HUSKY RECRUITING 2026
We here at Huskies Central have been watching National Recruiting since 1980. We have watched the disappointing drama of running back Kevin Wilhite to the big wins of Shaq Thompson. I can remember where I was walking on the sidewalk through Central Washington University heading up to the football office when I read in the paper about the commitment of an offensive lineman by the name of Bern Brostek. Every year, new drama. Surprise names and, always, a few disappointments.
We go about our evaluations with over 40 years of evaluation experience. Unfortunately, often, all we have is their highlight videos, which can be problematic. There have been times when I looked at a kid’s high school film (Doug Martin of Boise State) and ask, “what the #&%% is Washington NOT seeing in this kid?” In other words, I was right – the UW was dead wrong. And, admittedly, I was dead wrong on many kids over the years… undervaluing them – over valuing them. But, they were my wrong projections.
First, a little pre-knowledge. If we have not been able to find film/highlights on a kid, we will give them a rating of NA. We do not borrow other people’s rating systems. So, there may be a couple kids that we do not rank. Also, we may not have access to senior year footage, so the best we can do is what we can find. Heights and weights are often taken off Max Preps or, the old fashioned way, “well, I don’t think he looks that big. No, way. Maybe, 5’10?”
Lastly, we are in this to win Championships. To compete at the highest level and compete for the National Championship. It is with that goal I ask the question, “Can He Help UW” (CHHUW) beat Ohio State, Alabama. . . Oregon (god, I hated even typing that).” Which might lead to a few harsher opinions than some sites that play it safe. Many of these kids can’t beat Ohio State as starters, several can, which is why it is so important to put back-to-back recruiting classes together. As friend and former, Mississippi high school Clarion Ledger reporter, Todd Kelly once said, “You can only play eleven at a time. We don’t need four deep.”
So, for the class of 2026. Year number 46. The University of Washington 2026 High School Recruits.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Ah Deong Yang
Puyallup (Puyallup, WA)
6’3.5 – 340
85
Plays hard. Can physically dominate a smaller high school player. I question his athleticism. Solid reserve. One, maybe, two year starter.
CHHUW: No
Hudl:https://www.hudl.com/profile/17850935/Ah-Deong-Yang
Dominic Harris
Clark (Las Vegas, NV)
6’7 – 335
85
Not going to be one of my most popular evaluations. I can’t see much athleticism in his videos. And if I can’t see it in his highlights, then where am I going to see it? Compare his video to SMU signee Sam Utu and you tell me. He looks huge, but slow. Hard to know if it is apathy created by being able easily handle opponents at the high school level, but he will need to get his body right and learn to come off the ball with more explosiveness, if that is possible. Two year starter.
CHHUW: Maybe, as a Guard
Qwikcut:https://access.qwikcut.com/highlights/692dfe06074d248d1a352a80
Kodi Greene
Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)
6’6 – 325
94
One of the top offensive linemen on the West Coast. He will play left tackle for Washington. Depending on how many and what offensive linemen jump into the portal, will determine whether he becomes a starter second year or first game. At least a three year starter.
CHHUW: Yes
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18383775/691c881cac7978a6741896c0
TIGHT END
Sam Vyhlidal
Lake Oswego (Lake Oswego, OR)
6’4 – 225
88
Sam is one of my “watch out for this kid” selections. Not heavily recruited by the other big boys, yet to me, his athleticism is impressive. They don’t release 40 times anymore for every recruit (most were fabrications, anyway) but if they did I would guess in the 4.7’s with the ability to get that into the high 4.6s. I like this kid. Give him a couple years and we may be talking a slightly taller Jack Westover.
CHHUW: Stepping out on a limb, Yes.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/18478782/Sam-Vyhlidal
QUARTERBACK
Derek Zammit
DePaul Catholic (Wayne, NJ)
6’0 – 195
87
Quarterbacks are hard to scout for me. You never know what is under the hood, but that is where 90% of the game is played. The kid is well schooled. Technique is good. Ball handling on play actions is solid and he is capable of throwing the receivers open and running for big
CHHUW: Tough Call. No.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17042224/Derek-Zammit
RUNNINGBACK
Brian Bonner
Valencia (Valencia, CA)
6’0 – 185
93
One of the top rated running backs on the west coast. He has elite speed, rivaling current running back Jordan Washington with sub 10.3 speed in the 100. He has the potential of being elite and even with players like Washington and Adam Mohammad still on the roster, we expect him to see time early in his career.
