Feb. 3, 2010
Coach Erickson's Quotes About The Signing Class
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University signed 26 student-athletes to national letters of intent Wednesday to study and participate in football, head coach Dennis Erickson announced.
Coach Erickson's fourth signing class at ASU provides the Sun Devils with excellent talent on both offense and defense and includes players from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Florida and Pennsylvania. In four years at ASU, Coach Erickson has signed a total of 29 Arizona natives, an average of more than seven in-state signees per class.
The class consists of 26 student-athletes, including 20 freshmen and six junior college transfers.
ASU's Class of 2010 includes:
- Twenty freshmen, including the highest-rated running back, tight end and defensive end in the state of Arizona.
- Fifteen offensive players, nine defensive players and two all-purpose athletes.
- Six junior college transfers at positions of immediate need, including four midyear transfers that have already enrolled at ASU and will participate in spring football drills.
- Six offensive linemen, the most in an ASU signing class since 2002.
- Five players rated among the nation's top-20 at their position: No. 5 FB Carl Bradford (ESPN Scouts, Inc.); No. 14 TE Josh Fulton (Rivals.com); No. 15 OG Sil Ajawara (Rivals.com); No. 18 DE Nduka Onyeali (Rivals.com); No. 20 RB Deantre Lewis (Rivals.com).
- Two players rated among Rivals.com's Top-50 Junior College prospects (OL Brice Schwab, No. 9 and WR George Bell, No. 32).
| 2010 Arizona State University National Letter of Intent Signee List | |||||
| Name | Pos. | Yr. | Ht. | Wt. | Hometown (Last School) |
| Ramon Abreu | ATH | Fr. | 5-10 | 180 | Tempe, Ariz. (Marcos de Niza HS) |
| Lee Adams | DL | Fr. | 6-2 | 255 | Corona, Calif. (Centennial HS) |
| Sil Ajawara | OL | Fr. | 6-4 | 305 | Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (Tesoro HS) |
| Kevin Anderson | WR | Fr. | 6-1 | 185 | Lakewood, Calif. (Lakewood HS) |
| George Bell | WR | Jr. | 6-3 | 195 | San Diego, Calif. (Southwestern CC) |
| Carl Bradford | LB | Fr. | 6-1 | 230 | Norco, Calif. (Norco HS) |
| Alden Darby | CB | Fr. | 6-0 | 180 | Long Beach, Calif. (Millikan Senior HS) |
| Chris DeArmas | OL | Jr. | 6-4 | 305 | Miami, Fla. (El Camino JC) |
| Jamil Douglas | OL | Fr. | 6-5 | 252 | Cypress, Calif. (Cypress HS) |
| Eddie Elder | DB | Jr. | 6-0 | 190 | Sacramento, Calif. (College of San Mateo) |
| Josh Fulton | TE | Fr. | 6-5 | 235 | Phoenix, Ariz. (St. Mary's HS) |
| Taylor Kelly | QB | Fr. | 6-3 | 185 | Eagle, Idaho (Eagle HS) |
| Randy Knust | WR | Fr. | 6-3 | 200 | The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS) |
| Deantre Lewis | RB | Fr. | 5-10 | 189 | Norco, Calif. (Norco HS) |
| Jordan McDonald | DE | Fr. | 6-4 | 225 | Scottsdale, Ariz. (Saguaro HS) |
| Kyle Middlebrooks | WR/RB | Fr. | 5-9 | 176 | Fountain Valley, Calif. (Fountain Valley HS) |
| Nduka Onyeali | DE/LB | Fr. | 6-1 | 240 | Denver, Colo. (Mullen HS) |
| Brice Schwab | OL | Jr. | 6-8 | 320 | West Sunbury, Pa. (Palomar College) |
| Aderious Simmons | OL | RS-Jr.* | 6-7 | 310 | Marrero, La. (El Camino JC) |
| Devan Spann | CB | Fr. | 5-11 | 175 | Gardena, Calif. (Junipero Serra HS) |
| Tyler Sulka | OL | Fr. | 6-5 | 270 | Sherman Oaks, Calif. (Notre Dame HS) |
| Joita Te'i | DL | Fr. | 6-5 | 255 | Oceanside, Calif. (El Camino HS) |
| Calvin Tonga | DL | Fr. | 6-4 | 320 | Riverside, Calif. (Arlington HS) |
| Taylor Walstad | RB | Fr. | 5-11 | 210 | Chandler, Ariz. (Chandler HS) |
| Damien Williams | ATH | Fr. | 6-0 | 205 | San Diego, Calif. (Mira Mesa HS) |
| Mike Willie | WR | Jr. | 6-4 | 215 | Long Beach, Calif. (Cerritos CC) |
*-has already utilized redshirt year.
