WASHINGTON STATE 2015 RECRUITING CLASSSIGNED[/B]
QB Tyler Hilinski, 6-3, 187, Upland, Calif., HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The skinny: Hilinski is a smart, savvy quarterback who runs the offense well and he can make all the short, intermediate and long throws. Rated the No. 10 pro-style quarterback in the 2015 class, Hilinski has proven through his career that he's one of the best quarterbacks in the state of California. Hilinski seemed to get bigger at every event during the offseason and showed off tremendous accuracy and good decision-making. What was most impressive this offseason was his ability to place the ball right where he wanted it on out routes, fades, slants, everything.
Projection: Hilinski, who arrived on campus in January, will likely redshirt as a true freshman, though he could provide some quality competition behind Luke Falk and Peyton Bender, especially with an early start in the program, something the previous two quarterbacks didn't have.
Grade: A
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DE Jeremiah Mitchell, 6-5, 255, Rs. So., Riverside, Calif., C.C.
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The Skinny: "For his size, Jeremiah is a very athletic and disruptive force on the defensive side of the ball," Leach said. "He is an instinctive pass rusher with a great motor with the chance to make an immediate impact." At 6-foot-5 and 255-pounds, Mitchell looks like the real thing, and was one of the most decorated defensive ends on the West Coast. He is lightning fast and plays with a passion, which will allow him to make an immediate impact in opposing backfields in 2015. Rivals.com rates Mitchell as a two-star prospect, but in my eyes he's closer to a four-star with his pure strength and speed.
Projection: Washington State brought Mitchell in to have a quick impact and he should be competing for playing time in the two-deeps by fall camp. It also helps that he will get into a weight program and work through summer ball as an early enrollee.
Grade: B+
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WR Kyrin Priester, 6-1, 188, Rs. Fr., Snellville, Ga., Clemson transfer
Video highlights: Commitment
Recruiter: Dennis Simmons
The Skinny: "This guy can motor. I think he is a Jaron Brown with a little more speed and athleticism," Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said of Priester. "Jaron Brown played as a rookie a lot and played in the NFL with the Cardinals this year. He will be a very versatile player and we can move him around and he has an ability to stretch the field." Priester was dismissed from the Tigers' program due to an attitude problem, though the Washington State staff vetted that situation.
"Ky has Jacoby Ford explosiveness," his former head coach said. "He's a little longer than Jacoby, but he's that fast. We haven't put the clock on him, but he's a legit 4.4 guy. He's pretty explosive. The ones he snatches, it's like Sammy Watkins. As soon as he snatches it, he just leaves everybody that we play.
"Watkins is more physical, and what Ky has to work on is taking the daily grind of tackling and DBs coming at him. He just needs to get a little stronger and get more physical up top. He has speed and quickness, all that. He just needs a little more of a BCS body, and we're working on that right now."
Projection: Priester will have to sit out this season due to NCAA transfer rules, but that will allow him to work on the "BCS body" his coach speaks of. It will have been awhile since he's played competitive football, having played just one game on special teams for Clemson in 2014, but he's another exciting talent that has a chance to make an impact in 2016.
Grade: B
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DB Deion Singleton, 6-2, 175, Pasco, Wash., Chiawana HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: N/A
The Skinny: Singleton is a former four-star defensive back who had offers from the majority of the SEC before moving to Pasco, Wash., from the Tallahassee, Fla., following his junior year. He's a rangy and quick defender who could play safety or cornerback for the Cougars, though they will likely start him out at cornerback. Leach calls Singleton "just an incredible athlete."
Projection: Singleton was a player who likely would have seen time at cornerback last season, as the Cougars burned a number of redshirts at cornerback and safety. Having already arrived on campus, he'll get a chance to work with new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch immediately and work through spring ball, which will benefit him exponentially. I would expect Singleton to push for playing time as a freshman, be it at special teams or cornerback.
Grade: B
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OL Noah Myers, 6-4, 300, Walnut Creek, Calif., Las Lomas
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: Myers earned the offensive line MVP award at the NorCal RCS last summer, which vaulted him onto the radar. After dropping 30-pounds, Myers doesn't carry much bad weight and seems to be developing solid technique. He has a strong punch, long arms and a solid frame. He'll likely work on the inside, but could also develop into a right tackle. He's hard-nosed and physical and enjoys getting into tussles and mixing it up with defensive lineman.