CHHUW: With another 10 pounds, Yes.
Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/v/2TCBJV
Ansu Sanoe
Lakeridge (Lake Oswego, OR)
6’1 – 230
85
One of my, “I don’t quite understand it.” He never showed any type of elite speed at a lighter weight last year. The extra 15 lbs. he has grown into hasn’t speeded him up. He looks like a situational player. Goal line, short yardage, short yardage decoy, etc. Hopefully, a touchdown maker.
CHHUW: No
Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/17610556/690aca04870e2f0be640868b
WIDE RECEIVER
Jordan Clay
San Antonio Madison (San Antonio, TX)
6’3 – 205
90
Reminds me of an old Stanford big body receiver that will be able to position himself and box out the DBs. Nothing on the videos says to me speed. Which is why our grade is lower than other national sites. Speed, with size and skill, wins championships.
CHHUW: Yes, if used as that Stanford type big guy
On3: https://www.on3.com/rivals/jordan-clay-173872/videos/403875/
Blaise LaVista
Lincoln-Way East (Frankfort, IL)
6’2 – 195
87
Steady Eddy. Decent speed. Looks to be a step faster than Clay. Sure hands that seems to have that “feel for the game.” Will be able to run the under routes and crossing routes vs linebackers and be very productive. Solid rotational player.
CHHUW: Maybe, as a role player
Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/18002934/66d4ee39f013d3e49d13be39
Trez Davis
West Monroe (West Monroe, LA)
6’1 – 180
92
A step below Jalen McMillan. A step above Jay’lin Polk. Runs smooth. The most explosive receiver signed this year. When there was word a week ago that there were additions to the visit list, I said, this is the guy I wanted. Now, I would have been ecstatic with Cody Barber (LSU) but, Tez definitely fills the spot. Going to be a good one. First year player at the UW.
CHHUW: Yes
Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/v/2TGCUm
Mason James
Norman North (Norman, OK)
5’10 – 175
90
I’m always real leery of small receivers, unless they are real quick. James is both. A lot of teams would have been real happy to get Mason on their roster. Talented young man that will bring an ability to get separation with his quickness.
CHHUW: Yes
Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/v/2TGwdg
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
T. I. Umu-Cais
Cherry Creek (Englewood, CO)
6’3 – 310
89
I don’t have him as highly rated as other national sites do. As a defensive lineman, the first thing I look for is his “first step.” How quickly does he come off the ball and how quickly can he gain advantage with that step. That is huge with Defensive linemen. No doubt he has the necessary size and strength. I am that questioning that first step in trying to determine if he is a good player or an elite. Right now. Good. Can he develop into someone that can compete for National titles.
CHHUW: Yes.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18033215/6729a7f9ea00f6f83ae07f83
Ta’a Malu
Annie Wright (Tacoma, WA)
6’3 – 275
84
Sorry. I haven’t seen much quality film. When it is available, the competition makes it hard to evaluate how good he actually may be. Ta’a did attend camp at the UW and the staff felt good enough about him to offer a scholarship. They wouldn’t of signed him if they didn’t believe in him.
CHHUW: No.
Hudl:https://www.hudl.com/profile/23652198/Taa-Malu
David Schwerzel
O’Dea (Seattle, WA)
6’2 – 275
84
In a late addition, Washington was able to take the commitment from a local Defensive Lineman from Seattle. Once committed to UCLA, he bounced around with his intent and was able to finally commit this evening. Personally, I see him as a ‘tweener’ (too small for a defensive tackle and not quite athletic enough for a true edge player. Where ever he lines up, it is evident that the coaches felt he would be valuable to the goals of the team. It will be interesting where UW line him up.
CHHUW: No
Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/v/2SuMM7
DEFENSIVE END (4/5 Tech)
Derek Colman-Brusa
Kennedy Catholic (Burien, WA)
6’4.5 – 280
93
Top local player in the state of Washington. He joins his brother who is already on the team. One of several players that will see playing time as a freshman.
CHHUW: Yes
Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/6289191/691555595b06364076d37a60
JD Hill
Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo, CA)
6’2 – 275
92
Reminds me of a 280 lb one-time freshman named Elijah Qualls. Qualls grew to be a much larger man by the time he was done with the NFL. I am going to assume J.D. Hill will do the same. Quick. Athletic. Limited by height and reach, but has a motor that doesn’t stop. He will end up being a huge contributor by second year.
