Keeping Budda Baker home was critical for No. 6 Washington

There are numerous pieces that Washington has woven together to create a roster that this year is 10-1 and on the cusp of not only a Pac-12 North title but potentially a shot in the College Football Playoff headed into Friday's Apple Cup against Washington State.

Some were holdovers from the previous coaching regime, who have developed into stars later in their careers, like linebacker Keishawn Bierria and wide receiver John Ross.

Others were recruits from out-of-state that Petersen and his staff convinced to make Washington their home, like quarterback Jake Browning.

Since Baker's commitment in 2014, the Huskies have had a pipeline of in-state talent staying home, including running back Myles Gaskin, wide receiver Chico McClatcher, left tackle Trey Adams, safety Taylor Rapp and offensive lineman Kaleb McGary.

When many of the current Huskies were first making impressions about college football, Washington was a struggling program.