Washington head coach Jamie Clark is pleased to announce an eight-player class on 2015 National Letter of Intent day. The newest Huskies will bring an immediate impact and lasting legacy to the Washington men’s soccer program.

“Each year we look for the players that have the character and make up to represent our program well,” said Clark. “This class is certainly very talented, but what blows me away about every player in this group is their work ethic and a character. So while I believe they all have the talent to help from day one, this group is going to grow and develop into a special group during their time at UW.  I can't wait to get them here on campus as I know they will be an absolute treat to coach.”

The eight new Dawgs include five in-state products as well players from California, Colorado and Tennessee as Clark continues to attract the top talent both locally and from around the nation. The group will join an already talented group of returners that will once again compete for Pac-12 and NCAA titles.

“We've made it our focus to find under the radar player that have huge potential, but also possess the drive to maximize their talent,” said Clark. “This year is no different and while not many of these guys arrive in with youth national team experience, you can bet that many of these guys will become household names within Pac-12 soccer and beyond.”

Corban Anderson
5’11” – Midfielder
Roseville, Calif. – Granite Bay HS
Placer United SC

Anderson comes to Washington from the Sacramento area of California where he was a 2014 NSCAA All-American. He played in the 2014 NSCAA High School All-America game and was named the MVP of the event. Playing his club ball for Placer United, Anderson led his squad to 2014 Surf Cup Championship where he was named MVP of the prestigious San Diego Tournament. Playing for Granite Bay High School, Anderson scored 12 goals and tallied 17 assists in 65 games. He also led Granite Bay to a Sierra Foothill league title and the semifinals of the California Division I state championships.

Anderson on Washington: “Initially, I was drawn to UW because of the beautiful campus, impressive academics, exciting Seattle setting, and the ascendancy of the soccer program in PAC 12. However, the most important reason for me choosing Washington was the people involved in the soccer program. The coaches and players have created a challenging environment to help me thrive as an individual and to pursue the dream of winning a national championship together.”

Clark on Anderson: “Corban is a winner through and through. Every team he plays on enjoys great success and he's always the glue guy in the middle of the park connecting his team and doing the little things to make sure his team comes out on top. He's great on the ball and makes the game look easy.”

Andrew Conwell
5’ 9” – Midfielder
Brentwood, Tenn. – Mongomery Bell Academy
Tennessee Soccer Club

Conwell comes to Washington from the Nashville area, but is no stranger to UW. He is the son of former Husky football legend Ernie Conwell, who won a national title with the Dawgs under Don James in 1991. On the pitch, the younger Conwell is five-time Tennessee Division I State Champion.

Conwell on Washington: “After countless trips to visit family, Seattle has become my favorite place in the United States. I fell in love with Mount Rainier in the background, the amazing lake views and the evergreen trees. It is a much different place than Nashville, but I would not want to be anywhere else. Both my parents were raised in Washington, went to Kentwood High School, and attended the UW. While at the UW, my dad played football for the legendary Don James and competed in track & field for Ken Shannon. It has always been a dream of mine to come and play at the same school he did. I have the opportunity to make this dream a reality, and I am excited to compete with such a great group of guys and an amazing coaching staff.”

Clark on Conwell: “We are delighted to continue the Conwell family athletic tradition at UW.  Andrew comes from an incredibly athletic family who have proudly represented many different Husky programs.  Andrew is a smooth left footed player that has a bright future here at UW.  He is both powerful and balanced, and will get up and down the left flank giving right backs problems in years to come.”

Ryan Degroot
6’3” – Midfielder/Defender
Tacoma, Wash. – Bellarmine Prep
Seattle Sounders Academy

Degroot comes to Washington from nearby Tacoma and is a member of the Sounders Academy. He has been a mainstay in the U-18 Sounders Academy midfield for the past two seasons. He helped the Sounders to the 2013-14 West Division Title and currently is a part of the squad that is in second place. This season, he has one goal in 16 games, following up on last season where he played 27 games and also score one goal. Degroot also started for the Sounders in their 0-0 draw with the U-17 U.S. National Team.

Degroot on Washington: “Washington is close to home and has a great soccer program and coaching staff. In addition, the school seemed right for me where I can focus on my studies and major in something I would enjoy.”

Clark on Degroot: “Ryan is a strong left footed player that has spent the last two years anchoring the midfield of the Sounders U18 Academy team.  For his size he has great feet and fantastic range of passing.  He has the ability to play in the back or in the midfield and that utility will help him transition into our team.”

