WSU Football Recruiting: Kyle's Fave Five
While Cedric Dozier picking Cal over WSU hurt, this class is still full of guys to get excited about. I waited until after Dozier's announcement to post this because he would have been included if he chose WSU. Recruiting, you are a cruel mistress.
So what is a Fave Five? Besides a blatant rip off of Grady's Elite Eight series that is on vacation somewhere with Craig's CougCenter Top 10 Moments, it's also a WWE reference. Any time I can work pro-wrestling references into my work here, I've succeeded. Basically, though, I'm going to detail who are my five favorite players in this class. We talked about grades already, and even recorded a podcast. This is more about who, personally, I'm excited for. This is not a strict list of the highest rated recruits.
Also, at the very end of the post, we're unveiling our plans for the next 24-hours, and I think you're gonna like it ...
KYLE'S FAVE FIVE:
1.) Alex Jackson, WR (5'11, 175, Culver City, CA) [✯✯✯]
2.) Gabriel Marks, WR (5'11, 175, Venice, CA) [✯✯✯✯]
3.) Jeremiah Allison, LB (6'1, 210, Los Angeles, CA) [✯✯✯]
4.) Robert Lewis, WR (5'10, 160, South Gate, CA) [✯✯✯]
5.) Denzell Dotson, OL (6'3, 315, Glendale, AZ) [✯✯✯]
At this point, we've talked about everyone a lot. Everyone should have a fairly good understanding of where the class ranks, and who looks like they'll be major players sooner than later. I talked about Jackson on the podcast, but I just absolutely love everything he does. I'm not sure there's a guy in this class who can make an immediate impact the likes of Marquess Wilson, but if I had to bet money on one player, it'd be Jackson. He's this year's Rahmel Dockery for me. If we get Kenny Lawler, things get a bit interesting, though. Lawler would probably jump ahead of Jackson as my #1 guy in this class.
Marks is the highest rated guy, so conventional wisdom says he has the best chance to shine. While I still really like Marks, I have Jackson rated slightly above him. They're pretty even, so this is certainly no knock on Marks. I just went with my gut on this.
Allison is a guy who probably won't contribute right away on defense, but may help on Special Teams. I certainly like his on field ability, but it's hard for me to not include him with how great he is off the field. What can I say, I'm a sucker for a good Outside the Lines type story about a kid coming from nothing but flourishing and rising above everything. To be honest, a guy like Khalil Pettway rates out higher and will probably be better over his career. I just love Allison, though. No slight intended to Pettway, who you should be excited about as well.
Lewis is basically on this list because Mark will stop talking to me if I don't include him. I love Lewis' speed and cutting ability, and think he'll be a really good player. I just worry about his weight a little. Hopefully he makes friends with the sand pit and bulks up to 145.
Dotson is the guy I've pretty much hitched my wagon to from the get go. I think he's a special offensive lineman, and has the chance to start right out of the gate. I love his mean streak and his blue collar "time to go to work" attitude. I also just think he's a great kid. He probably winds up backing up Taylor Meighen at center while also possibly seeing some time at guard as well, but don't be shocked if he's the starter before the end of the season.
I fully encourage all of you to list your Fave Fives in the comment section. Or you can save it for the 24-hour live Signing Day Chat that will be up later tonight.

Whoa. A 24-hour live Signing Day Chat? Who is crazy enough to do that? (Yes, I fully expect to talk about infomercials at 3am.)
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Good.
We need all the help we can get in the secondary.
by Kyle Rancourt on Jan 31, 2012 5:36 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, there's a story on cougfan.
Apparently he talked it over with his family and he changed his mind.
Yeah.
He de-committed for hometown Hawaii, but said it didn’t feel right or something. Recruiting!
by Kyle Rancourt on Jan 31, 2012 5:37 PM PST up reply actions
Hawaii forgot to call No Trade-backs.
Somehow a “Suck it Hawaii” just doesn’t feel right here.
It all feels so weird. Lawler would change it all right back around (realize we have a small chance at him), recruiting is so much more fun when I do it on NCAA for the PS2.