Projection: Like the rest of the offensive lineman in this class, Myers will redshirt this season and get his body in better shape after getting into a college weight lifting program. He has the strength and technique to be a quality contributor down the road.
Grade: B
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DT Thomas Toki, 6-3, 307, Mountain View, Calif., St. Francis
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Toki is a wide body at the defensive tackle spot, and while he doesn't have great height, he moves very well at his size. Height really isn't too big of an issue at nose tackle, which is where he'll likely play, anyway. He does well at taking up space in the middle, freeing up linebackers in the middle, though he is also above-average at getting past blockers in a one-on-one situation. He has a very high ceiling.
Projection: Depending on what kind of shape he shows up to fall camp in, Toki could be asked to play immediately with Xavier Cooper and Toni Pole out. He's been a difference maker in high school and would likely face some hurdles early as a freshman, but he's smart on the field and makes a lot of plays. As much as they'd like to redshirt him, he'll likely see some playing time as a true freshman.
Grade: A
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OL Cedric Bigge-Duren, 6-6, 307, Oceanside, Calif., HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Clay McGuire
The Skinny: Bigge-Duren has phenomenal size at 6-foot-7 and nearly 300-pounds and he's versatile enough to play offensive tackle or guard. He does a nice job with his hands and moves his feet well for someone his size. He does a nice job getting arm extension and uses his massive body to overpower blitzing linemen.
Projection: Bigge-Duren will most likely redshirt, as has been the case for several offensive lineman over the years, and especially because the Cougars return their offensive line. I think the two-star was severely underrated as he dominated on a very good Oceanside team, which pounded the rock. Duren will be a multiple-year starter for the Cougars when it's all said and done.
Grade: B+
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OLB Nnamdi Oguayo, 6-4, 210, Beltsville, Md., High Point
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Oguayo arrived on the Washington State radar late, and he's still raw, but he has great size with the ability to add about 50-pounds. He's strong for his size and has excellent speed, which allows him to get to the quarterback with ease. It won't be that easy in college, so adding weight will be priority number one, but he's versatile in that he can play in coverage or rush with his hand down. He's a natural athlete that, with some coaching up, could be a steal. Very smart kid, too.
Projection: Oguayo needs to hit the weight room, but he has the tools to develop into a quality BUCK-type linebacker in the Pac-12. He's smart, studies film and will benefit greatly from a redshirt season.
Grade: B-
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OL Joseph Price, 6-5, 290, Redlands, Calif., East Valley
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The Skinny: Price is another massive body that has a ton of brute strength. His footwork is further along than most in this class and he's a decent pass and run blocker, but could use a year or two to refine his skills. His frame is where it needs to be, but he needs to be coached up a bit.
Projection: Price is set for a redshirt year, but he has a lot of potential as an offensive tackle down the road.
Grade: B-
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LB Aaron Porter, 6-2, 230, RS So., Norwalk, Calif., Cerritos C.C.
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: Porter, a former four-star linebacker prospect, was a beast for Cerritos this year and is your prototypical inside linebacker. He has the speed necessary to get out on the edge, but is an above-average tackler and can clog up holes in the middle. The Cougars may have found their MIKE linebacker for the next two years.
Projection: I expect big things from Porter, who will be expected to come in right away and contribute. He doesn't need work in the weight room and should be familiar with the Cougars' 3-4 defense. He brings Pac-12 experience with him and should help bolster a shaky linebacker group that lost a few faces.
Grade: A-
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CB Darrien Molton, 5-10, 165, Temecula, Calif., Chaparral
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The Skinny: Molton doesn't have a wow-factor, but he is a very solid, all-around cornerback. He does the little things well, has fluid hips and is a sound tackler. He has solid speed and was a highly sought prospect before shutting things down with Washington State. The Cougars found a cornerback who may not end up being an All-Pac-12 player, but will be solid down the road.
