He is becoming a household name around Gig Harbor, Washington.  Scoring 4 TD’s in the first half of the annual madness that is the “Fish Bowl” will do that for you.  If that doesn’t do it just  finish the game with 6 TD’s and almost 300 yards rushing leading your team Peninsula to a win over cross town rival Gig Harbor.  For Danny Welstad the 2011 Prep football season has blown his story up big!

The 4.0 student stands a lanky 6’4″ and is 210 pounds.  Tall for a running back by any standard.  And while his collegiate plans may take him over to the defensive side of the ball he is planning to enjoy this time while he can.

“I am loving this. Last year I was behind our Senior and was also hurt for a big part of the season so this is my shot right now,” said a shy but obviously excited Senior.

The Fish-Bowl was a great start but Welstad had plans to repeat the effort; and did so.  In week 2 he went for 174 yards on 29 carries and had 3 TD’s leading Peninsula over Eastside Catholic 42-21.

Then last week in the third game he led the Seahawks to a perfect 3-0 start rushing for a monstrous 220 yards and added another 3 TD’s on just 18 carries. To date he has racked up almost 700 Yards and 12 TD’s.

That was all done on 75 carries. The big work horse is racking up about 9 yards per touch and just rolling so far.

He has above average speed claiming a 4.5 40 time which was established at his school.  And at the Northwest Elite Camp (Jason Gesser Camp) he was named as an outstanding player.

But that is about the extent of his Summer and Spring exposure. So coaches beware. The Washington Preps “Sleeper-Alert” is beeping loudly and Welstad is the source causing it to sound.

Danny discussed his college options, “So I have heard from schools like Stanford and Boise State but really most of the attention so far is D-3 and some academic schools.  Right now I am getting film put together and we will be getting that sent out soon.”

And so he should.  The kid looks like the real deal and his footwork and ability to make defenders miss is excexcellent.  He has a great high-step almost like a hurdler and he often goes over tacklers who try and take his feet out.

Can he project to the biggest level?

“You know I know I can,” offered Welstad.  “I will say this. Anywhere I go I will be looking to make an impact and I just know that I can.”

He is probably best suited for defense where he can play safety or outside linebacker but he might be a superb fit as an H back or tight end as well.

There can be little doubt that he projects best as a pure athlete then pigeon holed at any one position.

Next up for Welstad is Timberline.  Then in week 5 the real test is coming as the Seahawks will meet up with the #42 Nationally ranked Lakes Lancers and that should be a game of “unbeatens” if all goes as planned.

“That is going to be a big game either way and we are all looking forward to it,” said the explosive athlete.

Everyone in the area is watching Danny Welstad with anticipation now and so will many coaches from around the country.  It is hard to see how this outstanding student athlete would not be high on the list of every academically oreinted and Ivy League school.

We will continue to bring you the story of Danny Welstad and the Peninsula Seahawks.

Dirk Knudsen

I am the Founder of the Northwest Prep Report. For 17 years I have led the way to the best of my ability to promote the best talent from the Pacific NW free of charge. It is my pleasure to continue to serve High School athletes from all over the Pacific NW and beyond. Formerly with Rivals.com my sites have now crossed over 8,000 stories, 7 MILLION Video Views, and 15,000 regular followers. Together with the best football people in the USA we pursue excellence for our NW athletes.