Prized recruit likes UW

  • John Sleeper / Herald Writer
  • Monday, December 17, 2001 9:00pm
  • Sports

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.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Lake Stevens’ Kamryn Mason attempts to flip Glacier Peak’s Kyla Brown onto her back during 110-pound match at the 4A girls wrestling district tournament on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Vikings girls wrestling conquers 4A District 1 Tournament

Lake Stevens dominated with champions in six weight classes and 18 total state-qualifiers

Kamiak’s Kai Burgess has her arm raised in the air after beating Arlington’s Jaymari O’Neal in the 125-pound match at the 4A girls wrestling district tournament on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Rebuilding Kamiak girls wrestling steps forward at District Tournament

Ki Burgess and Eden Cole each won their weight class in Friday’s WIAA District 1 Girls’ 4A Tournament

Meadowdale’s Kyairra Roussin takes the ball to the hoop during the game against Archbishop Murphy on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep girls basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 7

Kyairra Roussin’s deep buzzer-beater lifts Meadowdale over Stanwood.

Prep boys basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 7

Lake Stevens passes Mariner in league standings to take final district slot.

Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren watches his team against Washington Sunday, November 9, 2003. (George Bridges / KRT / Tribune News Services)
No Holmgren in Hall is a travesty

The Former Seahawks coach carries a resume superior to many already in the HOF.

A Snohomish School District truck clears the parking lot at Glacier Peak High School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
Inclement weather cancellations strain high school sports calendar

With state tournaments on the horizon, ADs from Wesco, Northwest and Kingco must be flexible

Gonzaga overcomes stagnant start to beat LMU

Bulldogs get ‘best of best’ play down the stretch in 73-53 win.

Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates during a stop of the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on Nov. 24, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Rod Mar / Seattle Seahawks)
Leonard Williams restructures Seahawks deal

More moves may be coming as Seattle deals with salary cap.

Former Archbishop Murphy High School stars, Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) and Seahawks right tackle Abraham Lucas (72), prepare for play at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 26, 2024. Though Lucas is likely to return as a starter, Seattle's interior line needs offseason upgrades. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
The Seahawks offensive line needs work

A mix free agency and draft could lead to upgraded interior.

UW men stumble in second half, fall to Nebraska

The three-pointers that fell so frequently — and from a… Continue reading

Edmonds-Woodway’s William Alseth dribbles the ball down the court during the game against Shorewood on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds-Woodway boys basketball enters playoffs on high note

The Warriors never let up in 63-43 win vs. Shorewood on Tuesday to secure Wesco South 3A/2A title

Prep basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 4

Parker powers Seagulls to district berth.

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.