Feb. 1, 2006
TEMPE, Ariz.-- Arizona State University Head Football Coach Dirk Koetter signed 24 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to study and play football, ASU announced Wednesday. The class is comprised of 15 freshmen and nine junior college transfers, including a trio of running backs and a quartet of high school linebackers that could be among the nation's finest. Three of the transfers (Chris Baloney, Troy Nolan and Justin Tryon) are currently enrolled in school and will participate in spring drills. "We have addressed our immediate needs on defense while still building for the future with 15 freshmen, all of whom are talented and can run," says Koetter.
The numbers break down like this:
24 signees plus walkon safety Mike Nixon, a 22-year-old freshman.
15 freshmen, plus Nixon (currently enrolled).
Nine junior college transfers (six on defense, including three in school at mid-year and one
four-for-3 player in sophomore Martin Tevaseu).
ASU added three defensive line transfers last fall.
10 new faces on defense that are not freshmen or sophomores.
The signature of Koetter's recruiting classes is always speed and this group is definitely impressive. "This is a really well-balanced class," says Koetter. "With seven returning offensive linemen with starting experience and four talented redshirts in the program we decided to make offensive line a priority next year and focus on defensive players this year. It is a talented class with student-athletes who are good people who want to be students at Arizona State University."
Five of the signees in this class hail from the state of Arizona, including the best athlete (Kyle Williams), defensive linemen (Jermaine Williams and Jon Hargis), defensive back (Brantwon Bowser) and linebacker (Gerald Munns), in the state. In fact, spanning six classes at ASU, Koetter and staff have signed 42 student-athletes from the state of Arizona to Letters of Intent, an average of seven (7) per year.
| 2006 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SIGNEES | |||||
| Name | Pos. | Yr. | Ht. | Wt. | Hometown (Last School) |
| Chris Baloney | CB | Jr. | 6-0 | 180 | Houston, TX (College of the Sequoias) |
| Jeff Bereuter | LB | Fr. | 6-3 | 225 | Irving, TX (MacArthur HS) |
| Brantwon Bowser | CB | Fr. | 6-1 | 185 | Phoenix, AZ (Maryvale HS) |
| Lance Evbuomwan | TE | Fr. | 6-4 | 235 | Redlands, CA (East Valley HS) |
| Alex Fa'agai | DE | Jr. | 6-3 | 286 | San Jose, CA (Foothill JC) |
| Saia Falahola | OL | Fr. | 6-2 | 310 | Euless, TX (Trinity HS) |
| Rodney Glass | TB | Fr. | 5-10 | 175 | Sherman Oaks, CA (Notre Dame HS) |
| Travis Goethel | LB | Fr. | 6-2 | 215 | Vista, CA (Vista HS) |
| Jon Hargis | DL | Fr. | 6-3 | 285 | Mesa, AZ (Red Mountain HS) |
| Jonathan Johnson | P | Jr. | 6-1 | 205 | Simi Valley, CA (College of the Canyons) |
| Garrett Judah | LB | Jr. | 6-3 | 232 | Beaverton, OR (Butte College) |
| Ryan McFoy | S | Fr. | 6-1 | 190 | Chino, CA (Chino HS) |
| Gerald Munns | LB | Fr. | 6-3 | 225 | Queen Creek, AZ (Hamilton HS) |
| Dimitri Nance | TB | Fr. | 5-10 | 205 | Euless, TX (Trinity HS) |
| Zach Niusulu | DT | Fr. | 6-3 | 305 | Barstow, CA (Barstow HS) |
| Troy Nolan | S | Jr. | 6-0 | 190 | Los Angeles, CA (College of the Canyons) |
| Angelo Richardson | WR | Jr. | 6-1 | 185 | Danville, CA (Santa Rosa JC) |
| Jamarr Robinson | LB | Fr. | 6-3 | 235 | Fairfield, CA (Fairfield HS) |
| Danny Sullivan | QB | Fr. | 6-4 | 200 | Los Gatos, CA (Los Gatos HS) |
| Martin Tevaseu | DT | So. | 6-3 | 320 | Boonville, CA (Santa Rosa JC) |
| Ryan Torain | TB | Jr. | 6-0 | 205 | Shawnee Mission, KS (Butler CC) |
| Justin Tryon | CB | Jr. | 5-9 | 185 | Palmdale, CA (College of the Canyons) |
| Jermaine Williams | DE | Fr. | 6-4 | 255 | Phoenix, AZ (Maryvale HS) |
| Kyle Williams | WR | Fr. | 5-10 | 185 | Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral HS) |
2006 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SIGNEES
Chris Baloney CB Jr. 6-0 180 Houston, TX (College of the Sequoias)
Last name is pronounced BAL-uh-nay ... listed by College Football News in 2005 as the No. 9 junior college cornerback in the nation ...can play all four secondary positions ... runs a 4.5 40 ... attended Langham Creek High School ... from the same high school as former Sun Devil senior linebacker Jamar Williams ... coached at the College of the Sequoias by Roger Kelly ...a two-sport letterman at College of the Sequoias ... collected six interceptions and 140 tackles in his career at College of the Sequoias in 2004 and made all-conference during his second campaign ... was named all-Houston as a senior in high school ... named to the all-district team ... had 11 interceptions and five touchdowns (two defensive) as a senior ... had a 98-yard return as a junior and a 53 yarder as a senior ... a four-sport letterman (football, basketball, baseball and track and field) ... as a junior, ran track in the Junior Olympics ... coached by Dennis Demel at Langham Creek High School.
