Coach Kiffin are all pretty familiar with each other obviously. There's no way of knowing if any coaching change has an impact on a recruit's decision - you'd think it would.
GoHuskies.com: Isn't it a great day to be a DAWG!
Scott Richland: Great job recruiting! You guys should take a vacation now, you've earned it!
James-York PA: Being a Dawg fan stuck in the Northeast it is great what you guys are doing and love to see that information coming so fast. Thank you for a job well done and just keeping us excited to watch the Dawgs this Fall. Only 7 Months to the first kickoff.
GoHuskies.com: Thanks man! We do our best!
GoHuskies.com: By the way, Scott Woodward is the AD and the address is... just kidding.
GoHuskies.com: A pleasant surprise!!! Speaking of the Top Dawg, Scott Woodward has stopped by to chat.
GoHuskies.com: Thanks Scott for coming by and visiting.
Woodward: Glad to do it. Whaddya got for me?
John Usky - Auburn, WA: I'm wearing my UW jersey to class this morning. Wear your purple today Dawgs!
GoHuskies.com: Scott, do you as an AD get excited for all the excitement that surrounds Signing Day?
Woodward: Of course! I knew this class from what Coach Sarkisian has done early on would be a top-flight class. And it's obviously paying off all of their hard work.
GoHuskies.com: Do you marvel at how hard these coaches are working at recruiting? Talking to some of them, it seems as if they never sleep!
GoHuskies.com: BREAKING NEWS: Sione Potoa'e from Lakes HS is now a DAWG!!
GoHuskies.com: Welcome to Montlake, Sione!
GoHuskies.com: And back to our chat with Scott Woodward.
Woodward: You knew the hard work would pay off. All the coaches here hit the road hard and early and just like the upcoming 2011 class, they're already a step ahead of everyone in my opinion and they'll continue to work and build. Because this is a part of the equation that you can control - your personnel.
GoHuskies.com: Is it exciting to turn on the TV this morning and see Washington mentioned prominently on all the Signing Day shows on ESPN?
Woodward: No doubt. It's when you work like Coach Sark and his staff have worked that you get dividends like good coverage from ESPN and Fox, and all the blogs and news articles, saying that Washington is back on the map.
GoHuskies.com: Do you find yourself following a lot of the recruiting news?
Woodward: Oh sure. Absolutely. When the coaches need me on recruiting visits I'll visit with the kids and tell them our big vision of the Athletic Department. It's all a huge team effort.
GoHuskies.com: Scott, thanks again for joining us today!
Woodward: No problem. Anytime. Go Dawgs!
Steve, Yakima: It's 7 am n Hawaii, is the fax ready?
John Usky - Auburn, WA: Speaking of hard work...give our football staff a raise!
James- York PA: I would like to think that Coach Sark and staff would be due a nice steak and salad dinner tonight for all their hardwork, Yes Mr. Woodward?????
GoHuskies.com: Scott just took off to talk with Coach Sark, but he quickly said "Yes, Of Course!"
Scott Richland: Are you optimistic the legislature will give King County the authority to help fund the renovation of Husky Stadium? What can we as fans do to help?
GoHuskies.com: Sorry, we didn't get to this with Scott since we are wrapped-up in Signing Day duties. But, I can relay that we remain supportive of the initiative giving King County the authority to decide how it wants to allocate county tourism taxes. Feel free to contact your legislature and make your opinion heard. That has a big impact.
Scott Richland: If a kid that is expected to sign a letter of intent doesn't get it sent as expected, can the coaches call him?
Curt (Gilbert, AZ): Can recruits/parents of recruits contact coaches during a dead period? I know coaches cannot contact recruits, but what if a recruit needs to aska question?
GoHuskies.com: Spoke with Kyle Pifer of the UW compliance staff about these questions. There is a 48-hour unlimited telephone calls period just before and just after Signing Day. It is intended for exactly this purpose, to make sure everything is clear. This, apparently, is a football-only rule. Some other sports can only call prospects on Signing Day for for a three-day period afterward.
GoHuskies.com: Coach Sark is going to appear on CBS College Sports at 10:45 a.m. Check your local cable listings for how to get that channel.
GoHuskies.com: So, what does everyone think about the Signing Day class so far?
GoHuskies.com: Things have slowed down just a bit as there are only a few expected NLI's remaining.
GoHuskies.com: One prospect faxed his NLI, but did not include all of the pages. So, it cannot be validated by the compliance staff. He'll be refaxing it soon, we hear.
John Usky - Auburn, WA: The livestream of the fax machine needs to have a higher viewing capacity :)
GoHuskies.com: Yep, working on fixing that for next year.
