Willingham gets first commitment for class of 2009

Coach Tyrone Willingham received his first oral commitment for the recruiting class of 2009 when Orange County, Calif., quarterback Keith Price decided Wednesday morning to play for the Huskies.

Price attended the Huskies' individual skills camp in June.

"(Willingham) said all the quarterbacks they brought in could play Division I football, but I had the lightest arm, the most athleticism and was a perfect fit for their offense," said Price, who gave his commitment to offensive coordinator Tim Lappano.

Price, 6 feet 2 and 180 pounds, said he is a dual-threat quarterback and his high school team -- St. John Bosco in Bellflower -- runs an offense similar to the Huskies'.

As a junior, Price was 73-for-113 for 955 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions. He rushed for more than 300 yards and eight scores.

Despite offers from Utah and Nevada, Price said choosing Washington was easy. But he might change his mind if Willingham is fired.

Willingham probably will have to go at least 6-6 and earn a bowl bid to reach the final year of his contract.

"I don't know. ... I'd really have to think about it," Price said of his commitment should Willingham be fired.

The instability surrounding Willingham's status is one reason the Huskies had no oral commitments, most recruiting pundits say.

"The hot seat has definitely put some kids on the pause button," said Rick Kimbrel, West Coast recruiting editor for Rivals.com. "You're supposed to commit to a university, but this is a little different. The kids commit to the coach. With Ty being on the proverbial hot seat, it will make kids think twice."

The uncertainty mattered to Price.

"It made a difference to me," Price admitted. "But I know he's a great coach. He's had a battle, and I don't know why, but I have faith in Coach Willingham. I have faith they're ready to turn the corner."

The Huskies are the last Pac-10 team to land an oral commitment. USC, which is consistently among the nation's top five in recruiting, has 15 commits, including the nation's top recruit -- quarterback Matt Barkley of Mater Dei.