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Washington Football Recruiting 2017: 5 must-have recruits for Huskies

By Nathaniel Reeves

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Nov 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; An overall view of Husky Stadium before the start of a game between the Washington Huskies and the Utah Utes. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; An overall view of Husky Stadium before the start of a game between the Washington Huskies and the Utah Utes. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. D.J. Johnson, DL

Johnson will be the best chance for Washington to flip a prospect who is already committed on signing day, and would provide another nice boost at a position of need for Petersen.

A four-star recruit out of Sacramento, Johnson is ranked as the No. 6 weak-side defensive end in the nation by 247Sports. Johnson has been committed to Miami since July after receiving offers from programs all over the country, but rumors are suddenly swirling that he might want to stay a little closer to home on the West Coast.

The sudden opening on the defensive line would make Washington the most likely suitor for Johnson, as he could quickly earn some playing time. Like Lolohea, Johnson has a great combination of quickness and strength at 6-5 and 240 pounds, giving him high potential as a pass rusher.

Of course, there are plenty of recruiting rumors that never come to fruition at this time of year, so Johnson could very well just stay with the Hurricanes. Still, he’s an unlikely Washington target worth keeping an eye on come February 1.

1. Jaxson Kirkland, OT

After decommitting from UCLA just days ago, Kirkland would be a fantastic late add for the Huskies as a potential long-term starter on the offensive line.

247Sports ranks Kirkland as a three-star recruit and the No. 58 offensive tackle in the nation, which would make him easily the highest-rated tackle prospect in Washington’s class. Kirkland’s father Dean played with the Huskies from 1988-1990, and Washington extended what he called a “dream” offer right after the Portland native left UCLA.

At 6-7 and 314 pounds, Kirkland is a massive tackle and could be ready to play right away. With starters Jake Eldrenkamp and Shane Brostek graduating and at least two more key players set to leave after 2017, the Huskies need all the depth they can get on the offensive line.

Oregon is also in the mix for Kirkland, as he is one of the top prospects in the entire state. Losing out on a legacy player to the archrival Ducks would be another big blow to Petersen on the recruiting trail, so he is an important prospect for the Huskies to land.

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