Chris (Snohomish): Thank you coach Sark for making Husky football exciting again. I teared up when Parker announced for UW! Go DAWGS!
Sam: Signing day coverage has been great! Thank you.
Steve, Yakima: Great class, need those Hawaiians and maybe a Hawaiian Surprise?
Matt (Washington DC): So far so good - lets keep the new Dawgs rolling in!
Scott Richland: Fantastic! I remember in years past it seemed hard to find those big defensive tackles but this staff seems to be hitting the jackpot on this important position.
Tim (Bothell): WOW! Is this one of the best classes that the UW has signed in the last 20 or so years? It sure seems it!
GoHuskies.com: Yes, it's been a great day so far!
Steve Yakima: Great class, need those last NLI's from those Hawaiians...
Earl (Surrey BC): There are a lot of Canadian fans from BC that love the Dawgs. We drive down for a few games each year. Looks like a great signing day for the UoW!! Was Sean Parker a surprise signing or did the coaches feel he was very committed to the Dawgs program?? GO DAWGS!!
GoHuskies.com: It's hard to know how the coaches really feel about how guys are leaning. Being eternal optimists, though, they had a good feeling about his signing.
Jackson (Olympia): This class is awesome!! I wish I was there to see the big grin on all the coaches as the faxes roll off the machine. Any chances of any pictures being posted of that or video??
GoHuskies.com: We've taken a few photos and Jeff Bechthold of the UW Athletic Communications staff is working on getting them posted.
Scott Richland: Can a kid sign if he hasn't gotten a qualifying score on his SAT test?
GoHuskies.com: Yes, he can. To take an official visit, a prospect has to at least have taken the test - regardless of score. Of course, they have to meet the requirements to become eligible by the time school starts in the fall.
John (Auburn, WA): Did the staff consciously focus on recruiting for both our lines? Seems like both are really strong this year, great job.
GoHuskies.com: The line was certainly a focus. Can't run or pass without the big guys up front. I think the coaches are pretty happy with the haul at that position and the stability for the future there.
Scott Richland: It's fun to be at the pulse of things!
Scott Richland: Thank you for doing this for us!
Flint (Marysville): Great class so far. Adding Parker is huge! Now we just need 3-4 more years of this type of recruiting and the Dawgs will be on the top of the College Football World.
Scott Richland: It's amazing to me at how quickly Sark has turned the program around. I know it's still early but it's night and day compared to how it was.
GoHuskies.com: We caught up with Coach Joel Thomas during this quick break. Here's a few of his thoughts.
GoHuskies.com: Thanks for joining us Coach Thomas.
Coach Thomas: No problems. What a great day to be a Dawg, huh?
GoHuskies.com: Coach Thomas, what region did you recruit for UW concerning this class?
Coach Thomas: This last class I was basically the point person for South of Sea-Tac to the Olympic Penninsula. And then San Diego, Riverside (Calif.) and the Inland Empire (Calif.), where Deontae Cooper is from.
GoHuskies.com: How did you get hooked in to those areas?
Coach Thomas: The stuff down in California is my first go-round. The stuff in Washington, I had that when I previously coached at Idaho. Being from the Pacific Northwest, I had a pretty good connection with those coaches as well.
GoHuskies.com: Is it a challenge to plug into a region that you're unfamiliar with?
Coach Thomas: Oh yeah! You're building relationships with coaches and players, and there are coaches who have been recruiting the area for five to ten years. When you come into an area blind, you utilize all the ties and connections you have off this staff.
Coach Thomas: For instance, at Deontae Cooper's school (in Calif.), the head coach, he was a graduate assistant for Coach Cozzetto when he was at Arizona State. Obviously, you try to find all the ins that you have and build the relationship up and go from there. But that's one example of utilizing what you have.
GoHuskies.com: What is it about recruiting Coach Thomas that you personally enjoy?
Coach Thomas: Getting to know the kids and the relationships you build with the kids. The tough part is when you lose a kid that you've been recruiting for a whole year. You've really gotten to know him, and you know what makes him tick. And there's a relief that's lifted off the kid's shoulders as well. Obviously, though, it's the relationships you build with the prospects.
GoHuskies.com: What do you look for when you're recruiting. Is it good tape on the prospect, or do you want to evaluate character, etc.?
Coach Thomas: It's a combination of all the above. Obviously, you want film that pops, things that make the athlete an exceptional football player, and one that can help you achieve your goals of winning a Pac-10 Championship.
Coach Thomas: Character is big too. Are we a good fit for the kid? Is he a good fit for us? Is he going to fit in with our style of what we're trying to accomplish?
GoHuskies.com: For someone who spends a lot of time on the road, does that lifestyle ever get old?
