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SIGNING DAY: Player signing thread

By Jeff Nusser

Updated 4:05 p.m. - Adds local stories on Justin Clayton and Jeff Tuel.

Here's your list of players who have officially faxed in their letters of intent, as reported by the WSU Athletic Department. We'll be combing the Internet for information on each, and post whatever we come across as we come across it, so be sure to refresh this post often.

List starts after the jump. Size is as reported by WSU.

Terrell Thompson, LB (Aurora, Colo.)

Justin Clayton, DL (Napa, Calif.)

  • Size: 6-4/250
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "A first team all-league selection on both lines his junior season, Clayton racked up a heady 136 tackles and was also named first team all-county on defense. Has a motor that doesn't quit. Projects as a defensive tackle or could potentially play defensive end."
  • Rivals.com (2-star) says: "Clayton earned first-team all-league honors on both sides of the line as a junior. He was also a first-team all-county selection as a defensive lineman."
  • ESPN.com (40/not evaluated) says: No report.
  • From Cougfan.com: Rated the No. 65 DT prospect nationally. Chose WSU over Fresno State and others.
  • Napa Valley Register feature story on Clayton. Excellent read.

Jeff Tuel, QB (Fresno, Calif.)

  • Size: 6-3/207
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "Led Clovis West to the CIF Central Section D1 championship in 2008. Racked up 2,379 all-purpose yards, passing for 1,714 and rushing for another 674. Completed 136 of 271 passing attempts, threw for 12 TDs and rushed for 5 TDs."
  • Rivals.com (2-star) says: No report.
  • ESPN.com (72) says: "Tuel is good-looking quarterback prospect with above average arm strength and mobility. Is tall, athletically-built but needs to work on strengthening his frame to absorb the big hits at the next level and improve yards after contact as a runner. Projects best in a spread offense that will allow him to move around in the pocket and create his own throwing lanes. ... Has good upside at the position and is a kid who should get better with more reps and college coaching."
  • From Cougfan.com: Rated the No. 55 QB nationally. The strong armed quarterback also made plays with his feet his senior season. He has a high release point and threw one pass 69 yards in the air this season. Chose WSU over Nevada, Arizona and others.
  • The Fresno Bee details Tuel's role in leading his team to a section title.
  • Did you know that the Cougs offered -- and Tuel accepted -- without having thrown a varsity pass?

Casey Locker, DB (Ferndale, Wash.)

  • Size: 5-11/175
  • Scout.com (2-star) says: "Is basically a much smaller version of his cousin, Jake Locker. Comes from a long line of solid football talent at Ferndale. Has natural football instincts and is a leader. Could play on either side at the next level, and only needs to get bigger and stronger to have an impact, but size is an issue right now."
  • Rivals.com (2-star) says: "A first-team all-league and all-state pick in 2007."
  • ESPN.com (72) says: "Locker is a very consistent, fundamentally sound safety prospect with good athleticism. Has just adequate size and could struggle playing in the box at the next level until he fills out his lean frame."
  • From Cougfan.com: Was a member of a 7-on-7 team from Washington that won an NFL national high school competition in summer ‘08. Also stars in baseball. Projects as a safety in college. First cousin is UW quarterback Jake Locker. Chose WSU over Washington.

Andre Barrington, LB (Federal Way, Wash.)

  • Size: 6-1/205
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "As a junior in 2007, Barrington was named first team All-SPSL 4A North as a running back and second team All-SPSL 4A North as a defensive back. He projects as a linebacker at the next level. Barrington rushed for 1,028 yards and 13 scores while also posting eight receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver in '07."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: "First-team All-League RB as both sophomore and junior. Second team DB as junior."
  • ESPN.com (68) says: "Barrington is an outside linebacker/strong safety 'tweener who may project best in a Bandit/Rover type of role. Has adequate size with his taller, rangier frame and is pound-for-pound a strong kid. Covers a lot of ground on the football field and closes in space with good burst. Shows he can make the difficult openfield tackle but needs to consistently wrap up and avoid lunging/leaving his feet as a tackler. ... Overall, Barrington has a good blend of size and athleticism to polish up as a college defender. Would benefit from a red-shirt season."
  • From Cougfan.com: Rated the No. 59 safety prospect in the nation. He is also a returning starter on Federal Way's 4A state runner-up basketball team this season on the hardcourt. Chose WSU over Boise State, Oregon State and others.

