QB Kienholz Decommits from Washington

Washington (like all however a handful of applications within the nation) have been unable to go head-to-head with Ohio State in recruiting during the last a number of years. The Buckeyes got here into Western Washington and plucked out elite recruits Emeka Egbuka and J.T. Tuimoloau. Now it seems they’ve dealt one other main blow to the Huskies with the announcement that former UW QB commit Lincoln Kienholz has decommitted from Washington. 7 minutes later he tweeted out his dedication to Ohio State. Quite a few crystal balls from all of 247’s recruiting specialists had Kienholz flipping to the Buckeyes starting final evening.

After DeBoer was employed it appeared like perhaps the Huskies would pursue QB Joshua Wooden from native Graham-Kapowsin as his first highschool recruit on the place. As an alternative the Huskies handed on the remaining 2022 choices and introduced in Michael Penix Jr. from the switch portal. The latter transfer clearly labored out however it added further significance to who would are available in for the category of 2023.

The Huskies focused Kienholz early as an underrated possibility from DeBoer’s dwelling state of South Dakota. They ended up as a part of a remaining 4 in June together with Wisconsin, Wyoming, and North Dakota State. Washington gained that W-heavy battle and it appeared the Huskies had been set on the QB spot for the 2023 class. After Michael Penix Jr. put up eye popping stats all season it added to the thought that the Huskies had been nicely positioned and each DeBoer and OC Ryan Grubb visited Kienholz throughout UW’s bye week simply to make certain.

Ohio State nonetheless didn’t wind up with an elite QB like they do in seemingly each class. 4-star QB Brock Glenn was considered one of simply 2 Ohio State commits ranked outdoors the top-350 within the 247 Sports activities Composite. So was Kienholz earlier than a large rise within the rankings in simply the final month however OSU seen him as an improve on Glenn and moved in late. Glenn ultimately flipped to Florida State. Kienholz introduced earlier than his official go to to OSU that he was “Proper now…100% dedicated to Washington” however nonetheless going to take an official go to to Ohio State after they took on Michigan.

The following week went in addition to UW may’ve hoped to persuade Kienholz to remain. Ohio State was thrashed by Michigan within the sport he went to see. Then the Huskies put up nearly 500 passing yards in opposition to WSU to safe a 10-win season. And Ohio State nonetheless had the #1 total participant dedicated at his place in subsequent yr’s class. Nevertheless, Kienholz apparently took an additional a number of weeks to lastly make his determination and leaves Washington in a tough place now precisely one week till the beginning of the early signing interval.

The excellent news is that Michael Penix Jr. spurned the NFL and can return as one of many Heisman entrance runners coming into 2023. Dylan Morris served because the backup all through the season and has extra expertise than former 5-star Sam Huard who hasn’t but proven off the talents that made him one of many elite recruits within the state’s historical past. If the workers desires to maintain with 4 QBs on the roster at a time then they should both flip somebody instantly or else choose somebody up within the switch portal.

Washington final evening prolonged a suggestion to 4-star West Linn HS quarterback Sam Leavitt who’s at present dedicated to Washington State. Just like Kienholz although, Leavitt has been wanting round as he took an official go to to Michigan State final week. In contrast to Kienholz although, the scenario at Washington State isn’t steady as their offensive coordinator Eric Morris left to take the pinnacle teaching job at North Texas yesterday. We’ll see whether or not DeBoer and Grubb can additional implement the faculty soccer chain of recruiting command by conserving the flips going.

It has been an sadly bumpy experience on the recruiting carousel for Washington proper now given they’re coming off a 10-2 season with a category that was purported to be basically accomplished again in June.