Jeff Bereuter LB Fr. 6-3 225 Irving, TX (MacArthur HS)
Rated No. 2 in the state in a list of "Top Bruisers" by The Dallas Morning News ... the article stated, "Get the number of the truck that just hit you." ... named honorable mention all-area by The Dallas Morning News ... selected to the 5A All-District first-team as a junior and senior ... made the 2005 All-Region team ... named to the All-City team in 2005 ... registered 115 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss, one quarterback sack, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovered and four pass deflections as a senior ... tallied 97 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three quarterback sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles and three fumbles recovered as a junior ... captained the 2005 MacArthur football squad ... voted to the leadership council of the football team in 2004 and 2005 ... in the 2005 off-season was voted by the coaches as the "Most Improved Lifter" on the team ... MacArthur played in the state playoffs three times with Jeff as a linebacker ... lettered twice in track and field ... nominated by his high school counselor as the male representative to attend Youth Leadership Camp, sponsored by the YMCA ... member of DECA, the Latin Club, the Theater and was named among the top 10 in "Men of the Mac", a showcase of the talented males in MacArthur High School ... coached by David Beaty.
Brantwon Bowser CB Fr. 6-1 185 Phoenix, AZ (Maryvale HS)
Rated as the No. 73 defensive back in the nation by Scout.com ... listed as the No. 12 player in the state of Arizona by SuperPrep ... listed as the No. 14 player in the state of Arizona by Rivals.com ... also made the Class 5-A All-State First-team by The Arizona Republic ... had 21 starts at cornerback entering his senior season ... as a junior was selected as the No. 1 defensive back in the region and No. 1 in the state of Arizona ... ranked honorable mention as a sophomore and was the No. 3 defensive back by Arizona Preps ... finished his senior year with 27 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a safety ... averaged 24 yards per kickoff return ... helped Maryvale High to its league title and an undefeated regular season ... tallied 32 tackles, 14 pass deflections and a blocked field goal as a junior ... offered a scholarship in October of 2004 ... lettered three times in football and four times in basketball ... also was the region champion in the 100-meters with a 10.8 ... placed fourth as a junior ... posted a 39-inch vertical jump at the Scout.com combine ... teammate of fellow ASU signee Jermaine Williams of Maryvale High School ... Maryvale went 10-2 last year ... "My teammate (Jermaine Williams) is going to ASU and it has always been my dream to go there," says Bowser ... played at Maryvale for coach Tom Bruney ... "He's got tremendous skills and he's going to continue to refine them," says Bruney. "The best football is in front of him. He's still learning."
Lance Evbuomwan TE Fr. 6- 4 235 Redlands, CA (East Valley HS)
Rated as the No. 26 tight end in the nation by Rivals.com ... rated as the No. 50 tight end in the nation by Scout.com ... listed as the No. 10 player in the state of California by SuperPrep ... listed as the No. 62 player in the state of California in the postseason by Rivals.com ... named to the All-C.I.F. Southern Section second-team as a tight end in 2005 ... selected to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State team in 2005 ... named all-C.I.F. Southern Section Division second-team on offense ... listed as the No. 2 tight end in the entire Southern Section ... named to The Los Angeles Times first-team All-Star Football Team ... named All-Citrus Belt League as a junior and senior ... made All-San Bernardino County as a junior and senior ... as a senior, had 54 receptions for 739 yards and 13 touchdowns ... East Valley High finished 10-1-1 in 2005 and unbeaten in the regular season ... named All-Citrus Belt League and All-San Bernardino County in 2005 in basketball ... "I like the atmosphere at ASU and the surroundings," says Evbuomwan. "The coaches and the people are great there." ... coached by Kurt Bruich.