Asi Hosea, DB (Salt Lake City, Utah)

  • Size: 5-10/178
  • Scout.com (2-star) says: "58 tackles, four interceptions and 8 pass breakups as a junior. All-Region on defense."
  • Rivals.com (2-star) says: No report.
  • ESPN.com (75) says: "Hosea is why you don't judge a book by its cover. This kid may lack ideal size measurables, but for his size -- he generates striking velocity on the football field. ... Plays both corner and safety but will most likely be employed as a high-point, centerfielder at the next level. Should continue to mask his natural weakness at the next level with great instincts, fundamentals, toughness, burst and range. Look for him to make an immediate impact on special teams as well."
  • From Cougfan.com: No. 79 on Scout.com’s Northwest Hot 100. Chose WSU over SMU, Kansas State, Hawaii and Arizona.

Darren Markle, LB (Meridian, Idaho)

  • Size: 6-1/232
  • Considered one of the jewels of the class, tied for highest-rated Cougar by ESPN.com
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "Named first team all-state in 2008. Posted 101 tackles -- with 13 for loss, four forced fumbles, two sacks an interception and two blocked extra points. He's a three-year All-Conference selection, a three-year starter and a three-year All-Academic team selection."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: "Darren's combination of strength, speed and savvy earned him a place on the 5A SIC Defensive First Team. In a league that had many college bound defensive lineman, Darren finished as the league's sack leader, recording 8.5 quarterback sacks in 9 games. — Mountain View DL coach Luke Wolf."
  • ESPN.com (76) says: "Markle is good-looking middle linebacker prospect with the great size and physicality sought-after at the position. He possesses prototypical middle linebacker size at the position and should add continue to add another 10 of good bulk to his already impressive thickly-built frame to handle the punishment of playing the middle at the next level. Overall, Markle is a tough, middle run plugger who is valuable to a team at the next level struggling to stop two-back, power running schemes."
  • From Cougfan.com: Rated the No. 24 MLB in the nation. The 2007 US High School Powerlifting Champion, Markle's personal bests include a 615 pound squat and 400 pound bench press. Chose WSU over interest from Utah, Oregon State, Boise State and others.

Sekope Kaufusi, LB (Palo Alto, Calif.)

  • Size: 6-4/230
  • Scout.com (2-star) says: "Named PAL-Bay Division Player of the Year, the San Mateo Daily Journal Co-Football Player of the Year and rated No. 11 on the Bay Area Cream of the Crop. He was described as "One of the hardest hitters to come out of San Mateo County in several years" by the San Mateo Daily Journal."
  • Rivals.com (2-star) says: No report.
  • ESPN.com (40/no evaluation) says: No report.
  • From Cougfan.com: Rated No. 11 on the Bay Area Cream of the Crop list. Played linebacker, tight end -- as well as punter and kick returner after playing his junior season with his hand down as a defensive end. Returned one kickoff 85 yards for a score. Chose WSU over San Jose State.

Sebastian Valenzuela, OL (Burbank, Calif.)

  • Size: 6-2/315
  • Notable in that Scout has him as a two-star recruit, yet Rivals ranks him as a 3-star and ESPN has him tied for the highest rating of any recruit.
  • Scout.com (2-star) says: "Valenzuela earned first team all-league and all-area honors as a junior and senior. The league did away with their Lineman of the Year award for '08, but he picked up that honor as a junior. His 285 pound power clean is a school record at Burroughs. Rated one of the top 100 offensive guard prospects in the nation."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: "Earned first-team all-area and League Offensive Lineman of the Year as a junior."
  • ESPN.com (76) says: "Valenzuela is an active offensive lineman. He is undersized in terms of height but carries his weight well. Displays athleticism when pulling and trapping; turns upfield and delivers on linebackers with authority. ... Valenzuela is a very good offensive guard that will be a real solid lineman at the next level once he becomes more consistent with his hands."
  • From Cougfan.com: His 285 pound power clean is a record at Burroughs High. "Sea Bass" chose WSU over Nevada.

