Predicting Washington's Highest-Rated 2024 Recruit
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When cornerback Caleb Presley announced he was flipping from Oregon to Washington on Early Signing Day in 2022, he became the crown jewel of Kalen DeBoer's first full recruiting class during his tenure. Before his decision to reclassify and join the class of 2023, uber-talented quarterback Austin Mack seemed like he would earn the title of the crown jewel of the class of 2024.
Even after reclassifying, Mack was still ranked as the 73rd overall player in the class of 2023 by 247 Sports. As of May 25, offensive lineman Paki Finau is Washington's highest-rated player, but who could take his place?
CB Dakoda Fields
Fields is the highest-ranked prospect with an official visit to Washington scheduled. The 78th overall recruit in the country per the 247 Sports Composite listed Washington in his top seven and is clearly intrigued enough by the program to take an official visit to Seattle. While it doesn't sound like the Huskies are leading for Fields, his comments suggest they're firmly in the running for his services.
“I visited back in January and really liked it there. With Washington, it’s all about development and they have a good young staff that I’m confident can build a winner," Fields said in an interview with Greg Biggins. "Coach DeBoer did a great job in his first year winning 10 games and he has a great plan in place to build on that."
“I liked the campus and the facilities. It was really nice there and the stadium with the lake is a beautiful setting. That was a big offer for me and Washington is aggressively recruiting me. It’s not just one coach, it’s a few; but Juice Brown is my lead recruiter and I talk with [director of player personnel] Courtney Morgan as well."
DL Jericho Johnson
In terms of importance, it seems as if the defensive tackle from Northern California is the coaching staff's top priority. Rated as the 109th player in the country by 247 Sports, Johnson also plays a major position of need for the Husky defense.
Johnson's recruitment could span into the fall and potentially up to Early Signing Day in December, but it appears that Washington is going to be in it until the end. If he does sign with the Huskies, it would certainly assert the coaching staff's recruiting prowess, as it will have to contend with the likes of Miami, Alabama and Georgia to earn his commitment.
RB Jason Brown
While there hasn't been a lot of smoke lately surrounding the Huskies and arguably the best player in the state of Washington, there's still a strong possibility that O'Dea High School's star running back ends up in purple and gold.
The 62nd overall player in the country has yet to set up an official visit with his hometown school and his recruitment could stretch well into the fall. Expect Washington to be in it until the end. No matter what the scholarship numbers look like, the coaching staff would find room for him in the recruiting class.
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