Alex Fa'agai DE Jr. 6-3 286 San Jose, CA (Foothill JC)
Listed as the No. 85 player in Rivals.com Top 100 Junior College players ... listed as the No. 91 junior college player in the nation in SuperPrep's Top 100 ... a two-year starter for coach Marshall Sperbeck at Foothill Junior College ... registered 50 tackles and 12 quarterback sacks last year in just six games before being hurt... was the Foothill team captain ... also added a fumble recovery and an interception ... attended Independence High School in San Jose, California ... coached by Joe Cattollico ... lettered three years in football ... named first-team all-league as a sophomore, junior and senior ... was the league Most Valuable Player as a senior ... captained the team as a senior ... lettered three times in basketball and earned first-team all-league kudos in basketball as a sophomore, junior and senior ... was the team's Most Inspirational in basketball as a freshman and as a senior ... lettered in baseball once.
Saia Falahola OL Fr. 6-2 310 Euless, TX (Trinity HS)
Was a leader on the Trinity High Texas 5A state champions in 2005 ... teammate of fellow Sun Devil signee Dimitri Nance, a tailback ... selected to The Dallas Morning News' All-Area first-team ... selected first-team all-state on the offensive line by the Associated Press ... was selected to the All-Texas Class 5A first-team ... made first-team All-Texas in 5A by TexasFootball.com ... District 6-5A first-team offensive guard ... selected to the Fort Worth Star Telegram's Super Team as an offensive lineman ... named to the first-team of the Class 5A All-State squad by TSWA (Texas Sports Writer's Association) ... Euless Trinity (14-1) won the 5A Texas state Championship for the first time ever ... was the best offensive lineman on a team that rushed for 5,036 yards (492 yards per game, including 354.3 yards rushing) and scored 44.6 points per game ... Trinity's backfield featured 3,100 yards rushing and 47 touchdowns, led by Falahola and Sun Devil Nance ... won the Ray Verkerk Outstanding Lineman Award at Euless High ... will likely play guard or center ... a two-year starter ... an outstanding run blocker ... volunteers for a local church youth group ... coached by Steve Lineweaver.
Rodney Glass TB Fr. 5-10 175 Sherman Oaks, CA (Notre Dame HS)
Earned honorable mention accolades from The Long Beach Press-Telegram's "Best In The West" survey ... rated as the No. 21 running back in the nation by Rivals.com ... ranked in the Rivals 250 by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 24 player in the state of California in the postseason by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 40 player in the state of California by SuperPrep ... named to the All-C.I.F. Southern Section first-team at running back in 2005 ... played in the California-Florida All-Star game ... named third-team all-state in the athlete category by Cal-Hi Sports ... played tailback and cornerback at Notre Dame High and rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2005 ... he also had two touchdowns via reception and one on a kickoff return ... Notre Dame High played in three straight C.I.F. Championship games, winning two of them ... reportedly the second-fastest high school athlete in the state of California ...ran a 10.43 100-meters ... has the fourth-fastest returning time in the country ... will run track at ASU ... coached by Kevin Rooney.
Travis Goethel LB Fr. 6- 2 215 Vista, CA (Vista HS)
Earned honorable mention accolades from The Long Beach Press-Telegram's "Best In The West" survey ... rated as the No. 10 linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com ... ranked in the Rivals 250 by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 30 linebacker in the nation and the No. 30 player in the state of California by SuperPrep ... ranked in the postseason at No. 21 player in the state of California by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 48 linebacker in the nation according to Scout.com ... named first-team all-state by Cal-Hi Sports ... played in the California-Florida All-Star game ... named the C.I.F. San Diego Section Defensive Player of the Year and the Avocado League Defensive Player of the Year ... named first-team on defense by The Union-Tribune San Diego Section ... named The San Diego Tribune Defensive Player of the Year ... chosen first-team Hall of Champions All-San Diego Section Team ... as a junior was selected to the Breitbard All-C.I.F. first-team ... had 155 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, eight quarterback sacks, five interceptions (two for touchdowns), one fumble caused and one recovery as a senior ... also played tight end ... tallied over 90 tackles with five quarterback sacks, two fumbles caused and two interceptions as a junior ... as a junior helped the Panthers finish as the C.I.F. San Diego Section Division I Co-Champions ... "I really knew where I wanted to go after my visit, but I needed to come home and talk things over with my family," says Goethel. "The meeting sealed the deal. Thomas Altieri, my former teammate, was my host at ASU and I loved the whole visit. The one thing that really stood out was the way they handle the academic side. It was very impressive." ... coached by Dan Williams.
