Basham picks the Huskies

Published 10:22 pm Thursday, July 12, 2012

Lynnwood’s Andrew Basham is going to stick close to home.

The senior-to-be has verbally committed to play football for the University of Washington. Basham made the announcement along with seven other Husky recruits at an informal gathering last month at a restaurant in Seattle. His decision won’t be official until Febraury, when football recruits from the Class of 2013 can first sign NCAA letters of intent.

“It means a lot, mostly to my family,” Basham said of his decision. “My family has reason to be proud of me.”

For Basham, who earned first-team All-Wesco 3A recognition as an offensive and defensive lineman last fall, there was little doubt where he wanted to continue his football career. He never really considered any other school.

“I wanted to stay close to my hometown,” the 6-foot-4, 295-pound Basham said. “I just like the place. I like the staff.”

Basham was recruited to play on the defensive line. He felt comfortable after meeting with defensive line coach/defensive run game coordinator Tosh Lupoi.

“He showed me some techniques,” Basham said. “I thought he knew what he was doing.”

Basham has followed the Washington program for years and attended two games last season. He would like to make an immediate impact when he joins the Huskies in 2013.

“I hope to be starting soon,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s going to be next year. I don’t know how long it will take.”

Last spring, Basham took first place in the shot put at the Class 3A state track and field championships. This fall, Lynnwood moves up to the 4A classification.

“It’ll be good,” Basham said. “We have a lot of athletic kids who are smart.”