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According to Braulio Perez of CF.c, Mike Leach has landed LB Dylan Hanser of Billings, Montana. Hanser will come to WSU with the understanding that he must greyshirt, and he will count towards the Class of 2014. He could theoretically redshirt in 2014, giving him 6 years to play 4. I don't think that's what happens, but it's not unheard of, either.
Hanser is listed at 6'5 and 230 pounds, which, whoa. That's a pretty big high school linebacker. His size isn't an issue like it is for most kids you intend to greyshirt, so perhaps this is Leach and Co. taking a flyer on an under-the-radar kid and stashing him in another class. You can watch his highlights here.
He's a basketball player, and he also plays TE. His athleticism is his best attribute, as his pass rushing skills are a little raw and unrefined, but holy cow can he move for a kid that size. Hanser has BUCK written all over him, and some time getting stronger in the weight room never hurts. I think he can sit for a few years, watch guys like Logan Mayes and Ivan McLennan, and contribute as an upper classmen.
Mark and I were talking the other night and we realized that Leach is very much like Pete Carroll and John Schneider: identify players that are elite athletes, or who excel in one particular facet of the game, and use that skill to give you an advantage. Don't worry about where they fit right now, just bring in as much talent as humanly possible and allow the cream to rise to the top.
Hanser is definitely not a finished product, but he's the type of kid you absolutely want to take a flyer on. If he doesn't work out, it doesn't kill you. If he does, you look like a genius. He has a pretty high upside with very little risk. Plus, he's from Montana, and as Shellin once told me, "Montana bros are bros 4 life". Sorta like the nWo, I suppose. I guess we can start calling him Hollywood Shellin?
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