Move to Big Ten Will Have Positive Recruiting Implications for UW

The Huskies have already diversified their recruiting footprint ahead of pending conference realignment.

Throughout the roller coaster of conference realignment Kalen DeBoer has kept the message clear: Trust Washington.

The Brand. No matter what umbrella the university is under the program still holds the same values and expectations to uphold. When coaches are out recruiting players, they’re searching for the same talent and character.

What changes is the reach a move to the Big Ten brings.

UW has already expanded the recruiting footprint it has over the years beyond the Evergreen state and California. Under Steve Sarkisian the program began emphasizing recruiting Texas and that continued in the Chris Petersen era.

DeBoer has signed a pair of recruits from the Lone Star State — defensive back Diesel Gordon from Arlington, Texas, and defensive lineman Anthony James from Wylie, Texas.

UW also added another Midwest DL in the 2023 class, Elinneus Davis out of Moorhead, Minnesota, and signed its first player from the state of Louisiana in over three decades, cornerback Curley Reed from Lake Charles, Louisiana.

“I think we’ve already diversified our recruiting footprint a little bit,” UW co-defensive coordinator Chuck Morrell said after practice Thursday.

“I think the biggest focus for us in recruiting is finding A) the talent, but B) the guys that are great fits for the University of Washington and the style of program coach DeBoer runs. Wherever those people might be we’re going to go get them.”

Dom Kirks of @VASJFootball discusses his journey that led him to commit to Washington Huskies. @Domkirks @UW_Football pic.twitter.com/r4GWGGrqFY

— News-Herald preps (@NHPreps) July 11, 2023

Make no mistake, the Huskies are going to continue primarily recruiting in-state players and the traditional West Coast areas. 

However, in the ever-evolving world of college football, being seen by as many eyes as possible across the country can only bring positive implications.

See Dominic Kirks, a 2024 defensive line commit out of Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, Ohio. He’s not the first player from Ohio to sign with the program, but it’s a key statement for the staff to make as the UW makes its move to the Big Ten.

“Not at all. So, when I took my first unofficial in March, I just wanted to go out there and experience the place. I didn’t really think too much of it,” Kirks said in July, when asked if he ever thought he would end up playing out West in college.

“But when I finally got out there it was completely different. The coaching staff down to the players were so friendly, so genuine. I trust that system out there. It’s a great place. Coach DeBoer, the head coach, he’s a great laid-back guy. Got to talk to him a little bit when I was out there. It’s a great place for me for sure.”

Kirks acknowledge the decision was a tough sell for his parents who initially wanted him to choose Pittsburgh, less than a 200-mile drive from their home in Cleveland.

Not only does UW’s pending move to the Big Ten Conference help with high school recruiting. It adds a unique twist to who could potentially come out of the transfer portal.

Unquestionably the biggest transfer addition since DeBoer arrived in December 2021 — quarterback Michael Penix Jr. — came from the same conference the program is heading to.

As the staff continue to win on the field, its reach will only continue to grow as the program heads to new parts of the country. 

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