Jon Hargis DL Fr. 6-3 285 Mesa, AZ (Red Mountain HS)
Listed as the No. 3 player in the state of Arizona by SuperPrep ... rated as the No. 49 defensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com ... rated as the No. 64 defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 10 player in the state of Arizona by Rivals.com ... won the Curley Culp Award for the outstanding high school defensive lineman in the state of Arizona ... selected to The Arizona Republic's All-Arizona First-Team Football Team on defense in 2004 and 2005 ... also made the Class 5-A All-State First-team by The Arizona Republic ... also selected to the 2004 and 2005 Arizona Coaches Association All-State first-team ... was a 2003, 2004 and 2005 East Valley All-Region first-team selection ... was the 2004 East Valley Region Defensive Player of the Year ... three-time all-region first-team selection ... senior statistics included 81 tackles, four quarterback sacks and one fumble recovery ... junior statistics were 81 tackles, 10 quarterback hurries, five quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles and one blocked field goal ... was the only junior in 2004 to receive first-team Arizona Republic 5A all-state honors ... lettered three times in track and field ... will major in business or education ... mother Brenda and sister Krissa are ASU graduates ... volunteers with Red Mountain High's "Best Buddies" program which befriends individuals with autism ... has spent summer vacations in Nicaragua with his church youth group ... "I just decided ASU was the better choice," says Hargis. "I have always been a fan of ASU and have always wanted to go there." ... coached by Jim Jones.
Jonathan Johnson P Jr. 6-1 205 Simi Valley, CA (College of the Canyons)
Played for one of the top junior colleges in the nation ... played with fellow Sun Devil signees Troy Nolan and Justin Tryon ... played on the 2004 JC Gridwire National Championship team ... College of the Canyons made it to the Southern California Championship game in 2005 ... discovered by ASU at the Chris Sailer kicking national competition in Las Vegas ... listed No. 5 among all 2006 punters on Chris Sailer's rankings ... said to have a strong leg and a great punting stroke ... earned All-Western States Conference first-team honors ... averaged 37.8 yards on 38 punts at College of the Canyons in 2005 ... also converted six of 12 field goals (long of 48 yards) and 55 out of 64 extra points ... also registered four tackles ... attended Ventura College as a freshman and averaged 40.2 yards on 68 punts ... averaged 36 yards as a net ... booted nine of 13 field goals, including two game-winners and a long of 49 yards ... collected 12 tackles ... earned honorable mention All-Western States Conference honors ... attended Grace Brethren High School in Simi Valley, California ... made second-team All-C.I.F. Division XIII and was all-county as a kicker and punter ... made the All-Delphic League first-team as a kicker and a punter ... collected 64 tackles and seven interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns, on defense ... also returned an interception 106 yards, the third-longest in state history ... rushed 124 times for 904 yards and 10 touchdowns ... averaged 39.8 yards per punt and sported a net of 33 yards ... averaged 75-percent of touchbacks on kickoffs ... was four of eight on field goals with a long of 52 yards ... earned first-team All-Miramonte League at 189 pounds in wrestling ... made the all-county team ... earned second-team All-Miramonte League in track and field with a hurdles time of 15.7 and a 100-meters time of 11.2 ... made all-county in hurdles.
Garrett Judah LB Jr. 6-3 232 Beaverton, OR (Butte College)
Named first-team All-Northern California in 2004 and 2005 at Butte College ... runs a 4.6 ... selected as an honorable mention Junior College All-American ... collected 102 tackles, eight quarterback sacks, one interception, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries last year ... added 82 tackles, three quarterback sacks and four interceptions as a freshman at Butte ... Butte's team went 9-3 in 2005 and 9-2 in 2004 ... coached by Craig Rigsby at Butte ... named All-Oregon 4A All-State at linebacker in 2001 ... coached by Floyd Henderson at Sunset High School in Beaverton.