CHHUW: Yes.
Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/17845661/JD-Hill
EDGE
Ezaya Tokio
Oceanside (Oceanside, CA)
6’4 – 220
87
There is an old saying, “if they don’t bark as a pup, they ain’t gonna’ bite as a Dawg.” Ok. Maybe, it doesn’t say Dawg, but you get the point. I’m Really looking forward to watching how this young man develops. Lanky kid that brings a little bark. Doesn’t have a lot of weight to throw around yet, but he brings an energy that he can take with him to the weight room and off-season conditioning put a little more size on. Will end up being a quality role player.
CHHUW: No.
Hudl:http://www.hudl.com/v/2TDwaF
LINEBACKERS
Ramzak Fruean
Bethel (Spanaway, WA)
6’3.5 – 215
88
Compares to Travis Feeney. A safety looking kid that will move permanently to the linebacker position. By the time he hits 235, you can expect him to be a four down player and walk up and become an edge rusher in passing downs. He will end up being a key contributor to one of Washington’s coming playoff runs.
CHHUW: Yes.
Hudl:http://www.hudl.com/v/2SvET4
SAFETY/NICKEL
Gavin Day
Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas, NV)
6’3 – 193
94
Shane Pahukoa without the massive shoulder pads. Yea, that’s it. Runs real well and seems to have that over used phrase, “a feel for the game.” Seems to be often in the right place at the right time and makes the play when he is there. Depending on how his body transforms over the next three years, he could be a walk-down in the box safety or play the Free Safety spot in cover 1. Either way, a nice pick up for the Dawgs.
CHHUW: Yes.
Qwikcut: https://share.qwikcut.com/68a35bceb64b91d144998919/SENIOR%20CAMPAIGN
Ksani Jiles
California/IGM (Florida)
6’0 – 183
87
I was looking, can he run with the inside receiver on the outside wolf fade route (quick out and up) which takes a little speed? I wasn’t able to see it in his film, so I will stay with the thought that he will end up as a true safety. Solid player that will give the Huskies solid depth.
CHHUW: Maybe, as a role player.
Hudl:http://www.hudl.com/v/2T9Yqi
CORNERBACK
Rahsjon Duncan
McClymonds (Oakland, CA)
6’1 – 185
93
I don’t even want to talk about this kid. I just wanted to watch him play. I know he was rated fairly high by other sources, but rated him higher. This is the steal of the year. How soon he plays is all up to him and how fast he can latch on to the terminology and technique. This young man will play early.
CHHUW: Yes.
Hudl:https://www.hudl.com/profile/20692427/Rahsjon-Duncan
Elijah Durr
Mount Tahoma (Tacoma, WA)
6’1 – 175
87
A home state kid that will keep the local coaches happy, acknowledging that the UW still looks at all the local talent. Granted, all I have seen is his junior year film, but to me, he looks like a really good high school player. Whether that translates to the Big10 is yet to be determined. Because of the speed I see on a couple of the deep fade routes thrown to him, I am going to say (in a rotation role).
CHHUW: Yes. (with hesitation)
Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/v/2QBLgB
Jeron Jones
Mission Viejo (Mission Viejo, CA)
6’0 – 170
90
Here is my Slot Corner – my nickel. He may not be Jedd Fisch’s slot, but that is where could see him playing.
CHHUW: Maybe
Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/v/2QthL2
SPECIAL TEAMS
CJ Wallace
St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA)
5’11 – 160
78
Word began to leak out that his accuracy has taken a hit this year. Need to keep an eye on it.
CHHUW: Unknown
OTHER NEEDS:
Washington has done a tremendous job in filling the roster with superb freshman talent. However, nothing is ever perfect. If I had to identify a weakness, and still a major need in the program, I think they needed to get a true difference maker on the Edge to provide a pass rush. Do to Colman-Brusa and Hill most likely moving inside, I just don’t see that in this group. Hopefully, Ezaya Tokio will be one to help in the pass rush.
While the UW has several young Tight Ends in the program, none of them look like the typical B10/SEC on line Y – 6’5 260 type that can seal the corner.
We’ll be looking at the Portal signings sometime in early February.