Kasey French
5’9” – Defender
Lacey, Wash. – Timberline HS
Seattle Sounders Academy

French is another Sounders Academy product coming to Washington from nearby Lacey. He is ranked as the No. 82 recruit in the nation by TopDrawerSoccer.com as a key defender for the Sounders Academy that is currently second in the West Division. French has played in 16 games this season for the Sounders, scoring once and helping a defense that is allowing less than a goal a game. He also saw action in 28 games last season, scoring three goals.

French on Washington: “To me, UW is going to give me the best opportunities moving forward because it is the one school that offers a great education, is close to home and has a top notch soccer program.”

Clark on French: “Kasey is a competitive player that continually makes good decisions on the ball. As a coach you love to have players like Kasey. He's not fancy, but just does his role no matter where you put him on the field. He's been a fixture at right back for the Sounders academy teams, but he could play any number of roles for us.”  

Saif Kerawala
6’4” – Goalkeeper
Bellevue, Wash. – Issaquah HS
Seattle Sounders Academy

Kerawala is the third Sounders Academy product who will join the Dawgs talented group of goalkeepers that lost Spencer Richey to the MLS Draft. He is the starter for the Sounders Academy that has allowed just 19 goals in 20 games. Kerawala was nominated as the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Washington in 2014. He led Issaquah to the school’s first 4A state title and was named Seattle Times All-Area. Previously, Kerawala played club soccer for Eastside FC and helped the U-17 team win the Washington state club title.

Kerawala on Washington: “I chose the UW because it is a distinguished school that provides a prominent and prestigious education along with one of the nation's top soccer programs.”

Clark on Kerawala: “Saif is great young goalkeeper with tremendous upside. He has a great frame and good hands, but what sets him apart is his composure. He always seems calm no matter how tense the situation. This confidence and self belief is key to great goalkeepers.” 

John Magnus
6’0” – Midfielder
Snohomish, Wash. – Snohomish HS
Seattle Sounders Academy

Magnus is the final Sounders Academy product, coming to Washington from Snohomish County. He has one goal in 17 games for the Sounders this season, helping the team to a current second place in the Western Division. Last season, Magnus scored three goals in 30 games. He played just one season of high school soccer at Snohomish, but was named Wesco 4A North First Team as a freshman.

Magnus on Washington: “UW is a terrific academic school, has a terrific soccer program and coaching staff, while being close to home.”

Clark on Magnus: “John is a treat to watch play the game of soccer. He is consistently two passes ahead of anyone else on the field and his technique and soccer IQ are absolutely special. Once he breaks into our team people are going to enjoy watching him as he rarely puts a foot wrong during a game.”

Joey Parish
5’ 10” – Forward
Redmond, Wash. – Redmond HS
Crossfire Academy

Parish is another local product from Redmond, who played his club soccer for the Crossfire Academy. He has started every game for Crossfire, which is currently third in the West Division. Parish has scored six goals so far this season after scoring 20 in 29 games a year ago. His 20 goals last season ranked fifth in the entire country for the academy season.

Parish on Washington: “I grew up here, so it's hard to imagine going anywhere else, especially with the amazing soccer program and education offered at UW.”

Clark on Parish: “Joey is very smart attacking player. He understands space and knows how to exploit defenses. When he plays up front he's got a great knack for finding space in the penalty box and scoring goals. He has the ability and skill set to play any of the front four attacking positions.”

Quentin Pearson
6’0” – Defender
Longmont, Colo. – St. Vrain Global Online Academy
Colorado Rapids Academy

Pearson brings youth national team experience to Washington from Longmont, Colorado. He is the No. 12 ranked prospect in the country by CollegeSoccerNews.com and No. 18 by TopDrawerSoccer.com. A regular with the youth national teams over the past few seasons, Pearson is a current member of the U-18 squad. In 2015, he was named a NSCAA Youth All-American and the Colorado Rapids Academy Player of the Year.

Pearson on Washington: “I chose Washington because I feel it is a place where I will be able to thrive academically and in my soccer career. The soccer program is excellent and is in one of the most competitive conferences in the country. The environment made by the coaches and team is one that I am excited to be entering into. Also, the UW campus is amazing and Seattle is a city that I have always been drawn to.”

Clark on Pearson: “Having Q on our team will be like having an extra coach on the field. He reads the game, directs traffic and is just a natural leader. He's likely the best defender in the country entering college next year, and with all his experience with youth national teams and the Colorado Rapids he should be ready to play from day 1.”