Ryan McFoy S Fr. 6-1 190 Chino, CA (Chino HS)
One of the top recruits in the 2006 ASU class ... rated as the No. 44 defensive back in the nation by Rivals.com ... rated as the No. 48 safety in the nation by Scout.com ... listed as the No. 91 player in the state of California in the postseason by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 113 player in the state of California by SuperPrep ... named to the All-C.I.F. Southern Section Division II team as a defensive back in 2005 ... as a junior and senior, had 45 receptions for 460 yards and seven touchdowns and rushed 20 times for 290 yards and four scores ... also scored four touchdowns on seven punt returns and two more on kickoffs ... collected 672 yards on punt returns and 231 yards on kickoff returns ... finished his junior and senior seasons with nearly 200 tackles, nine interceptions, including two for touchdowns, four fumbles cause, two recovered fumbles and 12 deflected passes ... as a senior collected 70 tackles, five interceptions (two for touchdowns), three fumbles caused and two fumbles recovered ... also added 258 yards receiving and two touchdowns ... younger brother of USC wide receiver Chris McFoy ... track and field athlete ... "I know where the ball is at all times," says McFoy. "I do whatever I can to help my team win." ... coached by John Monger.
Gerald Munns LB Fr. 6-3 225 Queen Creek, AZ (Hamilton HS)
Rated as the No. 18 linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 2 player in the state of Arizona by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 14 player in the state of Arizona by SuperPrep ... named game Defensive Most Valuable Player in Max Emfinger's All-American Bowl Game Classic with nine tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery ... selected to The Arizona Republic's All-Arizona First-Team at linebacker ... also made the Class 5-A All-State First-team by The Arizona Republic ... selected to the All-State 5A first-team by the Arizona High School Coaches Association ... was first-team All-Fiesta Region as a senior and second-team as a junior ... played in the state 5A title game at Sun Devil Stadium in December ... had 146 tackles, seven quarterback sacks, two interceptions, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles as a senior ... his team won the state title at Sun Devil Stadium when he was a junior ... collected 122 tackles and three quarterback sacks as a junior ... "ASU has a great business school," says Munns. "I pretty much knew right after I got the offer that ASU would be my choice." ... lettered twice in basketball ... coached at Hamilton by John Wrenn.
Dimitri Nance TB Fr. 5-10 205 Euless, TX (Trinity HS)
One of the most decorated Sun Devil recruits ever ... rated as the No. 13 all-purpose back in the nation by Rivals.com ... rushed 341 times for 3,173 yards and 41 touchdowns ... only he and Cedric Benson have rushed for over 3,000 yards in a season among 5A players in the state of Texas football history ... a first-team All-American at running back by EA Sports ... named the 2005 District 6-5A Offensive Player of the Year and was unanimous ... earned 5A Player of the Year accolades by Dave Campbell's Texas Football ... named 5A first-team All-State by the Associated Press ... also named District 6-5A Academic All-District ... selected to The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Super Team Offensive Player of the Year and also running back ... named to the first-team of the Class 5A All-State squad by TSWA (Texas Sports Writer's Association) ... is listed as No. 51 on The Dallas Morning News' Top 100 players in the state of Texas ... was the All-Texas Offensive Most Valuable Player ... named first-team All-Texas at running back ... named first-team All-Area at running back by The Dallas Morning News ... won the Team Texas Billy Sims Award in 2005 for the Outstanding Running Back of the Year ... Euless Trinity (14-1) won the 5A Texas state Championship for the first time ever ... won the Trinity High School Sportsmanship Award, the Outstanding Offensive Back Award and the John Reddell Most Valuable Player Award ... named the Offensive Most Valuable Player, the Metroplex MVP and the Best Running Back by 5atexasfootball.com ... as a junior was first-team all-district, the most outstanding running back and a 5Atexasfootball.com first-team all-junior selection ... was the 2003-04 Offensive Sophomore Player of the Year ... in ninth grade was selected as the Most Outstanding Football Player, the Most Outstanding Basketball Player and the Most Outstanding Track and Field Athlete of the Year ... he was also the Most Outstanding Offensive Back and the Most Valuable Player for football ... as an eighth grader he was the Most Outstanding Football Player, the Most Outstanding Basketball Player and the Most Outstanding Track and Field Athlete of the Year ... won the same awards as a seventh grader in 2000-2001 ... Euless Trinity was the 2005 Texas Team of the Year ... coached by Steve Lineweaver at Trinity High.
Zach Niusulu DT Fr. 6-3 305 Barstow, CA (Barstow HS)
ASU's first commitment of the 2006 class, committing April 15, 2004 ... rated as the No. 61 defensive lineman in the nation by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 87 player in the state of California in the postseason by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 95 player in the state of California by SuperPrep ... named All-Desert League at defensive line as a junior and senior ... named All-High Desert Newspaper at defensive line as a senior ... named All-San Bernardino County along the defensive line in 2005 ... named All-Inland Empire in the preseason ... led Barstow High in tackles and quarterback sacks as a junior and senior ... a great run defender and plays with a mean streak ... also competes in the shot put and the discus ... "I really like the coaches at ASU," says Niusulu ... coached by Dan Smith.