Projection: Cornerback is a position group that is going to be pretty crowded this year, so a redshirt season is likely in the cards for Molton, who could use a season in the weight room.
Grade: B
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CB Treshon Broughton, 6-0, 180, So., Riverside, Calif., C.C.
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The Skinny: Broughton is an aggressive, speedy cornerback that likes to challenge receivers, isn't afraid of contact and is comfortable on an island. Confidence isn't an issue with Broughton, who looks to be a legit 6-foot. He covers like a blanket and is a sound tackler.
Projection: Make no mistake about it, Broughton, who has three years to play two, will be expected to lock down one of the cornerback spots, likely the boundary corner spot. I think he'll be able to step in right away and be productive. He'll have lapses as he adjusts to Pac-12 receivers, but I think his future in the Washington State secondary is bright. Being disciplined will be key, but he recovers well.
Grade: B
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RB James Williams, 5-11, 185, Burbank, Calif., HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: Williams suffered a devastating ACL tear after just one game this year, which could cause him to miss part of or the entire 2015 season, though he still brings a lot to the table. He's a true all-purpose back with a nice blend of speed, power and elusiveness. He keeps defenses guessing and has legit burst in traffic. How he comes back from the ACL tear will tell the story here, but he has awesome potential.
Projection: After having surgery in October, Williams still faces a lengthy recovery. He likely won't be ready until after fall camp, which points towards a redshirt season. He should be ready to rock for spring ball next year.
Grade: B
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K Matt Abramo, 6-2, 175, Petaluma, Calif., Casa Grande HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: According to Chris Sailer, Abramo is a very talented kicker and has perhaps the strongest leg in the nation. He hits a very nice ball off the ground, his field goals show huge potential and his kickoffs are already D-I ready. He has a bright college future, Sailer says, and has a great attitude and work ethic.
Projection: Scholarships for kickers are rare, however the Cougars were in desperate need of immediate help at the position and the staff should expect Abramo to come in immediately and try to take over both the kickoff duties and field goal kicking duties. I would be surprised if he doesn't end up handling both.
Grade: B
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DL Hunter Mattox, 6-4, 255, Chatsworth, Calif., Sierra Canyon
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: Mattox is a bull on the inside but can use his legs to chase runners down with his deceptive speed on the outside. His true position will likely depend on how his body develops, as he says he's still growing. I would expect him to be an interior lineman, but the potential for Mattox is off-the-charts. He's an extremely intriguing prospect.
Projection: It will really depend on how he develops over the offseason, but what I've seen on film is very good technique, an aggressive style and he could certainly push for some playing time early. He's likely headed for a redshirt year, which would be ideal, because he could grow into a massive force with a redshirt year.
Grade: B+
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OL Davis Perrott, 6-5, 270, Phoenix, Ariz., Mountain Pointe
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Clay McGuire
The Skinny: Perrott has a nice frame and carries very little bad weight, Rob Cassidy says. He boasts ample upper body strength, but will need to develop before he is ready to contribute on the FBS level. He has a really nice frame, though, which reflects the double-digit offer sheet. He's a good run blocker and will still have to work on pass blocking at the next level.
Projection: Perrott is still a project at this point, but his raw strength and large frame makes him a ideal candidate to take a year or two off and learn the basics of the spread offense. He's a guy that would make an impact later than sooner, but there's a lot of potential.
Grade: C+
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WR Christopher "C.J." Dimry, 6-6, 210, RS So., Mission Viejo, Calif., Saddelback College
Video highlights: Commitment
Recruiter: David Yost
The Skinny: Dimry's recruitment started last Thursday and a week later he finds himself signing a letter of intent to a Pac-12 school. Lightly recruited out of high school, Dimry has excellent size for an outside receiver and does an OK job high-pointing the ball. His speed doesn't jump out on tape, but he has enough of it. He'll be a red zone threat at the next level, but not much more than that.
Projection: Dimry fills the void that Dahu Green was going to take. With two years left, he'll come in and compete for a spot in the rotation, but I expect there will be a steep learning curve, as he didn't exactly dominate last year as most JUCO receivers who move up do. I think we'll see the best of Dimry in 2016.