Fav 5
1. Jeremiah Allison
2. Austin Apodaca
3. Robert Lewis
4. Denzell Dotson
5. Khalil Pettway
Marks didnt make my list just because I wasnt all to impressed with him, yes im totally stoked we got him, but it seemed to me like he never caught with his hands he always craddled the ball, and this is my opinion but from the videos ive seen i think hes the 3rd best WR we got.
@korbm13
Fave 5
1. Robert Lewis
2. Alex Jackson
3. Gabrial Marks
4. Jeremiah Allison
5. Khalil Pettway
The top 3 are there simply because they are the fastest players on our commit list… and I LOVE speed in a player. Though all of them have things to improve on, and lewis simply needs more weight, which can be done in the weight room and in training. Then 4 & 5 are our top LB’s for a reason. In a 3-4 D, the 3 DL are very important but i think a hybrid, quick, talented secondary cane make up for lack of talent and depth at DL any day. I love linebackers in a 3-4 and 4-3.
There is something about being a cougar.
Jeesh im off today,
I meant a “hybrid, quick, talented Linebacking core can” wew.
There is something about being a cougar.
My Five
1. Gabrial Marks
2. Austin Apodaca
3. Jeremiah Allison
4. Denzell Dotson
5.Destiny Vaeao
Love Marks speed and size. Apodaca looks like a great fit for the Air Raid. Allison has tons of speed at LB. Dotson has Pac 12 size and athleticism. I think Vaeao is going to be incredible by the end of his time in Pullman. People on the island said he’s the most athletic big man they have had in the last 5-6 years. Also Alabama recruited him hard early.
by Cougars Hunt and Kill on Jan 31, 2012 7:12 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Im not even considering QBs
As any QB that goes to this system will be successful but apodaca does look like a great pick up.
There is something about being a cougar.
I'm also most excited for Jackson.
He’s just so smooth and under control yet so fast. When you watch the highlight tape each stride just eats up so much yardage. For me that’s the best way to judge speed on these highlight tapes because the competition isn’t equal from tape to tape or even from game to game.
I knew this would get the insta-rec from you.
"Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!" | Herb Brooks
Fave 5
In no particular order:
Niu Sale
Jeremiah Allison
Alex Jackson
Robert Lewis
Denzell Dotson
I do believe Sale is going to be a beast
My Fave 5
Robert Barber
Robert Barber
Robert Barber
Robert Barber
Robert Barber
"Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!" | Herb Brooks
by Coug999 on Jan 31, 2012 6:12 PM PST reply actions 6 recs
Scout is reporting that Taliulu has recommitted
They put him back on the list with today listed as his committment day.
Around these parts, a man could get hurt for wearing purple.
Yay

If My Life Is Great, Why Am I Not Happy?
by well you win some and lose others on Jan 31, 2012 6:32 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Sorry, I didn't see this discussed at the top---redundant
Around these parts, a man could get hurt for wearing purple.
FavFive
1) Austin Apodaca
2) Destiny
3) Gabriel
4) Jeremiah Allison
5) Robert Barber
First off there is something awesome about have gigantic Samoans on the team…
Secondly, I fail to understand why Apodaca is not considered higher amongst most people on this site as well as recruiting sites. He developed a ton from junior year to senior year which is always a good sign and the Denver Post picked him for the All-Colorado team over (guess!)…. Cyler Miles…. hmm?
Easy tiger.
Just because he’s not in my Fave Five doesn’t mean I think he sucks.
by Kyle Rancourt on Jan 31, 2012 9:00 PM PST up reply actions
Whoaaa.
Not my intent Mr. Kyle. I was actually posing it more as a question… as in what is the reasoning that he is not as good a prospect as Cyler Miles??
by craig.gracey on Jan 31, 2012 9:07 PM PST up reply actions
Well Miles is way bigger.
It’s easier to project Miles into the NFL as well, and as weird as that sounds, it’s part of the way rankings happen.
by Kyle Rancourt on Jan 31, 2012 9:14 PM PST up reply actions
But honestly?
I don’t really know why. Apodaca has a stronger arm, Miles is mobile, but it’s not like Apodaca is a statue. I think being 185 isn’t as big of a deal, but Miles is 6’4, 222. Apodaca is 6’3, 185. That’s a big reason.
by Kyle Rancourt on Jan 31, 2012 9:16 PM PST up reply actions
Miles running a 4.45 doesn't hurt, either.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on Jan 31, 2012 9:20 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
It wouldn't surprise me if Lindquist beats him out after Price graduates and Miles ends up as either
A WR or H-Back.