Troy Nolan S Jr. 6-0 190 Los Angeles, CA (College of the Canyons)
Played at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif. for the past two seasons ... played free safety ... was named All-Western States Conference first-team on defense in 2005 ... led College of the Canyons to the National Championship, the Western States Conference Championship and the California State Championship in 2004 ... also led C of C to the Western States Conference Championship in 2005 ... graduated from El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, California ... named first-team All-West Valley Conference on defense in 2004 and second-team on offense ... was the Most Valuable Player of the West Valley Conference in 2004 ... named second-team All-West Valley Conference on defense in 2003 and first-team on offense ... named the El Camino Real High defensive Player of the Year in football in 2004 ... captained the football team in 2004 ... lettered in football, basketball, track and field and soccer ... coached by Chuck Lyon at College of the Canyons.
Angelo Richardson WR Jr. 6- 1 185 Danville, CA (Santa Rosa JC)
Caught 93 passes for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns at Santa Rosa Junior College in 2005 ... unanimous all-conference selection at two positions in 2005 ... named the NorCal Conference All-Purpose Player of the Year in 2005 ... selected a junior college All-American by JC Gridwire ... listed at No. 22 on the Rivals.com Top 100 junior college players and was the No. 4 wide receiver ... listed as the No. 48 junior college player in the nation by SuperPrep ... first-team All-Norcal Conference by JCFootball.com ... named All-State in California junior colleges by the NJCAA ... named all-state and all-region at wideout and all-purpose ... named pre- and postseason all-state by JuCal ... named first-team all-league at wide receiver and as an all-purpose player ... was Santa Rosa's Offensive Most Valuable Player ... led the state of California and the nation in receptions (93), yards (1,334) and touchdowns (18) in 2005 ... named California state Player of the Week three times in 2005 ... 326 receiving yards versus Foothill JC was the third-highest yardage in a single-game in junior college history ... played with current ASU quarterback Sam Keller at San Ramon Valley High School in Northern California ... named first-team all-league at wide receiver and as a return specialist in high school ... named first-team all-Bay Area at wide receiver and at utility player ... named the Bay Area Athlete of the Year ... "There were a number of schools trying to get involved late, but ASU was there from the beginning and had shown me the most love throughout the year," said Richardson. "It really just came down to ASU and USC, but I think ASU was the best fit for me." ... coached by Keith Simons at Santa Rosa JC ... "said Simon, "In five of our games we were so far ahead that he was on the bench. His numbers could be even better if he played all four quarters in those games. He plays with no fear and will expose his body if he needs to. He's very tough physically and mentally."
Jamarr Robinson LB Fr. 6-3 235 Fairfield, CA (Fairfield HS)
Rated as the No. 25 linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com ... listed as the No. 59 player in the state of California in the postseason by Rivals.com ... rated as the No. 52 linebacker in the nation by Scout.com ... listed as the No. 59 player in the state of California by SuperPrep... played in eight games as a senior due to an injury ... had 86 tackles in eight games ... as a starter during his sophomore, junior and senior years he was All-Solano County Athletic League ... "I was talking to my coaches and my mom before I committed," says Robinson. "I just felt that ASU had the best all-around situation. My mom coming with me on my ASU visit made a big difference, because she got to see the academic side and just how things are away from football." ... coached by Eric Barber.
Danny Sullivan QB Fr. 6-4 200 Los Gatos, CA (Los Gatos HS)
Listed as the No. 112 player in the state of California by SuperPrep ... completed 134 of 220 passes for 2,435 yards and 24 touchdowns (only six interceptions) during the regular season in leading Los Gatos High to the Central Coast Section Medium School title ... earned Santa Clara Valley Athletic League-DeAnza Division Most Valuable Player accolades ... also was Santa Clara Valley Athletic League first-team ... earned second-team All-Central Coast Section honors ... named second-team San Francisco Chronicle All-Metro ... named second-team All-Northern California ... also punted for Los Gatos High ... "ASU is a place where you can develop as a quarterback because coach Dirk Koetter and his staff know so much about the game," says Sullivan. "The school's a great place to be, the city's a great place to be and something just clicked." ... played at same high school as current Stanford quarterback Trent Edwards and Arkansas signal-caller Ryan Sorahan ... coached by Butch Cattollico ... said Cattollico, "He's got tremendous arm strength and a great touch. What really impressed us was his knowledge of the game. He probably called 45-percent audibles by the end of the year. He was running the offense on his own."