Ramon Abreu ATH Fr. 5-10 180 Tempe, Ariz. (Marcos de Niza HS)
A Tempe native and one of the top all-purpose football players in the state of Arizona...has excellent instincts and toughness...has a tremendous will to win and was one of the most determined, overachieving athletes in the state of Arizona during his prep career...was a multi-sport athlete in high school...one of the state's most accomplished and respected competitors during his prep career...rated as the No. 63 safety in the nation by Scout.com...earned All-Arizona and All-Arizona Class 5A honors as an all-purpose athlete by the Arizona Republic...listed as the No. 14 overall prospect in the state of Arizona by SuperPrep...was the heart-and-soul of Marcos de Niza's offense, defense and special teams units...likely will begin his ASU career will in the defensive secondary...ranked as the No. 4 safety and the No. 11 overall player in the state of Arizona by Scout.com...listed as the No. 10 overall prospect in the state of Arizona by Rivals.com...helped lead the Padres to an appearance in the 2009 Arizona Class 5A-II State Championship game...totaled 416 tackles and 2,032 rushing yards during his varsity career...had 24 career games with 10 or more tackles...also punted and saw action on returns...collected 141 total tackles (106 solo), six pass deflections, four interceptions, three quarterback sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one blocked field goal...added 122 carries for 898 yards (7.3 avg.) and 16 touchdowns on the ground as well as 33 receptions for 500 yards (15.2 avg.) with two touchdown catches...had eight games with 10 or more tackles on the year...had only one game with fewer than six total stops...collected a season-high 17 tackles (13 solo) in Marcos de Niza's upset of defending state champion Centennial High School in the semifinal playoff round on Dec. 4, 2009...added an interception and 40 rushing yards in that game...posted 13 total tackles (nine solo) against Chaparral in the state championship game on Dec. 11, 2009...also had 55 rushing yards with one touchdown and four catches for 50 yards...tallied 12 tackles four times on the year...ran 11 times for a season-high 136 yards with one touchdown against Central High School on Nov. 13, 2009...added 45 receiving yards and nine tackles in that game...rushed for 122 yards on nine carries against Deer Valley High School on Sept. 17, 2009 and added a season-high 138 receiving yards on five catches in that game as well as 12 total tackles...caught two interceptions against Sunnyside High School on Nov. 20, 2009...gained 164 all-purpose yards with three rushing touchdowns against Marana Mountain View High School on Aug. 28, 2009...collected 139 tackles (81 solo), nine pass deflections, six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, 2.5 quarterback sacks and one forced fumble as a junior in 2008...added 962 rushing yards on 122 carries (7.9 avg.) with 15 touchdowns and 15 catches for 252 yards (15.8 avg.) with two scores...had 11 or more tackles in eight games and had no fewer than six tackles in a game on the year...earned Second-Team All-Arizona Class 5A accolades by the Arizona Republic...had a season-high 17 stops against Skyline on Oct. 31, 2008...also scored three times on only four carries, totaling 104 rushing yards in that game...posted 16 tackles against Westview High School on Dec. 5, 2008 and chipped in 14 tackles against Ironwood High School on Sept. 12, 2008...had four games with over 100 rushing yards and five games with multiple rushing touchdowns...recorded a season-high 135 rushing yards with two scores against Deer Valley High School on Nov. 14, 2008...gained 132 rushing yards on 15 carries, caught two passes for 29 yards and a touchdown and added 11 tackles and a fumble recovery against Mesa Desert Ridge High School on Nov. 7, 2008...recorded 136 tackles (87 solo), six fumble recoveries, five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception as a sophomore in 2007...added 11 carries for 167 yards (15.2 avg.) with two touchdowns...had eight games with 10 or more tackles...never had fewer than five in a game...recorded a career-high 18 tackles (13 solo) against Skyline High School on Oct. 26, 2007...posted 17 tackles against Westview High School on Nov. 16, 2007 and tallied 16 tackles with 2.0 sacks against Westwood High School on Sept. 28, 2007...saw minimal action as a freshman on varsity in 2006, recording one carry for five yards..."I chose ASU because it's home and a place I've grown up wanting to play for," said Abreu. "It's going to be a great opportunity for me and I am very thankful for it."...chose ASU over offers from Colorado, Colorado State and San Diego State...verbally committed to the Sun Devils on Jan. 7, 2010...coached by Roy Lopez at Marcos de Niza High School.
Lee Adams DL Fr. 6-2 255 Corona, Calif. (Centennial HS)
Continues ASU's excellent recruiting connection with Corona Centennial High School, one of the nation's most prominent football programs...is one of seven former Huskies to have signed with ASU since 2008...compares closely to former Centennial teammate and current Sun Devil William Sutton...emerged as a ferocious defensive leader as a senior in 2009...power cleans 315 pounds, bench presses 340 and squats 470...runs a 4.8 40-yard dash...an excellent pass rusher...listed as the No. 35 strong side defensive end in the nation and the No. 90 overall player in the state of California by Rivals.com...rated as the No. 115 defensive end in the nation by Scout.com...a very intense, active lineman and can play either defensive tackle or defensive end...totaled 93 tackles, five sacks, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one blocked punt as a senior...earned team Most Valuable Player and league Defensive Player of the Year recognition...had five games with eight or more total tackles...registered a season-high 13 tackles on two occasions and posted 11 tackles once...had two interceptions and a season-high 1.5 quarterback sacks against Corona Santiago High School on Oct. 30, 2009...contributed 11 tackles and 1.5 sacks in a reserve role as a junior in 2008...played on the same defense as current Sun Devils Vontaze Burfict and William Sutton...helped Centennial to a perfect 15-0 season and a state championship...chose ASU over Fresno State, Nevada, New Mexico State, UNLV and UTEP...verbally committed to the Sun Devils on Jan. 25, 2010...I really like the family atmosphere (at ASU)," Adams said. "I really liked the city and I knew it was a place I could live at for the next four years, and possibly live there after I graduate. I just knew I really wanted to play there."...coached by Matt Logan at Centennial High School.
