4-Star Safety Paul Mencke Jr. Flips From Duke To UW
The Washington Huskies added a fourth defensive back to the 2024 class in safety Paul Mencke Jr. from Samuel Clemens High School in Cibolo, Texas, who had been committed to Duke since June 13.
Mencke, a 4-star recruit according to the 247 Sports Composite, took an official visit to Washington on Dec. 15 and officially signed with the Huskies on Wednesday. He becomes the third safety to join the class along with 4-star Peyton Waters and 3-star Joshua Lair.
"I committed [to Duke] for a reason and, if the staff I liked and committed to is gone, why would I go?" Mencke told Inside the Huskies' Lars Hanson in November. "Business is business and you have to do what puts you in the best position to succeed and feel comfortable."
After canceling his original official visit in June following his commitment to Duke, Mencke took an unofficial trip to UW in November to watch the Huskies play his father's alma mater, the Washington State Cougars, in the Apple Cup.
The 6-foot-2, 174-pound safety looks like he will be a good fit on the back end of co-defensive coordinator Chuck Morrell's defense. Mencke is a fluid athlete with good long speed and in all likelihood will line up as a free safety.
He possesses a high football IQ and impressive vision, which lets him get a great break on deep passes. Combined with his tackling ability, Mencke looks like the type of player who can get on the field early for the Huskies, especially if strength coach Ron McKeefery can help him add weight once he arrives on campus.
Mencke's addition to the class brings the Huskies up to 21st overall according to 247 Sports. Coach Kalen DeBoer's staff has put together a small but solid recruiting class with a lot of potential, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
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