Grade: C-
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WR Kyle Sweet, 6-0, 183, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Catholic HS
Video highlights: Link
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: Sweet seems to always find a way to get open and he runs very crisp, on point routes. He changes directions quickly and is athletic enough to make the tough plays. His speed isn't elite, but it's Pac-12 ready. Nothing about him will blow you away, but he does everything very well and reminds me a lot of River Cracraft, who he learned under at SM.
Projection: I think Kyle Sweet can come in and play as a true freshman. His skills as a receiver are prototypical for the slot in Mike Leach's offense and he's a hard worker, who takes coaching well. He should have a chance to play early. I think the Cougars may have found themselves a steal, a very good one, at that.
Grade: B
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S Kameron Powell, 5-11, 192, Upland, Calif., HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The Skinny: Powell is a pure safety who does a nice job reading where a play is going and then making the tackle or getting a pass deflection. He's super physical and a head-hunter, Gorney says, so receivers have to be constantly aware of his location on the field. He's a sound tackler and loves the big hit. He has decent speed and his range is nice. Sometimes he gets sloppy in coverage, but makes up for it pretty well.
Projection: It's hard to gauge whether Powell could play as a true freshman, because he is still pretty raw, but I think he's a much better prospect coming out of high school than Darius Lemora was, though Lemora had a year to redshirt. He could certainly end up being in the safety mix this year, because he is a very talented safety, though he would likely be best suited with a redshirt season.
Grade: A-
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LB Logan Tago, 6-3, 210, Pago Pago, A.S., Samoana
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Tago's size is what immediately stands out. He's long and could play on both sides at the next level, but his primary position is outside linebacker. He is speedy, physical and a sound tackler. He can get to the quarterback but also hang with receivers in coverage. On offense, he could play in a tight end-type role, though I believe he'd be best suited on defense.
Projection: Like most kids from American Samoa, Tago will likely need to take a year to redshirt and get better suited to the game. He has an extremely bright future and was probably the top prospect in Samoa during this cycle.
Grade: B
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OL Amosa Sakaria, 6-3, 280, Pago Pago, A.S., Tafuna
Video highlights: Link
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Sakaria is a massive body who projects as a guard for the Cougars. He's powerful and was a top defensive tackle for Tafuna, too. He's aggressive and has decent technique. Brandon Smart of FH100 says he's a smart player and loves to be coached.
Projection: Sakaria will surely redshirt while shaping his body and getting into a groove of eating the right way and such. He has a bright future, however, and adds to a solid offense line class.
Grade: C+
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S Shalom Luani, 6-1, 200, So., San Francisco, Calif., CCSF
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Luani was a two-year starter for one of the premier programs in the nation. He is a ballhawk of a safety and has the size and speed to become an impact player in the Pac-12. On film, he throws his body around with reckless abandoned, yet shows strong tackling skills in the open field. The Cougars got a good one with Luani, who also excels on the soccer pitch and was previously committed to Oregon State.
Projection: Luani, one of the top JUCO safety prospects in this class, should be able to come in and make an immediate impact in a secondary that had its fair share of troubles last season. Luani is my pick for breakout player in this class.
Grade: A-
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DE T.J. Fehoko, 6-1, 255, Salt Lake City (UT) Cottonwood
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Fehoko destroyed opposing quarterbacks in high school, finishing with 77 sacks in four years, leading the entire country during that span, and it had nothing to do with a lack of competition. He had 34 sacks as a junior. When you look at his film, he could play any of the linebacker spots or as a down defensive lineman, which I would expect him to play at WSU.
He can run well for his size and he has a chance to get much bigger. Fehoko has great hands and great feet and a really good knack for what's going on, his coach says. He's always around the ball and he makes a lot of player, obviously. This is a good pickup for the Cougars.
Projection: Given that he's likely to start out on the defensive line, I would expect Fehoko to take a year off and add weight, which shouldn't be difficult with his frame. An absolute beast of a pass rusher, Fehoko has a chance to be an animal in the Pac-12.