Chris Mastin, DL/LB (Spokane, Wash.)

  • Size: 6-2/210
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "His senior year, Mastin was named all-classifications All-State by the Seattle Times and was also a first team Associated Press selection. ... Ranked No. 94 on Scout.com's list of the Top 150 high school prospects in the West for 2009."
  • Rivals.com (2-star) says: No report.
  • ESPN.com (75) says: "Mastin is like an energy drink in shoulder pads. He is a high motor and attacking type player. You like this kids motor and he can be disruptive, but you worry a bit about his size for the defensive end position and he may be headed for a spot at outside linebacker or be a pass rush specialist. ... Mastin is a kid you like to watch. He will likely get burned at times, but will also make some plays. Needs to keep filling out and fine tuning the little parts of his game, but could make some waves from time-to-time."
  • From Cougfan.com: Rated the No. 55 DE prospect in the country. An uber-quick, high motor defensive end. Mastin could play either linebacker or defensive end and more than one opposing coach this year marveled at his ability to chase down ballcarriers from behind. Chose WSU over interest from Oregon, Boise State, Washington and others.

Anthony Carpenter, DB (Los Angeles, Calif.)

  • Size: 6-1/177
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "Carpenter was named first team defense All-Area and All-League following his senior season. He racked up 60 tackles (30 solo) on the year."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: No report.
  • ESPN.com (75) says: "Carpenter is versatile defensive back who will most likely make the fulltime move to safety at the next level. He has good size with his tall, muscled-toned frame and will most likely tip the scales at the 190-pound range in college while retaining his good athleticism. ... Good under-the-radar defender and could blossom when he concentrates on one position."
  • From Cougfan.com: Rated one of the top 60 safety prospects in the nation. Chose WSU over Nebraska, Oregon State, Arizona

Nolan Washington, DB (Burien, Wash.)

  • Size: 5-10/175
  • Here's a guy all the scouting services can agree on ...
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "A multi-dimensional athlete with excellent speed. Named 2008 All-Area DB by the Seattle Times. Voted Seamount League defensive back of the year. Played corner, quarterback, receiver and running back. Rushed for 748 yards (8.9 per carry) in 2008. Projects as a college corner or slot receiver."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: "First team all league defensive back, kick returner and punt returner as both a sophomore and junior."
  • ESPN.com (76) says: "Washington is a game-breaker at the high school level with his great speed and elusiveness. ... Very slightly built but has adequate height with a rangy, high-cut body that looks to still be physically developing. Shows great ball skills and is a very natural athlete on film. ... Washington is a very skilled, natural athlete with good upside once he polishes up his positional technique with college coaching. Great skills in the return game add to his upside as a prospect."
  • From Cougfan.com: A lockdown corner at Kennedy, Washington rarely saw a pass thrown to his side this past season. He also got his work in on offense as the starting quarterback, and also played some wide receiver and running back. He is rated the No. 51 cornerback in the nation and a 3-star prospect. Chose WSU over Arizona State, Minnesota, Boise State and others.

Jamal Atofau, DB (Bellevue, Wash.)

  • Size: 5-10/185
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "Finished his junior season with around 50 tackles and two sacks. He helped lead Bellevue to an 11-2 record and a spot in the state semifinals where they lost to finalist Seattle O'Dea. Atofau benches 285-pounds and claims a 33-inch vertical jump."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: No report.
  • ESPN.com (40/no evaluation) says: "Nephew of former Cougars legend Jack Thompson and cousin of current Cougar tight end Tony Thompson."
  • From Cougfan.com: Rated the No. 57 safety in the country. The KingCo 3A defensive player of the year in 2008, Atofau was a hard hitting safety who also played linebacker, returned kicks and rushed the ball on offense. Atofau was first team all-state, all-area and was also named a first team member of the Seattle Times Star Times defensive team. He helped lead Bellevue to the state 3A title in '08 and was also named News Tribune all-state and honorable mention Northwest Nugget. Chose WSU over Oregon, Arizona, Boise State, Washington and others.