6-4, 220, with that speed.
Would be one hell of an outside guy.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
Kenny Lawler
I want to go where I’m comfortable and where I’ll fit in, and Cal definitely has that.
Found it here.
Do not be surprise to find him pick Cal.
If My Life Is Great, Why Am I Not Happy?
by well you win some and lose others on Jan 31, 2012 6:37 PM PST reply actions
I won't be surprised
but I also won’t be surprised if he picks WSU. WSU has a lot to offer as well. Need a standout outside receiver to take the mantle of all-world when MW moves on.
Yes, you should follow another Coug-related account on Twitter: @425CougFan
And of course, a couple reports I saw said they thought he was leaning our way.
I hope it doesn’t come to him at lunch.
His Dad talks education but his Dad also talks Mike Leach
His Dad his enamored with Mike Leach’s system and specifically likes to point out Wes Welker and Michael Crabtree as wide receivers who grew under Leach.
I hope Lawler picks WSU, but at the same time if he doesn’t Leach will still do quite well with the current wide receivers who have committed and several of the young bucks like Dominique Williams, Kristoff Williams, Bobby Ratliff, and a few others who are going to be a major part of the rotation next year. Leach excelled with under the radar wide receivers at Texas Tech and when he had an excellent future NFL player in Michael Crabtree, his offense really exploded. Now Leach has Marquess Wilson in the Crabtree role and a slew of receivers willing to step into the Welker role. I can’t wait to see how it explodes next year. Even without Lawler, this offense should look quite well next year.
My Five
1-Robert Lewis
2-Niu Sale
3-Jeremiah Allison
4-Austin Apodaca
5-Mike Bowlin
Lewis is the highest rated player we have gotten (ESPN ratings) and I think that has to count for something. Next year I expect 3-4 players 80 or above after Leach has a full year to recruit.
Sale is rated as the No. 1 Guard in the nation by 247. When I was looking into that week I thought he was going to be the hardest one to get from that group.
Allison- Good kid, easy to get excited about. Oh yeah and he is a highly rated recruit.
Apodaca went bananas his senior year, I can’t believe nobody tried to poach him from us. I loved Connor Halliday as a recruit, I think Apodaca has a similar feel as a recruit.
Bowlin- ya ya he’s a kicker. Guess what, he will have the biggest immediate impact on our team this year. A kicker that can actually get the ball to the end zone and (gulp) make a touchback!!! Our SPC teams and defense (starting position) will improve because of this kid single handedly.
by bliznair64@gmail.com on Jan 31, 2012 6:58 PM PST reply actions
People did try to poach him
Read Bud Withers’ recent article on him for (some high-level) info: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/avantgo/2017379108.html
Yes, you should follow another Coug-related account on Twitter: @425CougFan
I agree with Bowlin, People are overlooking him because he is a kicker
But he is going to have a huge impact on this team. I don’t think I have ever been this excited to see a touchback.
You should really disregard ESPN ratings.
Or, at the very least, be consistent. The rank Lewis as a 4 star, but Sale and Bowlin are unranked, and Apodaca is a 2 star.
by Kyle Rancourt on Jan 31, 2012 9:02 PM PST up reply actions
I believe
that espn does not reank junior college players.
by WinOrLoseWeStillBooze on Jan 31, 2012 9:57 PM PST up reply actions
Which is another reason to not use ESPN
by Kyle Rancourt on Jan 31, 2012 10:01 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I use all of them to form my own opinion...
I really just prefer their rating system over the others. Scout has been impressing me lately.
by bliznair64@gmail.com on Jan 31, 2012 10:28 PM PST up reply actions
High Five
1) Alex Jackson
2) Niu Sale
3) Destiny Valeao
4) Gabriel Marks
5) Robert Lewis
All of the above had at least four other offers from BCS schools (according to scout recruiting info). That is more than any players in eitther of the last two classes (once again according to scout recruiting info). To me, the number of BCS offers received is a stronger indicator of potential success than the * system.
As thankful as I am to be working again...