Grade: B+
This post was edited on 2/4 4:47 PM by Britton Ransford
QB Tyler Hilinski, 6-3, 187, Upland, Calif., HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The skinny: Hilinski is a smart, savvy quarterback who runs the offense well and he can make all the short, intermediate and long throws. Rated the No. 10 pro-style quarterback in the 2015 class, Hilinski has proven through his career that he's one of the best quarterbacks in the state of California. Hilinski seemed to get bigger at every event during the offseason and showed off tremendous accuracy and good decision-making. What was most impressive this offseason was his ability to place the ball right where he wanted it on out routes, fades, slants, everything.
Projection: Hilinski, who arrived on campus in January, will likely redshirt as a true freshman, though he could provide some quality competition behind Luke Falk and Peyton Bender, especially with an early start in the program, something the previous two quarterbacks didn't have.
Grade: A
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DE Jeremiah Mitchell, 6-5, 255, Rs. So., Riverside, Calif., C.C.
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The Skinny: "For his size, Jeremiah is a very athletic and disruptive force on the defensive side of the ball," Leach said. "He is an instinctive pass rusher with a great motor with the chance to make an immediate impact." At 6-foot-5 and 255-pounds, Mitchell looks like the real thing, and was one of the most decorated defensive ends on the West Coast. He is lightning fast and plays with a passion, which will allow him to make an immediate impact in opposing backfields in 2015. Rivals.com rates Mitchell as a two-star prospect, but in my eyes he's closer to a four-star with his pure strength and speed.
Projection: Washington State brought Mitchell in to have a quick impact and he should be competing for playing time in the two-deeps by fall camp. It also helps that he will get into a weight program and work through summer ball as an early enrollee.
Grade: B+
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WR Kyrin Priester, 6-1, 188, Rs. Fr., Snellville, Ga., Clemson transfer
Video highlights: Commitment
Recruiter: Dennis Simmons
The Skinny: "This guy can motor. I think he is a Jaron Brown with a little more speed and athleticism," Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said of Priester. "Jaron Brown played as a rookie a lot and played in the NFL with the Cardinals this year. He will be a very versatile player and we can move him around and he has an ability to stretch the field." Priester was dismissed from the Tigers' program due to an attitude problem, though the Washington State staff vetted that situation.
"Ky has Jacoby Ford explosiveness," his former head coach said. "He's a little longer than Jacoby, but he's that fast. We haven't put the clock on him, but he's a legit 4.4 guy. He's pretty explosive. The ones he snatches, it's like Sammy Watkins. As soon as he snatches it, he just leaves everybody that we play.
"Watkins is more physical, and what Ky has to work on is taking the daily grind of tackling and DBs coming at him. He just needs to get a little stronger and get more physical up top. He has speed and quickness, all that. He just needs a little more of a BCS body, and we're working on that right now."
Projection: Priester will have to sit out this season due to NCAA transfer rules, but that will allow him to work on the "BCS body" his coach speaks of. It will have been awhile since he's played competitive football, having played just one game on special teams for Clemson in 2014, but he's another exciting talent that has a chance to make an impact in 2016.
Grade: B
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DB Deion Singleton, 6-2, 175, Pasco, Wash., Chiawana HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: N/A
The Skinny: Singleton is a former four-star defensive back who had offers from the majority of the SEC before moving to Pasco, Wash., from the Tallahassee, Fla., following his junior year. He's a rangy and quick defender who could play safety or cornerback for the Cougars, though they will likely start him out at cornerback. Leach calls Singleton "just an incredible athlete."
Projection: Singleton was a player who likely would have seen time at cornerback last season, as the Cougars burned a number of redshirts at cornerback and safety. Having already arrived on campus, he'll get a chance to work with new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch immediately and work through spring ball, which will benefit him exponentially. I would expect Singleton to push for playing time as a freshman, be it at special teams or cornerback.
Grade: B
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OL Noah Myers, 6-4, 300, Walnut Creek, Calif., Las Lomas
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: Myers earned the offensive line MVP award at the NorCal RCS last summer, which vaulted him onto the radar. After dropping 30-pounds, Myers doesn't carry much bad weight and seems to be developing solid technique. He has a strong punch, long arms and a solid frame. He'll likely work on the inside, but could also develop into a right tackle. He's hard-nosed and physical and enjoys getting into tussles and mixing it up with defensive lineman.