Sil Ajawara OL Fr. 6-4 305 Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (Tesoro HS)
The most highly-acclaimed high school offensive lineman to sign with ASU in 2010...big-bodied, aggressive interior lineman with a bright future...a former linemate of ASU redshirt freshman offensive tackle Evan Finkenberg at Tesoro High School...likely best suited to play guard at the collegiate level...earned Third-Team All-Golden State honors by GoldenStatePreps.com after his senior season...listed as the No. 15 offensive guard recruit in the country by Rivals.com...also tabbed as the No. 5 offensive lineman in the state of California and the state's No. 54 overall prospect by Rivals.com...rated as the No. 22 offensive guard prospect in the nation by Scout.com...rated as the No. 104 overall prospect in the Farwest region in the preseason by SuperPrep...bench presses 290 pounds and squats 445...earned Second-Team All-South Coast League honors as a junior in 2008...verbally committed to ASU on Dec. 11, 2009...chose ASU over Arizona, UCLA and Washington..."It really was about the comfort level (at ASU)," said Ajawara. "I felt that this is the place I really could go out and be passionate about what I'm doing and hopefully make an impact as soon as possible. It was the right place for me."...last name is pronounced "Ah-ja-WAHR-uh"...coached by Brian Barnes at Tesoro High School.
Kevin Anderson WR Fr. 6-1 185 Lakewood, Calif. (Lakewood HS)
A dangerous threat in the deep passing game...an elusive athlete with the ability to gain yards after the catch...runs a 4.43 40-yard dash...saw extensive action as a slot receiver in high school...very quick and is able to separate from defenders...has tremendous hands and is a very reliable receiver...a potent special teams returns threat...rated as the No. 76 overall prospect in the Farwest region in the preseason by SuperPrep...listed as the No. 78 wide receiver prospect in the nation by Rivals.com...regarded as the No. 10 wide receiver in the state of California and the state's No. 86 overall prospect by Rivals.com...rated as the No. 117 wide receiver in the nation by Scout.com...experienced, three-year varsity contributor...led Lakewood in touchdown receptions all three years and paced the squad in catches and receiving yards his final two seasons...totaled 115 catches for 1,922 yards and 29 touchdown receptions during his high school career...caught 45 passes for 836 yards (18.6 avg.) with 10 touchdowns as a senior...also gained 44 yards on five carries...averaged 22.0 yards on 13 punt returns and also returned kickoffs...submitted a tremendous effort against Palos Verdes Peninsula High School on Sept. 11, 2009, totaling 204 receiving yards on eight catches with three touchdowns...had a season-long 75-yard punt return against Compton High School on Oct. 2, 2009...hauled in a pair of touchdown receptions against Long Beach Wilson High School on Nov. 13, 2009...caught six passes for 121 yards against Newport Harbor High School on Nov. 20, 2009...caught 50 passes for 762 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior in 2008...added 136 rushing yards on eight carries with one touchdown...averaged 29.4 yards on kickoff returns...scored at least one touchdown in 11 of 13 games on the year...had season-highs of six catches for 112 yards and two touchdown receptions against Long Beach Cabrillo High School on Oct. 10, 2008...totaled 106 receiving yards on five receptions with one touchdown against Los Angeles Crenshaw High School on Sept. 5, 2008...had a 36-yard rushing touchdown against Los Angeles Verbum Dei High School on Sept. 27. 2008 and a 90-yard kickoff return against Long Beach Wilson High School on Nov. 7, 2008...was Lakewood's second-leading receiver as a sophomore, totaling 20 receptions for 324 yards (16.2 avg.) with a team-high six touchdown catches...had 50 or more receiving yards three times...had season-highs of four catches for 71 yards and one touchdown against Anaheim Esperanza High School on Nov. 16, 2007...caught a season-best two touchdown passes against Compton High School on Nov. 9, 2007...chose ASU over offers from BYU, LSU, Washington and Washington State..."I felt more comfortable at Arizona State than I did other schools and I just saw myself playing there," said Anderson. "I was very comfortable early on with their recruiting. All the coaches made it feel like home when I visited there. It was just a good fit."...verbally committed to ASU on July 22, 2009...coached by Thadd MacNeal at Lakewood High School.
