4-star TE Vander Ploog commits to Washington Huskies

Fullerton (Calif.) Troy four-star tight end Vander Ploog took his official visits — and his time — with a commitment decision. But the coveted pass-catcher knows where he wants to call home.

On Tuesday, Ploog announced his commitment to Washington, choosing the Huskies over SMU, Utah, Oregon and Arizona State.

The relationships he had in Seattle with the new UW stuff were second-to-none, and that has been a major factor all along for him.

“I’m someone who’s big on relationships,” Ploog told On3’s Chad Simmons earlier this month. “That’s always been my thing. I want to feel like I’m at home at a school. Also, I am looking at a school’s offense and the way that they see me developing and fitting in to the offensive scheme.”

The staff, led by not only Jedd Fisch but also tight ends coach Jordan Paopao, made him feel like a top priority. And he believes they can get him to the next level.

“I like the developmental lessons that I’ve seen from Coach Paopao,” he told Simmons. “He’s a phenomenal coach. He has coached a ton of dudes who have already played in the NFL. He’s a profound coach, so I really like the coaching there and the family culture that they create over there.” 

Huskies continue their roll with Ploog’s pledge

Ploog is the 10th commitment for the Huskies in the month of June alone — their 15th in total — and propels them into the top-25 of the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. That comes only a year after barely finishing in the top 50 during Kalen DeBoer’s final season in Seattle.

The 6-foot-6, 210-pounder is the No. 205 overall prospect and No. 12 tight end in the 2025 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

On3, however, is higher on him than other services. In the most recent On300 rankings, he was tabbed as the nation’s No. 140 recruit and No. 7 tight end.