Projection: Like the rest of the offensive lineman in this class, Myers will redshirt this season and get his body in better shape after getting into a college weight lifting program. He has the strength and technique to be a quality contributor down the road.
Grade: B
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DT Thomas Toki, 6-3, 307, Mountain View, Calif., St. Francis
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Toki is a wide body at the defensive tackle spot, and while he doesn't have great height, he moves very well at his size. Height really isn't too big of an issue at nose tackle, which is where he'll likely play, anyway. He does well at taking up space in the middle, freeing up linebackers in the middle, though he is also above-average at getting past blockers in a one-on-one situation. He has a very high ceiling.
Projection: Depending on what kind of shape he shows up to fall camp in, Toki could be asked to play immediately with Xavier Cooper and Toni Pole out. He's been a difference maker in high school and would likely face some hurdles early as a freshman, but he's smart on the field and makes a lot of plays. As much as they'd like to redshirt him, he'll likely see some playing time as a true freshman.
Grade: A
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OL Cedric Bigge-Duren, 6-6, 307, Oceanside, Calif., HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Clay McGuire
The Skinny: Bigge-Duren has phenomenal size at 6-foot-7 and nearly 300-pounds and he's versatile enough to play offensive tackle or guard. He does a nice job with his hands and moves his feet well for someone his size. He does a nice job getting arm extension and uses his massive body to overpower blitzing linemen.
Projection: Bigge-Duren will most likely redshirt, as has been the case for several offensive lineman over the years, and especially because the Cougars return their offensive line. I think the two-star was severely underrated as he dominated on a very good Oceanside team, which pounded the rock. Duren will be a multiple-year starter for the Cougars when it's all said and done.
Grade: B+
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OLB Nnamdi Oguayo, 6-4, 210, Beltsville, Md., High Point
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Oguayo arrived on the Washington State radar late, and he's still raw, but he has great size with the ability to add about 50-pounds. He's strong for his size and has excellent speed, which allows him to get to the quarterback with ease. It won't be that easy in college, so adding weight will be priority number one, but he's versatile in that he can play in coverage or rush with his hand down. He's a natural athlete that, with some coaching up, could be a steal. Very smart kid, too.
Projection: Oguayo needs to hit the weight room, but he has the tools to develop into a quality BUCK-type linebacker in the Pac-12. He's smart, studies film and will benefit greatly from a redshirt season.
Grade: B-
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OL Joseph Price, 6-5, 290, Redlands, Calif., East Valley
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The Skinny: Price is another massive body that has a ton of brute strength. His footwork is further along than most in this class and he's a decent pass and run blocker, but could use a year or two to refine his skills. His frame is where it needs to be, but he needs to be coached up a bit.
Projection: Price is set for a redshirt year, but he has a lot of potential as an offensive tackle down the road.
Grade: B-
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LB Aaron Porter, 6-2, 230, RS So., Norwalk, Calif., Cerritos C.C.
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: Porter, a former four-star linebacker prospect, was a beast for Cerritos this year and is your prototypical inside linebacker. He has the speed necessary to get out on the edge, but is an above-average tackler and can clog up holes in the middle. The Cougars may have found their MIKE linebacker for the next two years.
Projection: I expect big things from Porter, who will be expected to come in right away and contribute. He doesn't need work in the weight room and should be familiar with the Cougars' 3-4 defense. He brings Pac-12 experience with him and should help bolster a shaky linebacker group that lost a few faces.
Grade: A-
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CB Darrien Molton, 5-10, 165, Temecula, Calif., Chaparral
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The Skinny: Molton doesn't have a wow-factor, but he is a very solid, all-around cornerback. He does the little things well, has fluid hips and is a sound tackler. He has solid speed and was a highly sought prospect before shutting things down with Washington State. The Cougars found a cornerback who may not end up being an All-Pac-12 player, but will be solid down the road.
Projection: Cornerback is a position group that is going to be pretty crowded this year, so a redshirt season is likely in the cards for Molton, who could use a season in the weight room.
