Shaw ends the suspense

Washington has a real need for football players that can make things happen. They are shopping for impact skill position players, which is precisely why they scheduled Lincoln High's star tailback Curtis Shaw for a visit to Seattle this weekend.

Shaw was hosted by current Husky tailback Louis Rankin. “We went to the same high school so we had some things in common. It was cool. He told me that Washington is a great place to go and that he would b leaving after next year so there would be a lot of opportunity for me here.”

Rankin also told him that he loves the city of Seattle. “It is great, and (Louis) said that the people here are really into football. The players here all get along well. Everywhere we went on our visit was good, exciting. The Space Needle, seeing Husky Stadium, the tunnel - everything. It really was beautiful.”

Shaw’s eyes got big as he descended down the tunnel and headed out to the Husky Stadium field. “The stadium - when I walked in - I just had this feeling that I could play here next year. I have a chance to showcase my skills here, that’s what was going through my head.”

And Shaw never had any rumblings in his stomach while visiting. “The thing I remember the most from my visit was the food. I could not believe how many times we ate. I never went anywhere hungry on my trip,” he said.

“I talked to Coach Willingham one on one and it was a good experience. He never steers you wrong, he only talks what he knows. He tells you the truth and what things are really about.”

Shaw got some pressure from others on his trip that were already committed to join them. “They weren’t giving me a hard time, they were just having fun. They were great,” said Shaw.

So did it work? Did Shaw pull the trigger?

“Yes I did. I committed to Washington.”

“It was when everybody was introducing themselves. I stood up, talked about myself, and announced it then. Everything about Seattle and the players were really outstanding – it all made me want to commit, so I did it. I liked it all,” said Shaw.

“The coaches were really happy. I took my time on this, so when I did it, they said, ‘It took you long enough.’”

Shaw’s commit is firm and he will not take any more visits. “I’ve called them all off. It’s a relief to not worry about colleges calling me or wondering where I’m going to go. I would be flattered if someone offered a visit but I would tell them that I’m already committed.”

Shaw compares his running style as a speed back. He was asked to describe himself and after some thought, gave this third person report:
“I have good vision and can see everything well. I am coachable and willing to do anything that the coach tells me. I have good speed and strength, too. I worked on my weaknesses in the off-season.”

And last but not least, Shaw added, “I’m coming here to make a difference, and to take this (program) to the national championship.”

Curtis Shaw Scout Profile