Mount Si High School senior running back Brandon Yakaboski made a verbal commitment to the University of Washington for football next season. The 5 foot 11 inch, 196 pound rusher received a call from coach Tyrone Willingham while watching the Mount Si soccer game on Thursday, Nov. 2.

The Husky coach called and told Yakaboski that he met all the team’s expectations and to offer a full scholarship to play football for the Pac -10 team. “He said to take some time to think about it,” said Yakaboski. “I thought about it for two seconds and said yes.”

Cal state and Oregon state had also shown high interest in Yakaboski, but he wanted to stay close to home. “I would rather be successful here with all my friends, family and Mount Si fans than a city where I am all alone,” said Yakaboski.

Yakaboski’s father, Mario, said it had a lot to do with the community that has supported Brandon through his football career. “This community is key in making this happen. He always had a place to sleep, a place to eat and support. People would watch out for him, mentor him. Brenda [Brandon’s mother] and I want to thank everyone,” said Mario.

Coach Charlie Kinnune is pretty excited about his future Husky player. “It is nice to see Brandon achieve his goal of earning a division-one scholarship,” said Kinnune. “His coaches and teammates are very happy for him. I have known Brandon since he was a fourth-grader. It has been a pleasure to watch him rise through the program and achieve the success he has achieved. “His work is not done here at Mount Si. We expect to see his best performances in the next week and beyond,” added Kinnune.

Yakaboski also recognized his teammates, specifically on offense, that made it possible for him to achieve the level of success he has had. He mentioned them all by name: Cary Purchase, Nick Johnston, Mac Donnell, Michael Smart, Keith Keller, Dexter Moetului, Marshall Griffin, Dan Reeves and, of course, Josh Lindor.

The future Dawg also credited his father as well as coach Kinnune. “He is been on my case since the fifth grade and saw my potential,” said Yakaboski of Kinnune. “He pushes me, makes sure to talk to the right people and that people know about me,” he added.

“I definitely will still play hard even though I have this,” said Yakaboski. “The pressure is off now so I can concentrate on our playoff games.”

Yakaboski and the Mount Si Wildcats take on Camas at Camas on Saturday, Nov. 11, for the first round of the state playoffs. Game time is 7 p.m.