Tradition continues of minimal WSU recruiting visits on first weekend

Traditionally, Mike Leach does not bring in official visitors the first weekend. People close to the program will tell you that this is because he does not want the team and coaches distracted for the opener. I'm sure if a 5-star recruit wanted to visit, they would make an exception, but that would not be the norm.

With the game not being close to be sold out and rainy weather expected, this may not be a bad thing. On the other hand, the presence of Klay Thompson and the NBA championship trophy could have been a really cool thing to show off to prospective recruits.

That said, there was some other recruiting news this week. The Cougars received a commitment from 3-star OLB/DE Mason Vinyard out of the San Diego area. Nick Nordi had a nice write-up on Vinyard here, which includes video:

The 3-star offensive recruit will more than likely play on the other side of the ball and multiple reports see him lining up as the rush defensive end or the rush linebacker. With the speed that he has, it will be no surprise to see him moved around the box to put pressure on the quarterback.

WSU also extended offers to couple of recruits, according to their Twitter accounts.

It looks like the Cougs are trying to keep the Santa Margarita pipeline going. The school that has brought us the afore-mentioned Thompson and star wide receiver River Cracraft, among others, has another big-time prospect in 2017 offensive lineman Brett Neilon. Neilon also claims offers from ASU, UCLA, Cal and Hawaii. He told Scout.com that he is looking to take an unofficial visit to WSU and would like to commit before his senior year. Certainly a name to watch in the upcoming recruiting cycle.

Here's some video:

Mike Leach appears to also be getting a head start on next year's quarterback class as an offer was extended to Redondo Beach, California, 2017 signal-caller Tyler Lytle.

Just received another offer from Washington State! #GoCougs #WAZZU pic.twitter.com/4M2YtWq6dk

— Tyler Lytle (@tylytle5) September 2, 2015

The 6-foot-4 Lytle is considered a 3-star recruit by Scout.com and claims offers from Cal, Colorado State, Miami, and Temple as well. Cal appeared to be in the lead before the WSU offer was extended. Here's some of his video:

Stay tuned to CougCenter.com, as we will let you know if any official visitors pop up for this weekend.