William Prescott, OL (Riversdale, Calif.)

  • Size: 6-5/277
  • You can see from his size why he projects to tackle ...
  • Scout.com (2-star) says: "During his 2008 senior season at Riverside (Calif.) King, was a First Team All-Big VIII pick, the 6th strongest league in the state. Was selected for the Inland Empire All-Star Classic and the Gridiron War."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: No report.
  • ESPN.com (75) says: "Prescott has a huge upside as an offensive lineman. He is a physically impressive player with a large wingspan and decent footwork. His biggest issue is consistency in the run game. ... Prescott should develop into a very solid offensive lineman at the next level once he becomes more physical and a more consistent finisher."
  • From Cougfan.com: Rated one of the top 100 offensive tackle prospects in the nation. Chose WSU over interest from Cal and others.

Arthur Burns, RB (Corona, Calif.)

  • Size: 5-10/210
  • Reported to have 4.46 speed at that size.
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "Rushed for 514 yards and 10 touchdowns during his 2007 junior year, serving as the primary backup for Ryan Bass, one of the alltime leading rushers in California history, at Corona (Calif.) Centennial."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: "Arthur has an excellent combination of speed and power. Once colleges really see what he can do, he's going to be multiple offer guy. — Centennial coach Matt Logan."
  • ESPN.com (72) says: "Burns is a hard in-line runner with good body composition when projecting for the next level. Built low to the ground and his thick, compact frame is very strong and durable. Hits the hole hard and fast; is most productive as a one-cut and go downhill runner. ... Burns could grow into a good change of pace power-back and has the strong downhill running style to potentially wear down a defense."
  • From Cougfan.com: Ranked the No. 68 RB in the nation. After backing up ASU-bound senior Ryan Bass his junior year, he was also named first team Big VIII League in 2008. Chose WSU over UNLV, San Diego State and others.

Gino Simone, WR (Sammamish, Wash.)

  • Size: 6-0/170
  • Scout.com (4-star) says: "An all-classifications All-State pick following his junior and senior seasons in which he helped Skyline win back-to-back state championships. The Spartans would undefeated both seasons. In the just-concluded 2008 campaign he caught 54 passes for 862 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also rushed for more than 150 yards and one TD, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and returned two punts for scores. He racked up more than 300 total return yards. Also was a standout at defensive back."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: "Gino is probably the best open field runner I have seen. He makes people miss. He is a great route runner, has great hands, is a great leader and is extremely competitive. — Skyline coach Mat Taylor."
  • ESPN.com (74) says: "Simone is a savvy, quick-footed wide receiver prospect with great production at the high school level. Has adequate size with his taller, leaner frame but will need to add major bulk and strength to beat the press and absorb the big hits at the next level. Has great hands. ... Overall, Simone is a crafty receiver prospect with good mental and physical skills at the position. Can simply get open and catch the football; versatility to play both the slot and outside position."
  • From Cougfan.com: The No. 1 overall rated recruit in the state, Simone is a two-time all-classifications All-State pick and was named the Tacoma News Tribune's Player of the Year and Northwest Nugget. Simone is rated the No. 39 receiver prospect nationally. Chose WSU over Washington, Oregon State, Boise State and others.

Quayshawne Buckley, DL (Ontario, Calif.)

  • Size: 6-4/285
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "As a junior, he was named All-Southern Section CIF as an offensive lineman. Heading into his senior campaign, he was named preseason All-Southern Section CIF as a defensive lineman. Buckley is also a standout basketball player at Colony."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: "Quashawn has a motor that is non-stop. He's naturally strong, he's a beast. — Colony coach Anthony Rice."
  • ESPN.com (75) says: "Buckley is a defensive tackle with adequate size. His listed measureables are not great, but he does look to be a fairly thickly built kid on film. He has a solid get-off and is physical at the point of attack. He needs to watch his pad level, but displays good raw strength. ... Buckley displays a good physical nature and could be a solid and productive defender in the trenches."
  • From Cougfan.com: The No. 54 rated offensive guard prospect. Buckley has been named a first team All-Southern Section lineman for two consecutive years -- and on both sides of the ball. He has huge hands and is also a standout hoops player for Colony. Buckley, says the L.A. Times, played a critical role in helping Colony capture two consecutive Central Division titles. "He's a man among boys out there," says prep coach Anthony Rice. Signed with WSU over Oregon State, Colorado State and others.

