It's Christmas in February for many college football fans as recruits around the country prepare to sign their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. The Washington Huskies have put together a recruiting class that ranks among the best in the nation this year, securing commitments from every blue chip recruit in the state of Washington, as well as a few other highly touted recruits from around the country.
On Wednesday, these recruits will make it official as the signing period opens.
Kasen Williams, Austin Seferian-Jenkins Lead Talented Crop Of In-State Players
Steve Sarkisian accomplished his biggest goal with the class of 2011: Keeping the top in-state talent home. The Huskies secured commitments from all five players named to the Seattle Times Blue Chip list, led by Williams and Seferian-Jenkins. Joining them are Bishop Sankey, Tani Tupuo and Danny Shelton.
Williams and Seferian-Jenkins are the gems of the class, ranked among the nation's best at their respective positions. Both are five-star recruits, according to Scout.com, and have garnered plenty of accolades throughout their high school careers.
Williams was named the Parade Magazine Player of the Year last week, the latest in a long line of awards for the Skyline standout. Both he and Seferian-Jenkins participated in the US Army All-American Bowl, the only two players from the state of Washington to do so. He committed to Washington in a ceremony at Skyline High School on Aug. 27.
Seferian-Jenkins was the first highly touted player to choose the Huskies, opening the flood-gates for Washington ahead of the 2010 season. His size -- 6-7 253 pounds -- coupled with surprising athleticism makes him a nightmare matchup at tight end and he should see playing time right away at Washington. Seferian-Jenkins plans to enroll early in an effort to participate in spring practices.
Sarkisian Reaches Into California Again
Washington class of 2011 is made up almost exclusively of Washington and California prospects. It comes as little surprise considering Sarkisian's roots and experience as a former coach under Pete Carroll at USC. In total, 15 of Washington's 25 currently committed recruits hail from California, with many coming from the fertile recruiting grounds of South California.
James Sample, a four-star safety, committed to Washington on Jan. 8 and headlines the Huskies' crop of recruits from California. Sample joined Williams and Seferian-Jenkins at the Army All-American Bowl, choosing the Huskies in a nationally televised ceremony during a break in the action at the game.
Overall
In total, Sarkisian secured commitments from two five-star and four four-star players in the Huskies talent-laden recruiting class. With all but two of the 25 committed players ranked at three-stars and above, Washington has a rock-solid class that fans should be happy with. It's not only filled with talent, but ranks among the nation's elite, pegged as the 11th-best class by Scout with just a few days to go until signing day.
Signing day kicks off early on Wednesday morning, the first day recruits can fax their letters of intent in. For more on the Huskies' recruiting class, check out our Washington football recruiting StoryStream. For the latest updates ahead of, and throughout, signing day, stick with our National Signing Day StoryStream.