I will miss following the signings all day long. To think that I would rather have Signing Day off than Super Bowl Sunday, tells I like the Cougs a lot more than the NFL.
Country Coug!
by dslagg on Jan 31, 2012 8:26 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
enjoy a Go Cougs rec
If you can't Go Cougs... don't go.
by hollyweirdcoug on Jan 31, 2012 9:21 PM PST up reply actions
I am glad to see Taylor Taliulu re-committed.
I went back to see if there are any videos I hadn’t seen on him. I watched these two and after watching them I am sure glad he decided to come back. He is listed as a safety, but I could see him play some CB. He can cover one-on-one and has some good anticipation skills.
http://youtu.be/bwvJflPilYU
http://youtu.be/arQdpZX3Lmk
CougCenter OG since 9/2/2008 | @TheSoCalCoug
I'd rather he stayed at safety.
We have almost no one at safety. We at least have bodies at corner.
by Kyle Rancourt on Jan 31, 2012 9:03 PM PST up reply actions
Understand, but was also looking at from an options stand point.
I wonder how Max Gama is looking at Safety.
Current Safeties: (I didn’t list all of the ones on the roster, just those who see PT or will)
De Bucannon
Carpenter
Duckett
Gama
Locker
Matthews
McCartney
J. Simone
Toomer
Incoming:
Taylor Taliulu
Feddie Davey
Da Bucannon
That is a lot safeties, especially for two spots. Not a lot of impact Safeties, but I think someone will shine in this group. That is why I think TT could also help in the CB position (sometimes).
CougCenter OG since 9/2/2008 | @TheSoCalCoug
missing
walk-on Peterson…3 time scout team player of the week
(I didn’t list all of the ones on the roster, just those who see PT or will)
I could be wrong.
CougCenter OG since 9/2/2008 | @TheSoCalCoug
I believe he is a senior next year.
Were you thinking of Eric Block?
CougCenter OG since 9/2/2008 | @TheSoCalCoug
No not from graduation.
I thought he had his career cut short due to injury. I must be thinking of someone else
by Kyle Rancourt on Jan 31, 2012 9:40 PM PST up reply actions
It is Matthews with the shoulder
He was on the sideline the remainder of the season with headset
Eric Block had a stomach problem and had to give up the game.
He is also the kid that Root Sports always shows making that big hit.
CougCenter OG since 9/2/2008 | @TheSoCalCoug
My 5
Robert Lewis
Jeremiah Allison
Gabriel Marks
Denzell Dotson
Austin Apodaca
www.twitter.com/nashcoug
My top 5.
1. Marks
2. Allison
3. Apodaca
4. Lewis
5. Pettway
…Because i’m a slave to the numbers…
Top 5
1) Marks- special, hyper elusive
2) Bowlin- touchbacks, touchbacks, touchbacks
3) Middleton- will thrive in the wider splits of the air raid
4) Jackson- true burner, legit 4.4 right off the line
5) Bucannon- bigger than his bro- a SS in the making
If you can't Go Cougs... don't go.
I was just trying to figure that out today
I saw Marks vs. Chaminade – Venice got blown out- but he had a half dozen catches. Venice threw it a good bit, but it was ball control passes, in traffic much of the time. Marks looked good- Chaminade had way better athletes and he stood out. I didn’t know he would go WSU so I wasn’t zeroed in on him by any means. I had seen Caldwell and Marks at a 7 on 7 tourney the year before. Oddly I remember Caldwell, but not Marks at that. Same one i saw Clement at…probably Bartolone too but can’t say for sure.
I saw Middleton w/ a friend who recruits for SDSU. I think they pummeled Mira Mesa the same weekend I went to the Coug/SDSU game.
I saw Bowlin at Sailor’s kicking camp a few years back. He has serious leg.
I saw Jackson’s squad lose to Santa Monica – but he had an 80 yard or so TD; just was behind them all off the snap. SM just ball controlled it and kept Culver’s O off the field. Then they had a playoff rematch and Jackson WENT off for 170 or so- Culver blew SM off the field. But that was local cable TV- Pettway is ‘rangy’- when he gets weight on, he is a hybrid for sure.
If you can't Go Cougs... don't go.
by hollyweirdcoug on Jan 31, 2012 10:52 PM PST reply actions

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