Coach Thomas: Of course. You get to January, and all these guys have been committed since summer time. And you have to continue to recruit, but you have to make sure those (committed) kids are taken care of. They're still your prospects. As you well know, other schools will come in and get them on trips and show them the good thing about their school.
GoHuskies.com: Coach Thomas, congrats on what has been a great day for you and the entire staff. Thanks for chatting with us.
Coach Thomas: Of course, anytime. Let's keep the energy going. Our work isn't done yet. Go Dawgs!
Scott Richland: Some other programs have decided to extend their recruiting areas and recruit nationally. Is that something Washington does or will do in the future?
GoHuskies.com: If there is a player who is interested in Washington and lives outside of our normal areas, the coaches are definitely interested. The coaching fraternity certainly lends for a wide reach. But, the coaches feel confident we can win on a national level with West Coast guys.
Scott Richland: Who gets Hawaii?! Poor soul! ;O)
GoHuskies.com: Nansen and Sark mostly. Tough one, huh?
Fort Collins Dawg Fan: May I suggest that the new content shows up at the top of the screen so you don't have to scroll down to find the latest news. Also, when the screen refreshes it pops back up to the top.
GoHuskies.com: We're with you. These are the settings. We'll ask CBS if they can change that for the future.
Nick, Oakridge: does the coaching staff have another big recruit up there sleaves?
GoHuskies.com: We hear there are a few NLI's that have just arrived...
GoHuskies.com: In addition to watching live on GoHuskies.com, Coach Sark's presser will be televised live by UWTV (Channel 27 throughout the state of Washington).
Scott Richland: Coach Thomas, GREAT job! This class looks fantastic!
John (Auburn, WA): ESPNU just gave a shout out to Husky Stadium's loud, intimidating, and electric atmosphere! Do the coaches focus on that in the recruiting process?
GoHuskies.com: Of course! We have a HUGE home field advantage with our loyal fans, the beautiful setting and the crazy environment! 75 percent of the seats are between the end zones, so Husky Stadium is ROCKIN'!!!!
joe (the moon): what time is Sarks presser going to be televised on UWTV?
GoHuskies.com: Sorry... 12 Noon!
GoHuskies.com: Welcome to the newest DAWG..... drum roll please.... 6'-5", 265-pound offensive lineman Micah Hatchie from Haleiwa, Hawai'i!!!!
GoHuskies.com: Another Hawai'ian welcome to Hau'oli Jamora, a 6'-3", 250-pound defensive end from Laie, Hawai'i is a DAWG!
GoHuskies.com: No new news right now... Should be getting the last few NLI's in pretty soon... Thanks for sticking around GoHuskies.com today!
Scott Richland: WOO! HOO! Great news from the Islands!
GoHuskies.com: So, I apparently missed Cooper Pelluer's announcement earlier... Sorry Cooper. He was added to Signing Day Central on GoHuskies.com and his bio is live.
GoHuskies.com: Cooper is a 6'-3", 220-pound linebacker from Sammamish, Wash. His father, Scott, played at WSU and coached at the UW. His uncle, Steve, played at the UW and, for a long time, in the NFL.
GoHuskies.com: We'll get a photo of Cooper soon. We do miss a few guys if, for example, they come to their official visit late due to academic commitments or basketball games, etc.
James-York PA: What kind of chaos is going on with those last few recruits that they thought would have signed their LOI for UW but are now changing their minds and what can be done about it?
GoHuskies.com: Don't forget that every prospect generally has their own way of signing their letter. Some schools have special ceremonies. Sometimes the parents are at work and they wait until they can all get the signatures completed. They aren't under any deadline.
Jake(puyallup): Do you know what time sark will be on cbs sports?
GoHuskies.com: Sark is on his way over to Kane Hall to UWTV for his live shot with CBS College Sports. He is supposed to be on around 10:45 a.m. Check your local cable listings for the channel in your area.
Earl (Surrey BC): This year's signings look really impressive - especially after reading their bios - of the signings so far -who do you think will have the biggest impact upon the program or is it too early to state that??
GoHuskies.com: Clearly it is too early to tell. There are so many cases of 5-star guys who didn't make it and 2-star guys who were superstars. I think every coach believes that every prospect has a chance to make an impact. Exactly how quickly, who knows???
GoHuskies.com: The word is the Husky coaches are awaiting four more NLI's. Making sure the t's are cross and i's are dotted... And the date is correct!
mark tucson: Do they actually fax them in? Who faxes anymore? Won't an email of a pdf work as well? Not much of a football question, just my UW education coming through!
