What an amazing year, Husky fans! Washington’s football program received a significant boost today as another three-star from powerhouse Mater Dei High School (CA) officially announced his commitment to UW during an On3 live stream on YouTube.
His decision comes after an impressive recruitment process that saw several major programs vying for his commitment. Despite receiving offers from top-tier schools like Miami, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and USC, Washington emerged as the clear favorite following his unofficial visit for the Huskies’ junior day. That visit solidified his confidence in the program, coaching staff, and overall team culture, ultimately leading to his commitment.
Ranked as the 81st cornerback nationally by 247 Sports, cornerback C.J. Lavender has proven himself as a dynamic playmaker on Mater Dei’s star-studded roster. During his junior season, he recorded 26 tackles and two interceptions, showcasing his ability to read the game and make crucial plays in coverage. At 5’11” and approximately 177 pounds, he brings versatility to the defensive backfield, with the ability to play both cornerback and safety if needed. His quick footwork, strong instincts, and physicality in press coverage make him a valuable addition to Washington’s defense.
Landing a player from Mater Dei is a significant recruiting win for Washington, as the school consistently produces elite Division I talent. Over the past few cycles, the Huskies have been making inroads at the California powerhouse, securing commitments from quarterback Dash Beierly and wide receiver Marcus Harris last year. Establishing a pipeline with Mater Dei could be a game-changer for UW’s future recruiting efforts, as consistently bringing in one or two recruits from such a prestigious program each year would significantly strengthen the team’s depth and overall talent level.
With Lavender now in the fold, Washington continues to build a promising 2025 recruiting class, bolstering its secondary with a skilled and competitive defensive back. Fans can look forward to seeing Lavender contribute to the Huskies’ defense in the coming years, as he looks to bring his talent and tenacity to the field in Seattle.
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