George Bell WR Jr. 6-3 195 San Diego, Calif. (Southwestern CC)
One of the nation's elite junior college receivers...capable of making an immediate impact at ASU as the Sun Devils look to replace starting wide receivers Chris McGaha and Kyle Williams from 2009...enrolled at ASU for the spring semester and will participate in spring drills...is one of four midyear junior college transfers in ASU's 2010 class and one of six total junior college transfers to sign with the Sun Devils this year...has excellent size and speed...can stretch the field in the vertical passing game and is also a threatening red zone weapon...runs a 4.42 40-yard dash...is related to former Sun Devil defensive lineman Israel Stanley... has three years to play two at ASU...rated by Rivals.com as the No. 3 junior college wide receiver in the country and the No. 32 overall junior college prospect...one of only four junior college wide receivers in the nation to receive a four-star rating by Scout.com this year...also earned a four-star ranking by Rivals.com...finished his two-year junior college tenure second on Southwestern's career list in receptions (134), receiving yards (2,068) and touchdown catches (17)...hauled in 54 receptions for 805 yards (14.9 avg.) with five touchdowns as a sophomore in 2009...earned Second-Team All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference honors...was the PCAC Men's Athlete of the Week for Nov. 2, 2009...caught 80 passes for 1,263 yards (15.8 avg.) with 12 touchdowns as a freshman in 2008... all three statistics stand as the second-highest single-season totals in Southwestern history...earned First-Team All-California Region IV honors...caught 10 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns against Compton College, the second-highest single game receiving yards total in school history...originally signed with Southern Oregon out of high school before attending Southwestern College...graduated from San Diego (Calif.) Senior High School...caught 28 passes for 500 yards (17.9 avg.) with three touchdowns as a junior in 2006...had a season-high 178 receiving yards on eight receptions against Calexico High School on Sept. 8. 2006...caught seven passes for 88 yards and three touchdowns against San Diego Mission Bay High School on Sept. 29, 2006...chose ASU over Colorado, Fresno State Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, San Diego State and Utah...committed to ASU on June 18, 2009..."The academics (at ASU) are what really got me going on the visit," said Bell. "Arizona State shows you that they care for you not only as a football player, but also as a student and want you to do well in school and get your degree."... "When I came on my visit (to ASU) and met all the coaches I got the same vibe," said Bell. "So I committed on the visit because I knew if I took any other visits that they wouldn't even matter. I knew that Arizona State is where I wanted to play. My mom was with me and she knew it was the right move for me."...coached by Ed Carberry at Southwestern College.
Carl Bradford LB Fr. 6-1 230 Norco, Calif. (Norco HS)
A product of one of California's elite high school football programs...one of the nation's most highly rated fullback prospects but will play linebacker at ASU...is recognized as the first defensive commitment to ASU's 2010 class...joins Norco teammate Deantre Lewis as members of ASU's 2010 signing class...one of five Norco products to sign with ASU since head coach Dennis Erickson's arrival, joining Lewis and offensive linemen Garth Gerhart, Kyle Johnson and Adam Tello... named to the All-West-Region list by PrepStar as a senior...also ranked as the No. 151 overall prospect in the Farwest region in the preseason by SuperPrep...his physical, aggressive nature on the field figures to enable a smooth transition from fullback to linebacker...ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 16 inside linebacker prospect in the nation...also regarded by Rivals.com as the No. 3 inside linebacker recruit and the No. 61 overall prospect in the state of California...listed as the No. 5 fullback recruit in the country by ESPN Scouts, Inc....rated by Scout.com as the No. 7 fullback prospect in the nation...runs a 4.65 40-yard dash...bench presses 335 pounds, power cleans 345 and squats 545...collected 153 carries for 1,093 yards and 18 touchdowns and 13 receptions for 396 yards and four touchdowns during his two-year varsity career...carried 136 times for 884 yards (6.5 avg.) with 14 touchdowns as a senior...added nine receptions for 318 yards with four touchdowns...averaged an incredible 35.3 yards-per-reception...registered four games with over 100 rushing yards...Norco finished with an 11-2 record on the year...totaled season highs of 136 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns and also caught two touchdown passes totaling 73 yards against Corona High School on Oct. 2, 2009...posted a season-high 22 carries and totaled 128 yards with a touchdown against Corona Centennial High School on Nov. 6, 2009...that Centennial team featured fellow ASU signee Lee Adams...ran for 111 yards on 13 carries with two scores against Riverside Poly High School on Nov. 13, 2009...had a season-long 65-yard touchdown reception against Etiwanda High School on Sept. 18, 2009...totaled 209 rushing yards on 17 carries (12.3 avg.) with four touchdowns as a junior in 2008...added four receptions for 78 yards (19.5 avg.)...had season-highs of seven carries for 95 yards and two touchdowns against Los Angeles Crenshaw High School on Sept. 12, 2008...also had a season-long 35-yard reception in that game...verbally committed to ASU on June 15, 2009...chose ASU over San Diego State...coached at Norco by Todd Gerhart, the father of Sun Devil offensive lineman Garth Gerhart and 2009 Heisman Trophy runner-up Toby Gerhart..."Carl is an old fashioned football guy," said Todd Gerhart. "He's one of the biggest hitters I've seen. He's strong, fast (and) a very aggressive player."
