Skyline LB Peyton Pelluer commits to Washington State

Seattle Times photo by Jim Bates

When Peyton Pelluer was weighing his college options, the linebacker at Skyline saw a lot he liked at Washington State.

He felt comfortable in Pullman. He built a strong relationship with the coaching staff. He found plenty of potential in the program.

So, he thought to himself, "Why not get another Coug in the household?" and decided to give Mike Leach and his staff a verbal commitment Monday.

"I felt super comfortable there," said Pelluer, who also had Pac-12 offers from Arizona State and Colorado. "I felt comfortable around the coaches, they're awesome and I built a strong relationship with them. That was key in my decision. But, really, I saw a lot of potential in the program. They need a lot of players to come in there and help the program get back to its old glory."

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound All-State standout -- he had 122 solo tackles as a junior last season -- will follow in the footsteps of his father, Scott, who was a four-year starter at outside linebacker during his playing career at Washington State.

Pelluer's decision to play in Pullman creates a friendly family rivalry, considering his older brother, Cooper, is a linebacker at Washington.

"We were just out to dinner last night and we were already getting at it," said Pelluer, who told his family Sunday night. "It's going to be fun, especially if we meet each other on the field, which would be amazing."

Pelluer joins Eastside Catholic defensive back Markell Sanders, who committed Sunday, and Wenatchee lineman Cody O'Connell as the three in-state recruits the Cougars have landed so far.

"I've totally seen that their key is in-state guys," Pelluer said. "It's definitely cool that they like the local talent."

Here is a story I wrote about Pelluer during the state playoffs last season. Click here.

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