“It’s been grueling.  It’s been amazing. It’s been stressful,” 4-star defensive back Paul Mencke said chocking back tears.

A one-time Duke University commit the Samuel Clemens High School defensive back twice paused to maintain his composure.

Late last Spring, he was all but packed up, headed to Washington for his official visit when he pulled the trigger and committed to Duke.

“Washington never let up on me,” the 6-2, 180-pound safety told RealDawg.com.  “They kept telling me that they weren’t taking anybody else (for the 2023 recruiting class) unless they were special.”

So Washington kept a “special” spot for him.

Throughout the summer and fall Mencke remained solid in his commitment—all the while, the door was kept open by the Huskies.

A coaching change at Duke and Mencke’s door opened up, as well.

”I have a real connection with Washington and the coaches,” he said.  “They never pressured me to flip, they just kept letting me know that if things changed I’d have a spot.”

Washington was able to get him to Seattle for an official visit this past weekend and that was all Mencke needed.

There he stood in a room full of his supporters, his voice cracking, deeply exhaling he said “I’m taking my talents to” as he touched his Duke hat before donning the Washington hat—completing his grueling recruiting journey.

RealDawg.com will go in depth with Mencke and his Washington commitment journey.