UW Football | Huskies land 2 Seattle stars

The good news keeps coming for Tyrone Willingham.

One day after Washington confirmed its support for him, the football coach received word Thursday night that two of Seattle's top players — Johri Fogerson of O'Dea and Alameda Ta'amu of Rainier Beach — intend to play for the Huskies.

Fogerson, a 6-foot-2, 202-pound senior running back, confirmed he made a verbal commitment to Washington. He was followed quickly by Ta'amu, a 6-4, 340-pound senior lineman.

That gives UW four big-name recruits in the past week and 21 overall. It has four scholarships left.

On Nov. 29, Washington received commitments from Kavario Middleton and Jermaine Kearse, both from Lakes of Lakewood.

Contacted after Fogerson's decision, Greg Biggins, a Pac-10 recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, said, "I think that's a very good pickup. You've got to lock up those in-state guys."

Ta'amu, who was scheduled to make his official visit to UW this weekend, confirmed what many had expected.

"Definitely I'm committing to UW," said Ta'amu, who also was considering Oregon State.

The two-time Star Times all-area selection visited Hawaii last weekend during the Warriors' win over the Huskies, but said, "I couldn't see spending the next four years there."

Fogerson said he changed his mind after committing to Ohio State earlier this week. Fogerson, who also had offers from Virginia Tech and Louisville this week, decided he wanted to be closer to his mother, Monique Avery.

"My mom had a big role in it," Fogerson said. "Also, coach Willingham's a great person to play for because he's going to be there for you."

Fogerson, also a member of the Star Times all-area team, led the Seattle area with 2,545 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns this season, including 297 rushing yards and four TDs in a loss to Skyline in the Class 3A state championship game.

After the game, UW became the fifth Pac-10 school to offer a scholarship to Fogerson. He said the lateness wasn't an issue.

"I really wasn't counting them out," he said. "I was just weighing my options."

The first day high-school seniors can sign a letter of intent is Feb. 6.