Grade: B
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CB Treshon Broughton, 6-0, 180, So., Riverside, Calif., C.C.
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The Skinny: Broughton is an aggressive, speedy cornerback that likes to challenge receivers, isn't afraid of contact and is comfortable on an island. Confidence isn't an issue with Broughton, who looks to be a legit 6-foot. He covers like a blanket and is a sound tackler.
Projection: Make no mistake about it, Broughton, who has three years to play two, will be expected to lock down one of the cornerback spots, likely the boundary corner spot. I think he'll be able to step in right away and be productive. He'll have lapses as he adjusts to Pac-12 receivers, but I think his future in the Washington State secondary is bright. Being disciplined will be key, but he recovers well.
Grade: B
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RB James Williams, 5-11, 185, Burbank, Calif., HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: Williams suffered a devastating ACL tear after just one game this year, which could cause him to miss part of or the entire 2015 season, though he still brings a lot to the table. He's a true all-purpose back with a nice blend of speed, power and elusiveness. He keeps defenses guessing and has legit burst in traffic. How he comes back from the ACL tear will tell the story here, but he has awesome potential.
Projection: After having surgery in October, Williams still faces a lengthy recovery. He likely won't be ready until after fall camp, which points towards a redshirt season. He should be ready to rock for spring ball next year.
Grade: B
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K Matt Abramo, 6-2, 175, Petaluma, Calif., Casa Grande HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: According to Chris Sailer, Abramo is a very talented kicker and has perhaps the strongest leg in the nation. He hits a very nice ball off the ground, his field goals show huge potential and his kickoffs are already D-I ready. He has a bright college future, Sailer says, and has a great attitude and work ethic.
Projection: Scholarships for kickers are rare, however the Cougars were in desperate need of immediate help at the position and the staff should expect Abramo to come in immediately and try to take over both the kickoff duties and field goal kicking duties. I would be surprised if he doesn't end up handling both.
Grade: B
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DL Hunter Mattox, 6-4, 255, Chatsworth, Calif., Sierra Canyon
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: Mattox is a bull on the inside but can use his legs to chase runners down with his deceptive speed on the outside. His true position will likely depend on how his body develops, as he says he's still growing. I would expect him to be an interior lineman, but the potential for Mattox is off-the-charts. He's an extremely intriguing prospect.
Projection: It will really depend on how he develops over the offseason, but what I've seen on film is very good technique, an aggressive style and he could certainly push for some playing time early. He's likely headed for a redshirt year, which would be ideal, because he could grow into a massive force with a redshirt year.
Grade: B+
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OL Davis Perrott, 6-5, 270, Phoenix, Ariz., Mountain Pointe
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Clay McGuire
The Skinny: Perrott has a nice frame and carries very little bad weight, Rob Cassidy says. He boasts ample upper body strength, but will need to develop before he is ready to contribute on the FBS level. He has a really nice frame, though, which reflects the double-digit offer sheet. He's a good run blocker and will still have to work on pass blocking at the next level.
Projection: Perrott is still a project at this point, but his raw strength and large frame makes him a ideal candidate to take a year or two off and learn the basics of the spread offense. He's a guy that would make an impact later than sooner, but there's a lot of potential.
Grade: C+
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WR Christopher "C.J." Dimry, 6-6, 210, RS So., Mission Viejo, Calif., Saddelback College
Video highlights: Commitment
Recruiter: David Yost
The Skinny: Dimry's recruitment started last Thursday and a week later he finds himself signing a letter of intent to a Pac-12 school. Lightly recruited out of high school, Dimry has excellent size for an outside receiver and does an OK job high-pointing the ball. His speed doesn't jump out on tape, but he has enough of it. He'll be a red zone threat at the next level, but not much more than that.
Projection: Dimry fills the void that Dahu Green was going to take. With two years left, he'll come in and compete for a spot in the rotation, but I expect there will be a steep learning curve, as he didn't exactly dominate last year as most JUCO receivers who move up do. I think we'll see the best of Dimry in 2016.