Alden Darby CB Fr. 6-0 180 Long Beach, Calif. (Millikan Senior HS)
A game-changing athlete with a tremendous skill set both on offense and defense...one of the most versatile players in the state of California and one of the top performers in his school's history...will begin his ASU career at cornerback...provides incredible size to the position...will be ASU's tallest cornerback upon his arrival in the fall...plans to participated on Millikan's track and field team this spring...a jack-of-all-trades type of athlete, he played cornerback as well as wide receiver and quarterback in a variation of the Wing-T formation for Millikan...during his three-year career, he totaled 86 tackles, 143 rushing attempts for 862 yards and 12 touchdowns and 94 receptions for 1,074 yards and nine scores...totaled 38 tackles (30 solo), 15 pass deflections and four interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as a senior...completed 54-of-119 passes for 593 yards seven touchdowns...carried 124 times for 702 yards (5.7 avg.) with 11 touchdowns and caught 14 passes for 149 yards (10.6 avg.)...led Millikan in passing and rushing and ranked third on the team in receiving...had a season-high six tackles on two occasions and posted five tackles twice as well...carried 17 times for 135 yards with three touchdowns, caught five passes for 42 yards and added four pass deflections against Redondo High School on Sept. 18, 2009...had a season-high 135 yards through the air on nine-of-11 passing with two touchdowns in addition to 106 rushing yards on nine carries with two touchdowns and two tackles and two pass deflections against Long Beach Cabrillo High School on Oct. 2, 2009...had a season-best three touchdown passes with 125 passing yards, 47 rushing yards and one score, four tackles and one interception against prominent program Long Beach Poly on Oct. 23, 2009...rushed for a season-high 166 yards on 20 carries with one touchdown against Long Beach Jordan High School and posted season-bests of five catches for 72 yards against Cerritos Gahr High School on Sept. 4, 2009...caught 73 passes for 865 yards and scored nine touchdowns, ran for 160 yards on 19 carries and a score, had 40 tackles, six pass deflections and blocked two field goals as a junior in 2008....also saw time on punt and kick returns...ranked fourth in the state of California in receptions...earned First Team All-Moore League honors and holds the record at Millikan for most yards and receptions in a single season...had five games with 95 or more receiving yards...caught 10 or more passes on three occasions and had four more games with at least six receptions...had his best outing of the year against Long Beach Jordan High School, catching 11 passes for 183 yards with one touchdown and five tackles...totaled 159 receiving yards on nine catches with a touchdown against Long Beach Cabrillo High School on Nov. 14, 2008...posted 10 receptions for 127 yards against Bellflower High School on Sept. 12, 2008 while also tallying a season-high eight tackles and recorded 10 receptions for 101 yards against Downey High School on Sept. 26, 2008...caught seven passes for 60 yards as a sophomore in 2007...added eight tackles and one forced fumble..."I really felt welcomed on my visit," said Darby. "(The) coaches, players all treated me like family there. They all accepted me and I had a great time. It was my first time there and I never felt weird or anything like that."..."I liked the weather and everything else (in Tempe)," said Darby. "I already feel like part of the team."...was also pursued by Arizona, Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington before committing to ASU...committed to ASU on Jan. 30, 2010...coached by Kirk Diego at Millikan High School.
Chris DeArmas OL Jr. 6-4 305 Miami, Fla. (El Camino JC)
A 2009 graduate of El Camino College in Torrance, Calif...a versatile offensive lineman that enrolled at ASU in January and will participate in spring drills...an aggressive, physical athlete...bench presses 375-pounds, squats 425 and power cleans 275...is very athletic for his size and excels at run blocking and pass protection... has three years to play two at ASU ...was a key contributor for one of the top junior colleges in California over the past two years...El Camino posted a 20-5 record during DeArmas' two-year career...one of three junior college offensive linemen to sign with ASU this year...is one of four midyear junior college transfers in ASU's 2010 class and one of six total junior college transfers to sign with the Sun Devils this year...was a teammate of fellow offensive lineman Aderious Simmons at El Camino...will compete to fill a void at starting right guard...also played right tackle at El Camino and has the ability to play center as well...originally signed with South Florida out of high school...graduated from Southwest Miami (Fla.) Senior High School in 2005...was rated by Rivals.com as the No. 19 offensive guard prospect in the nation as a senior and the No. 49 overall recruit in the state of Florida...was ranked as the No. 71 senior offensive guard prospect in the nation by Scout.com...was a two-time All-Dade County selection and played in the Dade County All-Star Game...was Class 6A Third-Team All-State and the No. 33 overall prospect in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel...rated as the state of Florida's No.44 overall recruit by the Tampa Tribune...played in the CaliFlorida Bowl and was named to the Nike South Florida All-Star Game...graded out at 92-percent as a junior averaging better than three pancake blocks per game and was named All-Dade County..."The facilities (at ASU) are second to none," said DeArmas. "The practice facility, everything being located at Sun Devil Stadium, it's a good situation."...chose ASU over Florida International, Memphis, Nevada and South Florida..."I really like what Coach (Dennis) Erickson brings to the table," said DeArmas. "He and (offensive line coach Gregg Smith) have been together for a long time, they have won championships and know what it takes to win."...verbally committed to ASU on Dec. 6, 2009..."They put guys in the league and coached in the NFL," said DeArmas. "So at the end of the day they know what it takes to get to that level and that's what every player wants."...coached by Patrick Burrows at Southwest Miami and by John Featherstone at El Camino College.
