WSU's Walker forges connection w/ in-state DT

OPTIMALLY, BILL DOBA likes to pattern his D around a pair of solid d-tackles and corners, and then build around them. You can still field a good defense despite not being flush with top performers on the inside and outside, but it is more difficult. For the class of '08, one of the crimson d-tackle targets with a WSU offer hails from the Evergreen State, and in-state battle is shaping up.

Trevor Guyton is from the same school, Redmond High, that Washington State plucked future Cougar Logwone Mitz this past recruiting year. The hard nosed running back has been oft-mentioned by Doba since February as among those suited to come in and earn early playing time as a true freshman.

Washington State and the UW have both offered Guyton. Most college coaches, including Washington State's, see the 6-3, 271-pound athletic Guyton on defense, although what side of the ball he'll ultimately line up on looks to depend on the school.

"Washington doesn't really know if I'm going to be on defense or offense right now. Washington State wants me solely on defense. I like defense better. I like the hitting," said Guyton.

Distance isn't much of a factor to Guyton, although the same perhaps can't be said of his mom, potentially increasing the chances he'll ultimately stay in-state when he signs his Letter of Intent next February.

"I don't really mind, staying in-state or going out. My mom would prefer me staying in-state, but I don't know.. I'm just going to see which school I like the best," said Guyton.

COUGAR ASSISTANT MIKE WALKER'S recruiting territory is primarily in California, but one of the changes made at Washington State under recruiting coordinator Greg Peterson has been towards more of a group effort and approach. As such, it's been d-tackles coach Walker that Guyton has traded text messages with, and Walker whom Guyton has called up on the phone to chat most with over at WSU.

"I really like him, he's one of my favorites," said Guyton of Walker. "He's an upbeat guy, always personable. (Mike Denbrock, Randy Hart) at the UW, I like both of them, too."

Guyton's intensity and quickness from inside the trenches saw him rack up 80 tackles his junior campaign, along with four sacks, two fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles.

"The WSU coaches are telling me how they like that I go all out, every play," said Guyton.

Guyton wasn't able to attend the Washington State Junior Day, traveling this past weekend instead to Lincoln for the Cornhuskers' spring game. He left Nebraska without a scholarship offer, although he said indications were one might come in the next week or so. Another Pac-10 school, Arizona, also has not offered, but is strongly recruiting him, he added, though the two in-state schools are showing the most recruiting love.

"They're both (WSU and UW) recruiting me pretty hard -- the contact with UW is a little easier since they're close but they both text a lot," said Guyton.

Trevor Guyton profile