Martin Tevaseu DT So. 6-3 320 Boonville, CA (Santa Rosa JC)
First-team all-league as a senior at Santa Rosa JC ... collected 40 tackles, five quarterback sacks and three pass breakups at Santa Rosa JC last year ... has four years to play three ... coached by Keith Simons at Santa Rosa JC ... named first-team all-league and team Most Valuable Player in basketball as a senior at Anderson Valley High School ... captained the football team for four years and the basketball team for three seasons ... as a junior was first-team all-league and the NCL III Defensive Most Valuable Player ... named All-Redwood Empire and Best Offensive Lineman in football ... named first-team all-league in basketball ... was the team Most Valuable Player in basketball ... also named All-Redwood Empire in basketball ... was the team MVP in track and field and was the school's athlete of the year ... as a sophomore was the school's best offensive lineman and the team MVP for basketball and first-team all-league in football ... named the best offensive lineman and won the coaches award for basketball as a freshman ... selected as the student body president ... was the sophomore class president ... volunteered as a mentor at Anderson Valley Elementary School and participated in the "Big Brother, Big Sister" program ... has thrown the shot put 51 feet ... "I just knew that ASU was the place for me when I left there," said Tevaseu. "I really like Coach Monachino and Coach Koetter and they were great about going over academics and how I fit into their plans defensively. It was just perfect."
Ryan Torain TB Jr. 6-0 205 Shawnee Mission, KS (Butler CC)
Listed as the No. 52 junior college player in the nation by SuperPrep ... rushed for over 800 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore and missed four games with an injury ... earned second-team All-Jayhawk Conference ... Butler had two good tailbacks in 2005 and platooned them ... Butler CC finished 10th in the JC Gridwire Top 25 ... played in the National Championship game for Butler Community College as a freshman in 2004 ... coached by Troy Morrell at Butler CC ... rushed for over 1,600 yards as a senior at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School ... selected first-team all-league as a senior while leading the league in rushing ... named the all-Class 6A tailback ... coached by Scott DeBault at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.
Justin Tryon CB Jr. 5-9 185 Palmdale, CA (College of the Canyons)
Enrolled at ASU this spring ... listed as the No. 18 junior college player in the nation by SuperPrep ... played cornerback and kick returner at College of the Canyons in Valencia, Calif. ... was a preseason and postseason All-American in 2005 ... earned second-team All-American in 2005 ... also selected to the all-state team as well as first-team All-Western States Conference ... ranked No. 25 in the Top 100 junior college players in the nation ... also ranked No. 3 cornerback in the nation in all junior colleges by one service ... ranked in the Top 50 junior college players in the nation by that same service ... College of the Canyons won the 2004 National Championship, the state of California Championship and the Western States Conference Championship ... led his team to the nation's No. 1 ranking ... made second-team all-Western States Conference in 2004 ... graduated from Taft High School in Woodland Hills, California ... lettered in football and track and field ... named second-team all-city in football as a running back ... gained 1,435 yards and scored 21 touchdowns in 2002 ... registered a 96-yard kickoff return versus Jefferson High ... earned all-American, all-state and all-city accolades in track and field as a senior ... ran a 10.6 100-meters, a 21.2 200-meters and a 47.25 400-meters (fastest time in the state) in high school ... major is business at ASU ...coached by Chuck Lyons at College of the Canyons and by Troy Starr at Taft High School.
Jermaine Williams DE Fr. 6-4 255 Phoenix, AZ (Maryvale HS)
A 2005 Preseason high school All-American by Sports Illustrated at first-team defensive end ... earned honorable mention accolades by The Long Beach Press-Telegram's "Best In The West" survey ... rated as the No. 6 defensive lineman in the nation and top defensive end in the west by Scout.com ... listed as the No. 11 defensive lineman in the nation and the No 1 player in Arizona by SuperPrep ... listed as the No. 19 defensive lineman in the nation by PrepStar ... rated as the No. 12 defensive lineman in the nation by Rivals.com ... ranked in the Rivals 250 by Rivals.com ... rated as the No. 1 player in the state of Arizona by Rivals.com ... named to the Reebok Preseason All-American Team West Region Defense ... invited to play in the US Army High School All-Star Football Game ... named to the PrepStar Top 200, a list of the nation's top 200 recruits and was the No. 19 defensive lineman ... also made the Class 5-A All-State second-team by The Arizona Republic ... was the all-state Defensive Player of the Year in the region ... registered over 100 tackles, eight quarterback sacks and three fumble recoveries as a senior ... at fullback rushed for over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior ... Maryvale High captured its league title and finished the regular-season undefeated ... was a first-team all-league selection as a junior on defense ... tallied 80 tackles and 12 quarterback sacks ... ran for 1,100 yards during his sophomore campaign and for 1,200 yards as a junior, running mostly out of a single-back formation ... was a second-team all-league selection on offense ... four-year letterman ... "He understands the game," says Maryvale Coach Tom Bruney. "He has tremendous athletic ability. His work ethic is unbelievable." ... teammate of fellow ASU signee Brantwon Bowser ... plays basketball as well ... cousin of former Sun Devil great and current Cincinnati Bengal Levi Jones.