Jamil Douglas OL Fr. 6-5 252 Cypress, Calif. (Cypress HS)
Tremendously gifted player with the potential to develop into an athletic, forceful lineman...rated as the No. 65 offensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com...is considered to be very aggressive, tenacious and quick off the snap...a versatile player that saw action at tight end, defensive line and offensive line during his prep career...played tight end/H-back as a senior after primarily being featured at left tackle during the early part of his high school career...provides excellent promise at offensive tackle for the Sun Devils with his combination of intensity and athletic acumen...caught three passes for 79 yards and one touchdown on the year...carried four times for 19 yards...bench presses 300 pounds, squats 475 and power cleans 325...chose ASU over Nebraska, San Diego State and Utah...first name is pronounced "Juh-MILL"...committed to ASU on Dec. 18, 2009.
Eddie Elder DB Jr. 6-0 190 Sacramento, Calif. (College of San Mateo)
A 2009 graduate of the College of San Mateo (Calif.)...one of the nation's most accomplished junior college defensive backs over the past two seasons...enrolled at ASU in January and will participate in spring drills...is one of four midyear junior college transfers in ASU's 2010 class and one of six total junior college transfers to sign with the Sun Devils this year...the only defensive junior college prospect to sign with ASU this year...has the ability to play any position in the secondary...will compete to help replace departed starting safeties Jarrell Holman and Ryan McFoy...has three years to play two at ASU...runs a 4.46 40-yard dash...has excellent ball skills and is a fierce tackler...covers ground well in the defensive secondary and has excellent speed and burst with the ball in his hands...was named the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year for California junior colleges and a First-Team Junior College All-American by Scout.com...regarded as a four-star prospect by Scout.com...intercepted 14 passes over his two seasons at the College of San Mateo...added 119 total tackles during that span...totaled 70 tackles, seven interceptions and four forced fumbles as a sophomore in 2009...recorded 49 tackles, seven interceptions and two sacks as a freshman in 2008...attended Burbank High School in Sacramento, Calif....selected ASU over Arizona, New Mexico State, Tulsa and Utah...committed to ASU on Jan. 16, 2010...coached by John Heffernan at Burbank High School and by Larry Owens at the College of San Mateo.
Josh Fulton TE Fr. 6-5 235 Phoenix, Ariz. (St. Mary's HS)
Unquestionably rated as the state of Arizona's top senior tight end recruit...one of the premier athletes at his position on the west coast...excelled at tight end, defensive end and punter for the Knights...earned Second-Team All-Arizona Class 5A honors by the Arizona Republic in 2009...has the skill set to line up in multiple receiving positions...attended the same high school as current Sun Devil running back James Morrison...was a teammate of ASU freshman Demetrius Walker on St. Mary's Arizona state champion basketball squad in 2008-09...has excellent hands and concentration on the field and is a tremendous red zone threat...very athletic and has the frame to shield defenders...has the build to add more weight without sacrificing his athleticism...earned a four-star rating from Rivals.com...regarded as a SuperPrep preseason All-American and the No. 6 tight end in the nation...also rated the No. 5 overall prospect in the preseason by SuperPrep...ranked as the No. 14 tight end prospect in the country by Rivals.com...also regarded as the No. 4 overall prospect in the state of Arizona by Rivals.com...listed as the No. 16 tight end prospect in the country by Scout.com...ranked by Scout.com as the top tight end and the top defensive lineman in the state of Arizona...rated by ESPN Scouts, Inc. as the No. 17 tight end recruit in the nation...also listed by Scout.com as the No. 6 tight end and the No. 90 overall prospect in its West 150 list...caught 11 passes for 99 yards with two touchdowns as a senior...added one rushing touchdown, blocked one field goal and also averaged 35.5 yards on 35 punts...missed action due to injury...had four receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown against eventual state champion Chandler Hamilton High School on Aug. 27, 2009...tied for the team lead with 26 receptions as a junior in 2008, totaling 304 yards with six touchdown catches...added 27 tackles and 10 quarterback sacks...averaged 33.2 yards on 29 punts...earned First-Team All-Region honors on both offense and defense...caught four passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns against Gilbert High School on Sept. 26, 2008...had a season-high 59 receiving yards on four receptions with one score against Phoenix North High School on Oct. 3, 2008...caught two touchdown passes totaling 27 yards against eventual state runner-up Phoenix Brophy Prep on Oct. 24, 2008...collected a season-high 4.0 quarterback sacks and added two catches for 17 yards and one touchdown against Anthem Boulder Creek High School on Sept. 5, 2008...registered 2.0 sacks on two occasions...selected ASU over Boise State, California, Colorado and Washington, among others..."I just see where the program is headed...and I want to be a part of it," said Fulton...coached by Eddy Zubey at St. Mary's High School.