GoHuskies.com: We're with you Mark! They still fax them in "old school" style! The prevailing thought is that technology will allow them to do either in the future. Sounds silly, I know, but remember there are a lot of different levels of tech savvy out there.
GoHuskies.com: We are thinking there will be some serious barking going on at the SOLD OUT Signing Day Celebration tonight! Kinda glad the media aren't allowed to cover it!
James-York PA: What would be considered the best surprise for UW football, from today, and what would be considered a disappointment from todays events?
GoHuskies.com: That's another questions I suspect will come up today at 12 Noon at Coach Sark's presser (live on GoHuskies.com and UWTV). Am still waiting for the day that a football coach admits they have a poor recruiting class! Think that'll ever happen?
Winston San Mateo: Where is the sold out Signing Day Celebration tonight ?
GoHuskies.com: The Don James Center in Husky Stadium. Roughly 700 people purchased tickets to attend. The $75 price tag might seem a little steep, but the dept. lost $$ on this event last year and the price is intended to simply cover costs... Open Bar is kind of expense, I hear! Especially for Dawg Fans!
Coach Oly ( Bothell ): Go Dawgs! It was an amazing gathering at Bothell High this morning!
Scott Richland: Glad I got my ticket to the Signing Day Celebration early!
GoHuskies.com: CBS College Sports is saying Coach Sark's interview with them will air during its 12 Noon hour coverage of Signing Day.
GoHuskies.com: Just a little more than an hour until Coach Sark's presser - watch it live on GoHuskies.com or UWTV (Channel 27 Comcast throughout the state of Wash).
Alfred- Tumwater: Can't wait for the fall. Sark and his boys deserve this class to live up to the hype for all their hard work.
James-York PA: Just wanted to say, again, that hats off to everyone for doing such a great job today and making this day that much more exciting. Just great to be talking Husky Football again.
Winston, San Mateo CA: Very excited for Husky football but please ask Sark not to have the team wear those all white uniforms on the road. The purple pants look great!
Liz-Seattle: Seems like that revision from CBS College Sports may push back the presser some...?
GoHuskies.com: The CBS College Sports interview was taped this morning and will air during the noon hour.
Mark WS: How does the LOI paperwork evolve? Is it one form that the SA puts the school name on, or does each school have personal copy? And then, do the SA's have multiple copies on hand and then sign the appropriate one? Who and how do they gets them into the SA's hands?
GoHuskies.com: The athletic department either a) hand delivers via a coach or b) Overnights the official LOI to the prospect. There is only one official copy. The prospect and his/her parents sign and date it and fax it to the school. Sometimes, they sign the official document and fax it in, then sign a "fake" document for ceremonial purposes.
Jack (charlottesville, Va): disagree about the white uni's....love them!
Scott Richland: Thanks again for doing this for all of us RABID DAWG fans!
Scott Richland: I kind of liked those uniforms. Variety is good. I would really like to see a black version like what the BB team unveiled against wsu. They looked fantastic!
Scott Richland: Is it true that a new dawg logo was revealed at the last basketball game?
GoHuskies.com: No. The department graphics folks have come up with a cool new look for some various features around but it isn't a logo. The department has discussed a new secondary "mascot" logo but nothing has been determined.
GoHuskies.com: welcome to defensive lineman Lawrence Lagafuaina, a 6'-0", 336-pounder from Aiea, Hawai'i. Welcome to Washington!
Jackson (Olympia): @ Winston - Those all white uniforms look sharp. I was there in person at the ASU game and they look good. So to whomever chooses what to wear...stick with them!!
GoHuskies.com: We also received the LOI for Taz Stevenson, a 6'-0", 176-pound athlete from Mililani, Hawai'i! YES!! Looking forward to having you in Seattle Taz!
GoHuskies.com: It is 11:20 a.m. and we are still waiting on 2 or 3 NLI's. We'll be breaking from the football offices soon to get prepared for Sark's noon presser.
GoHuskies.com: Reminder on how to catch Coach Sark's presser: 1) Watch live on GoHuskies.com; 2) watch live on UWTV; 3) Download Podcast from iTunes and GoHuskies.com later today.
GoHuskies.com: Just in - LOI's from Princeton Fuimaono, a 6' 196# Linebacker from Long Beach Jordan and teammate John Timu a 6'1" 205# Athlete/Safety. Welcome to the Dawg House.
GoHuskies.com: Visit GoHuskies.com and Signing Day Central to view the Sarkisian Press Conference going on now!
GoHuskies.com: Coach Sarkisian's press conference is over - if you missed it you can download the Podcast from iTunes or GoHuskies.com later today. We rounded out the 2010 class with 30 great recruits - it's a great day to be a Dawg! Thanks for chatting with us today.
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