Marysville Pilchuck’s Austin Joyner says he’ll play for Huskies

Austin Joyner’s college commitment has come full circle: he’s going to be a Husky.

Joyner, who committed — and subsequently decommitted — from both the University of Washington and Washington State during his recruitment, recommitted to the University of Washington during the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl Sunday night.

Joyner chose a UW hat from a bag and placed it on his head as he made the announcement.

“I’m taking my talents to the Huskies,” Joyner said on the broadcast. “Go Dawgs.”

Joyner originally committed to Washington on Nov. 19, 2013, but decommitted a few weeks later when former head coach Steve Sarkisian departed for USC and Chris Petersen took over the Huskies. In mid-April 2014, Joyner committed to WSU, but once again reopened his commitment on Dec. 2 after the Cougars fired defensive coordinator Mike Breske, who had been one of Joyner’s main recruiters.

This time, the senior is hoping the commitment sticks.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

“It’s close to home, my family can come out and watch me, everybody I grew up with can support me still — it’s 40 minutes away from where I live,” Joyner said in an interview on television. “It’s just nice. Everything about it.”

Joyner verbally committed during the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Carson, California. Joyner was selected to play on the West team in the game, which honors some of the top high school players in the nation. Joyner’s West squad fell to the East 24-3, with Joyner making several tackles on defense.

“I know he was really looking forward to this and getting to compete against some of the best in the nation — with himself being among the best in the nation,” said Marysville Pilchuck head coach Brandon Carson via phone from the Semper Fidelis Bowl. “He did a great job playing corner.”

Washington, along with Washington State and Boise State, were the final three schools Joyner was considering. Verbal commitments are non-binding. An athlete cannot sign a letter of intent until February of his senior year.

“I would’ve been happy for him with any school he went to,” Carson said. “I said this way back when: ‘Whoever gets him is going to be happy.’ I’m glad he’s going to stay close and I can watch him in person a few times.”

As a senior, the 5-foot-10, 186-pound Joyner ran for 1,768 yards and 32 touchdowns on 133 carries. He was named the Gatorade Washington Player of the Year, selected as The Herald Offensive Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons and helped lead the Tomahawks to the semifinals of the 3A state tournament in his final season at Marysville Pilchuck.

Joyner, a four-star recruit, is ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in Washington and No. 29 in the nation by Scout.com and is the No. 1 recruit in Washington state according to ESPN.com. He’s the No. 9 cornerback according to Rivals.com.

Carson said Joyner is the type of player who could be an impact player for the Huskies as soon as he gets to Montlake.

“I’m sure the coaches have plans for if he could compete right away. Of course I’m biased, but I think he can contribute in one way, shape or form next year,” Carson said. “I think he’s darn good and super competitive.

“I think the sky is the limit for him at U-Dub.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Jackson’s Chanyoung Park putts during the 4A District 1 Golf Tournament at Snohomish Golf Course on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chanyoung Park, Jackson girls golf claim District 1 4A titles

The sophomore headlines the Timberwolves’ underclassmen trio on the road to state.

Jackson's Gracie Schouten warms up before a District 1 4A playoff match on May 14, 2025 at Mill Creek Tennis Club. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Jackson, Glacier Peak and Mariner girls tennis secure state spots

Jackson took first and second in singles; Glacier Peak won doubles at the District 1 4A Tournament.

Shorewood's Rylie Gettmann hits the ball during a Class 3A District 1 girls tennis tournament at Snohomish High School in Snohomish, Washington on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Shorewood’s Rylie Gettmann four-peats as district tennis champ

Mari Brittle and Bridget Cox completed a Stormrays sweep with the doubles title.

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Nielsen runs across home plate during the game against Issaquah on Monday, May 12, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Wednesday, May 14

Grizzlies roar back to earn state softball bid.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for May 4-10

The Athlete of the Week nominees for May 4-10. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts after sacking quarterback Aaron Rodgers Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Andrew Mills / Tribune News Services)
NFL releases Seahawks’ 2025 schedule

Early DK Metcalf reunion, SF opener, 4 primetime games highlight slate.

Sonics’ return? NBA commissioner talks expansion

By now, it’s like the drip, drip, drip of a leaky faucet.… Continue reading

Kamiak’s Aaron Choi hits a drive during the 4A District 1 Boys Golf Championship at Legion Memorial Golf Course on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kamiak boys golf swings Day 2 comeback to win District 1 4A

Knights overcome six-stroke Day 1 deficit as Jackson’s Kang wins individual title.

Snohomish’s Tully VanAssche places his ball on the green to putt during the 3A District 1 Boys Golf Championship at Legion Memorial Golf Course on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish boys golf paces District 1 3A field

Panthers win by 30 strokes as second-place Marysville-Getchell qualifies for first time.

Monroe's Cody Duncan (14) and Connor Dayley (10) prepare for a set piece during a District 1 boys soccer playoff game against Marysville Getchell on May 13, 2025 at Shoreline Stadium. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Monroe boys soccer downs Marysville Getchell, clinches state spot

The Bearcats control possession all game, win district semifinal 3-0.

Stanwood’s Addi Anderson pitches during the game against Monroe on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball roundup for Tuesday, May 13

Addi Anderson leads Stanwood to state.

Stanwood’s Gavin Gehrman spoils a two-strike pitch during a playoff loss to Kentlake on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Kent Meridian High School in Kent, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Tuesday, May 13

Spartans walk into state tournament.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.