Grade: C-
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WR Kyle Sweet, 6-0, 183, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Catholic HS
Video highlights: Link
Recruiter: Jim Mastro
The Skinny: Sweet seems to always find a way to get open and he runs very crisp, on point routes. He changes directions quickly and is athletic enough to make the tough plays. His speed isn't elite, but it's Pac-12 ready. Nothing about him will blow you away, but he does everything very well and reminds me a lot of River Cracraft, who he learned under at SM.
Projection: I think Kyle Sweet can come in and play as a true freshman. His skills as a receiver are prototypical for the slot in Mike Leach's offense and he's a hard worker, who takes coaching well. He should have a chance to play early. I think the Cougars may have found themselves a steal, a very good one, at that.
Grade: B
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S Kameron Powell, 5-11, 192, Upland, Calif., HS
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Ken Wilson
The Skinny: Powell is a pure safety who does a nice job reading where a play is going and then making the tackle or getting a pass deflection. He's super physical and a head-hunter, Gorney says, so receivers have to be constantly aware of his location on the field. He's a sound tackler and loves the big hit. He has decent speed and his range is nice. Sometimes he gets sloppy in coverage, but makes up for it pretty well.
Projection: It's hard to gauge whether Powell could play as a true freshman, because he is still pretty raw, but I think he's a much better prospect coming out of high school than Darius Lemora was, though Lemora had a year to redshirt. He could certainly end up being in the safety mix this year, because he is a very talented safety, though he would likely be best suited with a redshirt season.
Grade: A-
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LB Logan Tago, 6-3, 210, Pago Pago, A.S., Samoana
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Tago's size is what immediately stands out. He's long and could play on both sides at the next level, but his primary position is outside linebacker. He is speedy, physical and a sound tackler. He can get to the quarterback but also hang with receivers in coverage. On offense, he could play in a tight end-type role, though I believe he'd be best suited on defense.
Projection: Like most kids from American Samoa, Tago will likely need to take a year to redshirt and get better suited to the game. He has an extremely bright future and was probably the top prospect in Samoa during this cycle.
Grade: B
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OL Amosa Sakaria, 6-3, 280, Pago Pago, A.S., Tafuna
Video highlights: Link
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Sakaria is a massive body who projects as a guard for the Cougars. He's powerful and was a top defensive tackle for Tafuna, too. He's aggressive and has decent technique. Brandon Smart of FH100 says he's a smart player and loves to be coached.
Projection: Sakaria will surely redshirt while shaping his body and getting into a groove of eating the right way and such. He has a bright future, however, and adds to a solid offense line class.
Grade: C+
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S Shalom Luani, 6-1, 200, So., San Francisco, Calif., CCSF
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Luani was a two-year starter for one of the premier programs in the nation. He is a ballhawk of a safety and has the size and speed to become an impact player in the Pac-12. On film, he throws his body around with reckless abandoned, yet shows strong tackling skills in the open field. The Cougars got a good one with Luani, who also excels on the soccer pitch and was previously committed to Oregon State.
Projection: Luani, one of the top JUCO safety prospects in this class, should be able to come in and make an immediate impact in a secondary that had its fair share of troubles last season. Luani is my pick for breakout player in this class.
Grade: A-
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DE T.J. Fehoko, 6-1, 255, Salt Lake City (UT) Cottonwood
Video highlights: List
Recruiter: Joe Salave'a
The Skinny: Fehoko destroyed opposing quarterbacks in high school, finishing with 77 sacks in four years, leading the entire country during that span, and it had nothing to do with a lack of competition. He had 34 sacks as a junior. When you look at his film, he could play any of the linebacker spots or as a down defensive lineman, which I would expect him to play at WSU.
He can run well for his size and he has a chance to get much bigger. Fehoko has great hands and great feet and a really good knack for what's going on, his coach says. He's always around the ball and he makes a lot of player, obviously. This is a good pickup for the Cougars.
Projection: Given that he's likely to start out on the defensive line, I would expect Fehoko to take a year off and add weight, which shouldn't be difficult with his frame. An absolute beast of a pass rusher, Fehoko has a chance to be an animal in the Pac-12.
Grade: B+
This post was edited on 2/4 4:47 PM by Britton Ransford
