The Washington Huskies have had their eyes on a few big local prospects for awhile. Everrett Mariner running back KeiVarae Russell is pretty high on the list. Russell has reciprocated the interest, and has gone far enough to indicate that UW is among his top two, reports Greg Biggins of ESPN.
With Washington potentially losing Chris Polk, the Huskies will be undergoing a transitional period in their backfield. Jesse Callier and Bishop Sankey both showed glimpses of their potential on the field, but neither really handled much of a load this season (neither tailback had more than 50 carries on the season total). So you'd expect Russell would get a shot to prove himself worthy to step in and compete for the starting job.
The other team though is Notre Dame. It's tough to beat the tradition of the Irish, and the glamour of playing at their always relevant football program. Russell would have a bigger uphill climb to earn the starting job, but there's a certain appeal at being the top tailback for the Fighting Irish.
Russell is set to make his decision soon, and Washington has to feel like they at least have a 50% shot.
To discuss football recruiting regarding either school, head to UW Dawg Pound to talk with Husky fans, and go to One Foot Down to talk with Irish fans.