University of Washington football coach Steve Sarkisian was in town Thursday, perhaps hunting for a replacement for senior quarterback Jake Locker.

Sarkisian flew in Thursday afternoon and attended Ventura College football practice, where he observed and briefly met with Pirates' quarterback Antavius Sims and linebacker Brendan Daley.

"That's legit," said first-year Ventura coach Steve Mooshagian. "He wouldn't be spending his time if he wasn't genuinely interested."
Washington recruiting coordinator Johnny Nansen also attended the VC practice.

Washington receiving coach Jimmy Dougherty went further down Telegraph Avenue to St. Bonaventure High, where he checked in on recruits Jalen Jefferson and Cody Kurz. The Huskies offered scholarships to both seniors in the spring.

The coaches were then scheduled to fly to Stockton for Thursday night's game between Sacremento Grant and Edison High.

Midseason recruiting interest in the Pirates' players is the highest point in recent memory. SuperPrep.com released separate stories Thursday on Sims, Daley and defensive end John Lattimore.

"I tell them they have to have the three Ts," said Mooshgian. "You have to have a good team, you have to have the transcripts and you have to have the tape."

Sims has been offered a scholarship by Florida International and is also being recruited by Ole Miss. Daley is also being recruited by Utah. Lattimore is being recruited by Iowa State and Auburn. Kansas State has also shown interest in all three players.

Ventura is 2-1 entering Saturday's home game against 2-1 Chaffey. Sims leads Southern California in rush attempts (68) and is No. 2 in total offense (336.3 yards per game), No. 3 in rushing (115.3 ypg) and No. 7 in passing (221.0 ypg).

Daley, a Moorpark High product, and Lattimore are two playmakers for a defense that leads the state with 34 tackles for losses.

Nearby Moorpark College also seemingly has a big-time prospect in receiver Chris Gant, who leads the state in receptions (31), receiving yards (406), touchdowns (8) and scoring (48).

Washington coach Steve Sarkisian is expected to pay a visit to a Ventura College football team practice later this week, according to Ventura coach Steve Mooshagian.

"We'll have a couple guests," said Mooshagian Wednesday. "Two guys that I recruited when I was at Fresno State."

Once upon a time, Mooshagian recruited Sarkisian, who was a quarterback at El Camino College before starring a BYU, and Washington recruiting coordinator Johnny Nansen.

"I've known Steve for quite a long time," said Mooshagian. "I told him he can't be giving any secrets to El Camino (who the Pirates play on Nov. 13).

Instead, the former USC offensive coordinator probably wants to take an in-person look at Pirates quarterback Antavius Sims as a possible replacement for outgoing quarterback Jake Locker.

"They really like our kids," said Mooshagian.

First-year Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian seemed full of confidence in his conference debut.

"It's good to be here. There's obviously a lot of familiar faces in the room."

(on last season)

"It was an 0-12 football team. Fortunately for us, I wasn't 0-12 last year."

(on this season)

"We're not the same football team. We look like a different football team.

"We're excited. Hopefully, we can raised the bottom half of this conference.
I don't think anyone in this room picked us higher than ninth."

(Will Washington look like the Trojans in Purple, since Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Nick Holt coached at USC)

"There's going to be a natural similarities in the style that we play. But we have to play to our makeup."

(On quarterback Jake Locker possibly signing with the Angels)

"I think that deal might get done. I think it will."

There was a humorous U-Turn in the manner in which USC head coach Pete Carroll answered questions about reports that USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian would take the Washington head coaching job after the Trojans' 28-7 win over UCLA Saturday afternoon at the Rose Bowl.

Carroll initially told reporters, "I don't know what the deal is, I don't know what we're supposed to say."

Carroll then debated the point with himself audibly, saying "Why am I saying that? Screw it."

Carroll then confirmed that, as far as he knows, Sarkisian is on the verge of taking over the position vacated by the firing of Tyrone Willingham earlier this season.

"As far as I know, it sounds like Washington," said Carroll. "We proudly send our guy to that job.

"It makes us extremely proud."

USC plays Washington in its second game of the 2009 season.

"We're coming after him," said Carroll. "I want you know this."

USC offensive coordinator responded Thursday night from the ESPN report that he will be named Washington's new head coach:

"Not as of now. Contact has been made. I'm honored to be a candidate. But right now, my focus is on the UCLA game Saturday.

"I have interviewed with Washington. They've interviewed a lot of people. I'm one of a number of candidates, which I'm honored to be. Nothing is finalized in any way, shape or form. There's been some communication. Nothing has been put in writing.

"As far as I'm concerned, I'm a candidate and honored to be. As of right now, Thursday night, I'm getting ready for Saturday. That's ESPN's report, not Washington's or mine. It comes with the territory: job openings and speculation. The key is to focus on the job Saturday and not this conversation.

"I have not been offered the job. The interview went well, learning about each other. I've always been patient regarding head coaching opportunities. I assess each separately. They interview me, and I assess the job as well, like I did with the Oakland job. It's a process. Neither party wants to rush into it.

"We're still playing. We're playing for the conference championship on Saturday. That's my focus.

"Nothing is set up tonight to talk to them.

"Maybe ESPN knows more than I know. Maybe that'll be good news. My focus is our game this week.

"I wouldn't accept it before our game Saturday. The focus is on the game Saturday.

"Pete (Carroll) understands the situation and is on the same page."