Taylor Kelly QB Fr. 6-3 185 Eagle, Idaho (Eagle HS)
The 2009-10 Gatorade Idaho Football Player of the Year and ASU's lone quarterback signee of the 2010 class...a mobile, dual-threat quarterback and an excellent leader on the field...regarded as the top senior football player in the state of Idaho by Scout.com...the only player from Idaho to sign an FBS letter of intent to attend a BCS conference university this year...has the ability to make plays on the run in the passing game...listed as the top quarterback and No. 2 overall recruit in the state of Idaho by Rivals.com...strongly admires ASU Hall of Fame quarterback and fellow Idahoan Jake Plummer...rated the No. 84 quarterback prospect in the country by Scout.com...runs a 4.65 40-yard dash...ranked as the top quarterback and the No. 4 overall prospect in Rocky Mountain States Postseason Top-10 by Rivals.com...led Eagle High School to an 11-1 record in 2009 and the Class 5A State Championship...completed 182-0f-265 passes (68.7-percent) for 2,509 yards and 22 touchdowns in addition to 1,005 rushing yards on 156 carries (6.1 avg.) with 10 scores...threw for over 200 yards four times and rushed for over 100 yards in four games...also added 35 tackles (29 solo) with 11 pass deflections, one fumble recovery and one blocked field goal...passed for 161 yards and a touchdown and had 103 yards and two scores in the state championship game...rushed for a season-high 162 yards on 12 carries with two touchdowns and added 200 passing yards and two touchdown passes against Meridian Rocky Mountain High School on Oct. 23, 2009...threw for a season-high 261 yards on 19-of-28 passing against Boise Centennial High School on Oct. 30, 2009...tied his season-high of three touchdown passes and added 252 passing yards against Boise Borah High School on Oct. 15, 2009...rushed for 144 yards on 13 carries and passed for 126 yards with three touchdown passes against Boise High School on Oct. 8, 2009...completed 119-of-192 passes (62.0-percent) for 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior in 2008 despite missing time due to an injury...also carried 77 times for 423 yards (5.5 avg.) with five touchdowns that year..."Arizona State has been my dream school ever since I was little," Kelly said. "I like the warm weather, the stadium is great and playing in the Pac-10 against quality competition is a great opportunity." ...volunteers with youth football programs...chose ASU over Nevada...verbally committed to the Sun Devils on Jan. 16, 2010...coached by Paul Peterson at Eagle High School.
Randy Knust WR Fr. 6-3 200 The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS)
Tremendously productive, athletic receiver with intriguing upside...explosive, physical playmaker that averaged 26.3 yards-per-catch during his junior and senior seasons...has an excellent combination of size, speed and technical skills...runs a 4.41 40-yard dash...has a 35-inch vertical leap...squats 345 pounds...ranked by Scout.com as the No. 130 wide receiver prospect in the country...caught 33 passes for 806 yards (24.4 avg.) and 11 touchdowns as a senior...the Highlanders posted an 11-1 record on the season...caught 15 passes for 455 yards as a junior...ranked second on the team in both categories and averaged a remarkable 30.3 yards-per-catch...caught three touchdown passes...also participated on kickoff returns...helped The Woodlands to a 9-2 record on the season...committed to the Sun Devils on June 30, 2009...chose ASU over SMU..."It was an awesome visit and I liked everything about it," Knust said when he officially visited Tempe. "The coaches are what I liked the most about the visit. I know (the coaching staff) can make me a better wide receiver, because (they have) coached guys like Terrell Owens, Jerry Rice and Chad (Ochocinco). During my visit, I really could see myself playing there."...last name is pronounced 'Nust'...coached by Mark Schmid at The Woodlands High School.
