Washington pursuing Colorado commit

Mitchell Parsons makes sure to clarify things at every turn. No matter what else he says, he makes one point over and over: Colorado is still his school of choice. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound tight end committed to the Buffaloes back in March and his feelings on the program haven't changed.

"I'm not looking for somebody else to take me or looking for different things," said Parsons, a four-star prospect in the class of 2013.

It's just that "different things" are certainly looking for him. The coaching staff at Washington remains in close contact with the Parker, Colo., Chaparral High School senior. As of now, no offer from the Huskies is on the table. But if one should appear in the near future, Parsons wouldn't mind checking things out in person.

Before and after he discusses that desire, though, he makes sure to reaffirm his pledge to Jon Embree's staff. Even still, the statement is followed by an obvious bit of curiosity.

"I've always heard good things about Seattle and Washington in general," he said. "It's a good school academically. The visit would all depend on that offer, though."

Parsons says he can't afford the bill that comes with an unofficial visit to the Upper Northwest, so any trip would have to be of the official variety, with the Huskies paying the tab. As of now, the entire scenario is hypothetical.

The constant contact between the touted tight end and Washington assistant coach [/db]Peter Sirmon[/db], on the other hand, is very real.

"Coach Sirmon messages me every week or so trying to get me out there on an unofficial," Parsons said. "I tell him I'm committed to CU and can't afford to go out there on my own dime. I would be interested if it were official."

Parsons is painstakingly careful about what he says. A positive statement about the Buffs follows every mention of Washington. Even as he outlines why he has interest in touring another campus, he doesn't waiver on his commitment in the slightest.

"I committed to Colorado early for a reason," he said. "I wanted to be that recruit that helps form a class, but I also wasn't able to take any officials or check out a lot of other schools on official visits. I'm not looking for a new school or anything like that."

Parsons chose the Buffaloes over an offer from Ole Miss and heavy interest from schools all over the country. He says his relationship with the Colorado coaches is stronger than the one he's currently building with the staff at Washington.