Travis Long, TE/DE (Spokane, Wash.)

  • Size: 6-4/245
  • Scout.com (3-star) says: "Member of Scout.com's West Top 150. Great size and very good speed. Played tight end/H-back and linebacker his junior year. Second-team All-GSL defense as a junior linebacker in 2007, second-team in 2006. Also a standout in basketball."
  • Rivals.com (3-star) says: No report.
  • ESPN.com (70) says: "Long was evaluated at the linebacker position, but that is not his best fit at the college level. He is a prospect with a good frame, but he needs to add some more bulk. He should have no problem continuing to fill out though. The best fit for him is on defense at defensive end. ... Long is a good sized kid with some upside. Could be a solid pass rusher as he develops and be solid versus the run but needs to keep developing his game."
  • From Cougfan.com: Ranked the No. 42 tight end nationally, Long will come to Washington State as a defensive end. With speed that belies his size, Long captured co-defensive MVP award for the GSL as a senior in 2008 after a position change to defensive end. The uber-athlete was named all-classifications All-State by the Seattle Times and Class 4A All-State by the Associated Press. Despite playing in Spokane, Long also received critical acclaim on the Westside, capturing first team all-state honors from the News Tribune. Also named a Seattle Times red-chip, Long is projected by CF.C to have the ability to be a 3- or even 4-year starter on the Cougars' defensive line. Chose WSU over Oregon State, Boise State and others.

Carl Winston, RB (Harbor City, Calif.)

  • Size: 5-9/200
  • Scout.com (2-star) says: "Rushed for nearly 5,000 yards in his prep career, including 1,630 yards as a senior in 2008. Also a solid receiver out of the backfield. A two-time All-CIF pick. Rated among the top 120 prep running back prospects in the nation for 2009 signing class."
  • Rivals.com (2-star) says: "Carl has been getting it done for three years. He's very consistent and it is not surprising that he is doing it again. He plays big, in big games. — Serra coach Scott Altenberg."
  • ESPN.com (70) says: "Winston is a smaller, yet tough, productive in-line runner at the high school level. Has made great improvements from junior to senior year. He may be short but is very compact and thickly-built. Hits the hole fast and decisively. ... His ability to remain durable and productive with his yards after contact production in college is a question mark. Winston does show good hands out of the backfield and could be productive in a multi-purpose type role."
  • From Cougfan.com: Chose WSU over Colorado and Arizona State.

Jordan Pu'u Robinson, DL (Wailuku, Hawaii)

  • Size: 6-4/256
  • Scout.com (2-star) says: "A four-year high school starter who played TE, DE and a little QB. Projected as a defensive end in college."
  • Rivals.com (2-star) says: No report.
  • ESPN.com (40/no evaluation) says: No report.
  • From Cougfan.com: An athletic, versatile player who doesn't appear to be done growing, he is rated one of the top 60 prep tight ends in the nation, but projects as a defensive end in Pullman. After transferring to Baldwin for his senior year, he earned all-state and first-team All-Maui Interscholastic League honors. Chose WSU over Utah State, Wyoming and Idaho.

Brandon Rankin, DE (Shallotte, NC)

  • Size: 6-5/260

  • Scout.com (4-star) says: "After a 24-sack season for national JC champion Butte, the North Carolina native earned All-American recognition and was named 2008 California JC defensive player of the year."
  • Rivals.com (no evaluation) says: No report.
  • ESPN.com (0/no evaluation) says: No report.
  • From Cougfan.com: Rankin is quite simply a sack machine blasting off the edge. He turned in a junior college All-America season for the books this past fall -- piling up a ridiculous 27 sacks on his way to being named 2008 NorCal Conference Defensive MVP, 2008 All Region, 2008 All State -- along with the aforementioned CCCFCA and JC Gridwire All American honors. Plus, he was the State Championship game MVP. A 4-star prospect, Rankin chose WSU over LSU, North Carolina State and others

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