Kyle Williams WR Fr. 5-10 185 Scottsdale, AZ (Chaparral HS)
Listed as the No. 9 player in the state of Arizona by SuperPrep ... rated as the No. 52 athlete in the nation by Rivals.com ... named The Arizona Republic Big School state Player of the Year in 2005 ... the fifth in a succession of state Players of the Year to attend ASU (Mike Nixon, Kyle Caldwell, Zach Miller, Chris McGaha and now Kyle Williams) ... rated as the No. 98 running back in the nation by Scout.com ... a first-team All-American as a multi-purpose player by EA Sports ... listed as the No. 8 player in the state of Arizona by Rivals.com ... also named as the kick returner on the All-Arizona Team by The Arizona Republic ... also made the Class 4-A All-State First-team by The Arizona Republic ... an AZFCA 2005 first-team 4A All-State selection ... was the Barry Sollenberger High School Player of the Year ... selected as the Player of the Year by The Scottsdale Republic ... named the Northeast Valley Tribune Player of the Year ... named the Friday Night Fever Player of the Week twice ... named the Scottsdale Quarterback Club's Player of the Week once ... returned nine kickoffs for 364 yards and two touchdowns ... returned 15 punts for 316 yards and three touchdowns ... rushed for 1,160 yards on 108 carries with 31 total touchdowns ... caught 30 passes for 625 yards and six touchdowns ... had 2,294 all-purpose yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior ... ... led his team to an 11-2 record and a league title in 2005 ... father, Ken, is the General Manager of the World Champion Chicago White Sox ... will also play baseball at ASU as a second baseman ... "I have always wanted to go to ASU," says Williams. "It is close to home and they get better every year under these coaches." ... coached by Ron Estabrook ... he called Williams "the best athlete I've ever coached. He did it all." ... born in San Jose, California ... lettered in football and baseball at Plainfield High School ... named all-region honorable mention in baseball as a sophomore ... moved to Scottsdale in the summer of 2004 ... missed eight games of his junior season with an elbow injury ... won the state baseball championship in baseball and earned region honorable mention as a junior at Chaparral High ... led football team to an 11-2 record in his senior season.
Mike Nixon S Fr. 6-2 215 Phoenix, AZ (Sunnyslope HS)
SuperPrep Elite 50 (No. 7) ... SuperPrep All-American (No. 2 skill athlete) ... ranked No. 1 player in Arizona by SuperPrep ... ranked No. 93 nationally in TheInsiders Top 101 ... member of Student Sports Hot 100 (No. 100) ... rated No. 11 safety in nation ... rated No. 3 safety in West by PacWest Football.com ... PrepStar Dream Team and No. 4 'athlete' in the nation (No. 1 'athlete' in West) ... Tom Lemming All-American and No. 20 player in West ... Arizona state career passing leader (8,091 yards) ... Max Emfinger All-American ... member of The Tacoma News Tribune's Western 100 ... went 37-11 as a starting quarterback ... twice selected first-team All-State as a safety ... made 109 tackles (35 solos) and eight interceptions as a senior ... completed 153 of 261 passes for 2,636 yards and 34 touchdowns ... he also rushed for 309 yards, kicked six field goals and averaged 44.4 yards as a punter in 2001 ... named to The Orange County Register's Fab 15 second-team ... Phoenix 'Big School' Player of the Year ... preseason SuperPrep All-American (No. 28 'skill athlete') ... as a junior, he passed for 2,266 yards and 21 touchdowns and rushed for 795 yards and seven scores ... defensively, he made 146 tackles and eight interceptions ... also an outstanding baseball player (catcher) who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school and played in their farm system until the end of 2006 ... signed a national letter of intent with UCLA out of high school, but never enrolled.