How Will Official Visit Changes Affect Washington?

Starting on July 1, a new NCAA rule will go into effect that no longer limits the number of official visits recruits can take. While they can still take only one per school, unless there's a coaching change at a school they've visited, they are no longer limited to just five visits.

“For young people considering where to go to college, visits to campus — both official and unofficial — are an integral part of the decision-making process,” said the chair of the Division I Council, Lynda Tealer. “This was an opportunity to modernize NCAA rules in a way that provides greater and more meaningful opportunities for prospects going through the recruitment process.”

So, how will this affect the way Kalen DeBoer and his staff recruits?

While Washington's coach still clearly has some strategizing to do, it seems like the new rule could positively impact the way his staff recruits.

You know where I’m at on my birthday weekend! @UW_Football @scotthuffUW @KalenDeBoer @NickMonica63 #PurpleReign☔️ pic.twitter.com/tQcenQvkRy
— Paki Finau✍🏽 (@pakifinau53) April 19, 2023

When DeBoer brought on Courtney Morgan to be his director of player personnel, it signified a new direction in Washington's recruiting strategy. The classes of 2022 and 2023 displayed an emphasis on some familiar areas, including the states of Washington, California, and Texas, but also ventured into some uncharted waters.

The class of 2022 featured three-star defensive tackles Armon and Jayvon Parker from Michigan, while the class of 2023 included four-star cornerback Curley Reed from Louisiana, and three-star defensive tackle Elinneus Davis from Minnesota.

Moving into the classes of 2024 and 2025, it feels reasonable to expect an increase in the number of recruits from non-standard regions to decide to continue their college career on Montlake. While the majority of recruiting will still be focused on the West Coast, bringing in high-caliber players from all over the country is what could take DeBoer's program to the next level.

With these rule changes, the payoff could be seen rather quickly following its implementation on July 1. Five-star defensive lineman David Stone has previously stated his intention to return to Washington after an unofficial visit in January. With basically every school in the country vying for his services, getting him on campus for an official visit could be big for the Huskies, however much of a long shot it could be to secure his services.

It feels that one of the big goals of DeBoer's staff is to close on the majority of its classes every year during the official visit periods it is allotted over the summer. Having more opportunities to bring players in should help the Huskies, even though the recruiting game is never over until a player signs.

"We know it never changes and we have to recruit until the very end, until they sign on the dotted line," DeBoer said.

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