Over the weekend, Upland (Calif.) wide receiver Kenny Lawler traveled to Pullman for his fourth official visit, this one to Washington State.
“It was nice up there,” commented Lawler. “It was just very cold in Pullman. There was a bunch of snow everywhere, but it was a nice change from what I am used to in California.”
While on campus, Lawler had a chance to meet some of the other recruits and get to know the Cougars’ new head coach, Mike Leach.
“It was a good experience. It seems like they’re an up-and-coming program and that they have a good recruiting class coming in,” said Lawler. “Mike Leach is a cool guy and a really good coach. He is very down-to-earth and straight up.”
Lawler says he would like to take one more trip this weekend, before finalizing his decision next week. At this point Lawler heads into the final stretch with two favorites.
“I would like to take another trip this weekend, but I don’t know yet and I haven’t decided where I would go,” said Lawler. “As of today (Monday), Oregon State and Washington State are my two finalists.”
Earlier this month, Lawler was in conversation with coaches from Oklahoma State trying to arrange a trip out there. However, because of the number of commitments the Cowboys have already received, Lawler says he will no longer visit Stillwater.
“Oklahoma State called and said all their spots were filled at the wide receiver position, so I am no longer taking a trip out there,” explained Lawler.
Lawler was in a similar situation with Cal, but Eric Kiesau’s departure to Washington may have opened up some spots.
“Cal still wants me to trip out there. One of my former coaches, Charlie Collins might start coaching out there, which would be cool,” explained Lawler. “ I was surprised when I heard that, I wasn’t expecting Coach Kiesau to leave. He was the one who recruited a bunch of receivers in California and it seems like now that he is gone they’re all leaving too.”
With Signing Day right around the corner, both of Lawler’s finalists have arranged to come by for in-homes this week, for a chance to make one more lasting impression.
“Coach (Dennis) Simmons from Washington State and Coach (Brent) Brennan from Oregon State are both coming by this week for in-home visits,” explained Lawler.