Three-star RB Richard Newton plans first official trip

THE LATEST: Richard Newton has planned his first official visit and it could be an important one.

The three-star running back from Palmdale, Calif., will visit Washington in mid-September when the Huskies host Fresno State and he’s definitely looking forward to it.

Washington was the first school to offer Newton, who has fantastic junior season tape, and he’s since developed a strong relationship with running backs coach Keith Bhonapha.

Other official visits are expected – and Cal has made a move up Newton’s list since a recent visit – but the Huskies are the first to lock Newton up for a date and this could be a crucial trip to Seattle.

It's especially important since Newton was supposed to visit Washington this offseason but couldn't make the trip because of travel issues.

IN HIS WORDS: “I want to see everybody. I want to see how they do things and the intensity of the games. They’ve been recruiting me pretty hard. They show a lot of interest.”

RIVALS’ REACTION: There is no question Newton, who looked good at UCLA’s camp this summer but didn’t receive an offer from the Bruins, could receive more offers early in his senior season.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound three-star had an excellent junior year and so far he’s received offers from Cal, Nevada, New Mexico, Purdue, San Diego State, UNLV, Utah, Washington and Washington State.

It still seems early but it looks like Washington and Cal stand out most to Newton, who could also take a really close look at the other Pac-12 schools involved.

Getting up to Seattle early in the season definitely sets a tone for Newton for the rest of his recruitment. It could be a big weekend for the three-star – and for the Huskies.