West Region Breakdown: Sophomores already on the radar
The 2019 class in the West is already off to a busy start in recruiting with plenty of national offers being handed out. Even though these prospects are just midway through their sophomore seasons, they have been receiving plenty of interest and could be some of the next big stars coming out of the region.
Offers: Arizona State, BYU, Cal, Notre Dame, UCLA, USC, Washington and Washington State
Comments: Daniels could be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation – not just in the 2019 class but in any class – and he’s backing up that opinion with the way he’s playing this season. Through five games, Daniels is completing 80 percent of his passes for 1,925 yards with 28 touchdowns and two interceptions. Those are insane numbers especially for a sophomore. As for his early recruitment, Notre Dame has definitely piqued his interest but many more offers should be flooding in through the remainder of this season and beyond.
Offers: Arizona, Miami, Michigan, Oregon State, Tennessee, UCLA, USC, Utah and Washington State
Comments: Thibodeaux is one of the best-looking and most athletic prospects in the 2019 class and he’s having a fantastic sophomore season. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound defensive end is physical and fast off the edge, plays with aggression and has a relentless pursuit of the ball carrier. He is comfortable with his size, moves incredibly well and is already becoming a national recruit despite only playing half of his freshman season because of transfer rules. USC and UCLA might have an early edge but Thibodeaux is remaining wide open to all programs – and every team should be coming after him soon.
Offers: Arizona, Cal, Florida State, Louisville, Mississippi State
Comments: Johnson has thrown for 15 touchdowns and four interceptions, and has also rushed for 385 yards and six scores so far in his sophomore season. That’s one reason why some people compare him to a young Lamar Jackson. Johnson is probably a better pocket passer and not as freakishly dynamic and elusive in the run game but there are comparisons. A great decision-maker with tremendous athleticism, Johnson is already becoming a national recruit. Since it’s so early, no favorites have emerged yet.
Offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Kentucky, Memphis, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and UCLA
Comments: Rattler is a great pocket passer and he’s also comfortable escaping pressure and throwing on the run. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound prospect can make all the throws and what really makes him special is his ability to prolong plays by dodging defenders and then finding receivers down the field. Rattler can also gain valuable yards on designed runs but he’s probably best out of the shotgun, firing the ball all over the field or getting away from pressure and then throwing the ball to open receivers. His recruitment remains wide open and he’s just getting started with seriously seeing all the schools that are involved.
Offers: Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Illinois, Oregon State, USC, Washington
Comments: Pola-Mao has not played this entire season because of injury but even looking at him on the sidelines, one can tell the 2019 defensive tackle has the potential to really be special. His brother, Isaiah, is a 6-foot-3, 190-pound athlete, and the 2019 prospect looks completely different physically, barrel-chested, thick-legged and someone who likes to mix it up in the trenches. Arizona State and Washington look especially good in his recruitment early on. He’s made it no secret he wants to play with his brother in college so Isaiah Pola-Mao’s decision could play a big factor moving forward.
Offers: Alabama, Arizona State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington
Comments: With one of the best nicknames in football – Bruiser – McCoy is a top-end talent who is one of Daniels’ favorite targets at Mater Dei this season and for years to come. McCoy is already 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, strong, bounces off smaller defensive backs and is super athletic for someone his size. McCoy has the makings of a superstar if he continues to develop. He has already landed some major offers from across the country and his recruitment is really in the early stages.