By John Sleeper
Herald Writer
SEATTLE – The University of Washington football program is the leading candidate to land the services of a high schooler rated by many as the top tailback prospect in the country.
Following his recruiting visit to Washington last weekend, Lorenzo Booker, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound running back from Ventura, Calif., said the Huskies are now tops in his list of favorites. That list includes Florida State, USC, UCLA, Texas and Clemson, in addition to Washington.
“Washington is my leader right now,” Booker told PacWestFootball.com. “No doubt about it. I know everyone will say I’m just saying that because I’m on a high after my trip, but to be honest, they had moved up to the top before my visit. From a football standpoint, I think Washington is the best fit for me.”
Booker has said he plans to make his decision on a verbal commitment in January. Verbal commitments are not binding. A recruit must sign a national letter of intent on or after Feb. 6 to make his choice official.
The Huskies have received 11 verbal commitments, including two over the weekend.
Offensive lineman Clayton Walker (6-4, 265) from Scottsdale, Ariz., and tight end Ben Bandel (6-7, 250) told UW coach Rick Neuheisel they plan to sign with the Huskies in February, PacWestFootball.com reported.
Also close to committing is Jonathan Mapu, a 6-3, 275-pound defensive tackle from Kahuku, Hawaii, the Web site reported.
Others who have verbally committed to Washington are: offensive lineman Albert Toeaina (6-5, 325) of Pittsburg, Calif.; quarterback Isaiah Stanback (6-3, 190) of Garfield High in Seattle; tailback Shelton Sampson (5-11, 180) of Clover Park High in Lakewood; defensive end Jordan Reffett (6-6, 250) of Moses Lake High; quarterback Jordan Slye (6-5, 190) of Franklin High in Seattle; defensive end Daniel Milsten (6-5, 260) of Rogers High in Puyallup; defensive tackle Maurice Murray (6-5, 300) of Long Beach, Calif.; and defensive back Matt Fountaine (5-10, 170) of Oakland, Calif.
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