Solid Coug: Wicks says UW report is false

LONG BEACH POLY running back Gerard Wicks, a Washington State verbal commit since June, was definitive Tuesday evening when asked his college plans. So was his mother Stacey, who called nonsense on a report earlier in the day that said her son was planning an official visit to Washington this weekend.

"That's all false," Wicks said of the three-sentence report by Dawgman.com that he was tripping to the UW. "I'm a solid commit to Washington State and I'll be signing with the Cougars on Feb. 6."

In fact, he added, he’s not only not visiting Washington, but eschewing any visits anywhere. He has been rumored to be leaning toward UCLA and some social media sites have even claimed the 5-10, 195-pounder would be taking a visit to Westwood this weekend.

Wicks’ mother, Stacey, said she was baffled after reading the report and subsequent tweets about Gerard visiting the Huskies.

"That's all inaccurate and complete misinformation," she said emphatically. "My biggest thing about being a police officer, that I've shared with my son, is getting the facts straight. This is his birthday weekend. He will be turning 18 on February 2 and he will be at home celebrating with his family."

Stacy has been a member of the Los Angeles Police Department for the last 23 years.

No source was cited in the report that said Wicks was tripping to Montlake.

Speculation aside, Wicks said he's sold on becoming a Cougar for a couple of reasons.

"The coaching staff at WSU has been there for me since day one and I know they are the best school for me. I know they've had their struggles in the past, but I promise you that once I get there, WSU will be coming up in the Pac-12."

Wicks is a high-octane back, who showcased his versatility throughout the 2012 season -- a season in which Long Beach Poly won 11-straight games and reached the state title game for the first time since 2008. He rushed for 1,596 yards and 20 touchdowns, needing only 156 carries. Oh, he also recorded those numbers while splitting time at RB.

2013 COUGAR VERBALS

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"I'm a big power back and I can run and catch," Wicks said. "That makes me a duel threat runner and I think I can bring that to Washington State next season."

He is rated three stars by Scout.com and pegged the No. 57 running back prospect in the nation.

"Coach Mike Leach came and saw me on Thursday for an in-home visit," Wicks said. "He basically told me that he can't wait for me to get there … He's excited for me to be a Coug and be a part of the program."

Wicks plans on arriving in Pullman in late June, two weeks after he graduates from Long Beach Poly High. He'll have some friends and future Cougs who will be able to experience their first glimpse of college life by his side.

"I can't wait to get there and start working on my college career," Wicks said. "Just recently, I played with River Cracraft (in the South Bay BMW West Coast Bowl on Sunday) and we were talking the whole time about the future at WSU. Daquawn Brown (a three-star CB from Dorsey High) and I hang out all the time and we talk about how we can go in and make a difference for WSU right away."

IF YOU MISSED OUR MONDAY PHOTO GALLERY OF WICKS AND RIVER CRACRAFT PERFORMING SUNDAY AT THE WEST COAST BOWL, ENJOY ...