Safe to say that the visit to Bethel High School by Washington’s coaching staff in early May left a lasting impression to new Washington commit, Zaydrius Rainey-Sale.

”They let me know I’m their number 1,” he told RealDawg following the visit.

Surrounding with the Evergreen State’s number 1 player with 8 Husky coaches including defensive coordinator Steve Belichick; running backs coach Scottie Graham and tight ends coach Jordan Paopao, let Him know that the Huskies are all in on him.

“It was amazing!!!!,” he said.

Normally journalists don’t put exclamation points in stories, but to give our readers a better understanding of Zaydrius’ feelings after the visit, I’ve left them in from his text.  I’ve also left capitalization as it’s verbatim from the recruit.

Joining Graham, Paopao and Belichick were, LB coach Robert Bala; defensive line coach Jason Kafusi; and DB coaches John Richardson (CB), Vinnie Sunseri (S)

Rainey-Sale was committed to Washington, but when Kalen DeBoer left for Alabama the linebacker reopened his recruitment.

“I’m not committing for a while,” he told RealDawg after being reoffered by the new staff–but a lasting impression was made.

Then the visit with the coaches on May 7 seemed to have moved the needle for him.

“U DUBB REALLY UP THEREEE,” he said.

The coaches spent about 1 hour and 45 minutes with him, making him feel prioritized.

”I loved it,” he said.  “And they let me know where the love is at.”

While the coaches hit on a lot of topics, the focus was forming a bond while leaving no doubt that their all in with good recruitment.

Jedd Fisch has shown that a good first impression makes a lasting impression.  The best opening lead to a great closing by the new staff.

Washington is now up to 19th in the nation on 247 Sports rating.