Joyner backs off Wazzu pledge
Austin Joyner is no longer committed to Washington State.
The Marysville (Wash.) Marysville-Pilchuck four-star standout had been committed to the Cougars since April but after a few assistant coaches were fired following Wazzu's loss to Washington this past weekend, Joyner now plans to re-open his recruitment.
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In an e-mail received Tuesday evening, Joyner's father, Arnold, said Washington State is still under consideration but that his son wants to reconsider other options as well.
"Austin let the WSU staff know tonight that he is de-committing," Arnold Joyner wrote in the e-mail.
"This does not mean WSU is no longer an option. The simple fact is it makes no sense to be committed to play defense for a vacant position."
Rivals.com rates Joyner as the fourth-best prospect in the Washington state rankings. He was one of three four-star recruits in the Washington State class along with Upland, Calif., quarterback Tyler Hilinski and Mountain View (Calif.) St. Francis defensive tackle Thomas Toki.
Coach Mike Leach's decision to fire defensive coordinator Mike Breske and special teams coach Eric Russell played a considerable factor in Joyner's choice to back off his pledge. Washington State also let go outside linebackers coach Paul Volero.
"The firing of coach Russell and coach Breske played a huge role in the de-commit," Joyner's father said in the e-mail.
The Marysville-Pilchuck recruit is a star running back but was recruited to play defensive back at Washington State which he was fine with. He had previously been committed to Washington. Official visits to Washington and Boise State are planned for this month.