Deantre Lewis RB Fr. 5-10 189 Norco, Calif. (Norco HS)
One of the nation's most exciting running backs and the top offensive freshman signee in ASU's 2010 class...a speedy, electrifying runner that emerged into one of California's most prominent rushing threats...has game-changing breakaway speed...runs a 4.37 40-yard dash...seamlessly changes directions and has phenomenal instincts...enjoyed a spectacular senior season and developed into one of the brightest runners on the west coast...a three-year varsity star for one of Southern California's elite programs...one of five Norco products to sign with ASU since the hiring of head coach Dennis Erickson, joining fellow 2010 signee Carl Bradford and offensive linemen Garth Gerhart, Kyle Johnson and Adam Tello...comes from the same offense that produced 2009 Heisman Trophy runner-up Toby Gerhart, also a Norco alum...named First-Team All-Golden State by GoldenStatePreps.com...regarded as a four-star prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com...named to the All-West-Region list by PrepStar as a senior...listed by Scout.com as the No 260 overall recruit in the nation...regarded as the No. 64 overall prospect in the Farwest region by SuperPrep...ranked by Rivals.com as the nation's No. 20 running back prospect...also considered to be the No. 6 running back in the state of California and the state's No. 38 overall recruit by Rivals.com...listed as the No. 22 running back prospect in the nation by Scout.com...totaled 4,669 rushing yards and 58 touchdowns during his three-year varsity career...carried 237 times for 2,383 yards (10.1 avg.) with 31 touchdowns as a senior...also caught two passes for 74 yards and one score...he ran for over 135 yards 11 times...surpassed the 200-yard rushing mark four times and went over 300 yards once...his season low in rushing was 98 yards...had three or more rushing touchdowns seven times...collected a season-high 336 rushing yards on 26 carries with three touchdowns against Riverside North High School on Oct. 9, 2009...also threw a 64-yard touchdown pass in that game...scored a season-high five rushing touchdowns and had 222 yards on only 12 carries, including a season-long 81-yard run against La Quinta High School on Sept. 25, 2009...tallied a season-high 33 carries for 273 yards and four touchdowns against Corona Santiago High School on Oct. 23, 2009...totaled 264 rushing yards on only 14 carries with four touchdowns against Riverside Poly High School on Nov. 13, 2009...submitted 187 rushing yards on 11 carries with three touchdowns and added a 54-yard touchdown reception against Rialto Carter High School on Nov. 20, 2009...ran for 1,836 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior in 2008...tallied 321 rushing yards on 21 carries six touchdowns against Riverside J.W. North High School...totaled 38 carries for 450 yards (11.8 avg.) with six touchdowns and caught three passes for 43 yards and one score as a sophomore in 2007...chose ASU over Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA and USC... "I like the Arizona State coaches, the players they have there, the facilities," said Lewis. "I really like Coach Bryce Erickson. He's expecting big things from me this year and I know he can make me a better player and get me to the next level. He's very enthusiastic about everything he does...I really trust him."...coached at Norco by Todd Gerhart, the father of Sun Devil offensive lineman Garth Gerhart..."I love (ASU's) facilities, and the climate is great," said Lewis. "Academically, I like it a lot and the coaches I love," said Lewis. "It's a program that is becoming big in the next couple of years."
Jordan McDonald DE Fr. 6-4 225 Scottsdale, Ariz. (Saguaro HS)
The state of Arizona's premier defensive end recruit and a three-year contributor on one of the state's elite prep programs...an excellent pass rusher...exhibits great footwork and has a quick first step...earned All-Arizona and First-Team All-Arizona Class 4A honors by the Arizona Republic in 2009...participated on two state champion squads at Saguaro and follows a long line of Sabercats that became Sun Devils...was a teammate of current Sun Devils Corey Adams, Kody Koebensky and Max Smith at Saguaro...Sun Devil safety Max Tabach also attended Saguaro, as did former ASU defensive end Kyle Caldwell, who served as a position coach on Saguaro's staff during McDonald's tenure there...runs a 4.73 40-yard dash...listed as the No. 10 overall prospect in the state of Arizona in the preseason by SuperPrep...ranked by Scout.com as the No. 63 defensive end in the nation...also rated by Scout.com as the No. 10 defensive end and the No. 87 overall prospect in its West 150 list...labeled as the No. 14 overall prospect in the state of Arizona by Rivals.com...totaled 18.0 sacks over his high school career...collected 79 tackles and 14.0 quarterback sacks as a senior...totaled a season-high 4.0 sacks and three additional tackles against Phoenix Sunnyslope High School on Sept. 11, 2009...posted 2.0 sacks in three games...tallied a season-high 11 tackles against Tempe McClintock High School on Oct. 22, 2009 and collected 10 tackles and 2.0 sacks against Glendale Independence High School on Nov. 20, 2009...totaled 33 tackles and 3.0 sacks as a junior in 2008 on Saguaro's undefeated Arizona Class 4A-I State Champion squad...had season-highs of nine tackles and 2.0 sacks against Apache Junction High School on Oct. 24, 2008...that Apache Junction squad featured current Sun Devil Shane McCullen...chipped in four tackles and one sack against Avondale Agua Fria High School on Sept. 19, 2008...totaled three tackles and one sack in a reserve role as a sophomore on Saguaro's undefeated Arizona Class 4A-I State Champion squad in 2007...verbally committed to ASU on Dec. 14, 2009...chose the Sun Devils over Colorado, Fresno State, Nevada, New Mexico and New Mexico State, among others...coached by John Sanders at Saguaro High School.
Kyle Middlebrooks WR/RB Fr. 5-9 176 Fountain Valley, Calif. (Fountain Valley HS)
One of the fastest student-athletes in the state of California...has amazing breakaway speed...very tough to tackle when he gains separation...runs a 4.38 40-yard dash and a 10.48 100-meter dash...also a standout track runner at Fountain Valley...has the ability to play either running back or wide receiver...a quick, speedy threat to go the distance any time he has the ball...compares favorably to former Sun Devil Rudy Burgess...rated by Rivals.com as the No. 19 all-purpose back in the nation...ranked as the No. 133 overall prospect in the Farwest region in the preseason by SuperPrep...listed as the No. 105 running back prospect in the country by Scout.com...totaled 3,063 rushing yards on 362 carries (8.5 avg.) with 42 touchdowns as well as 41 receptions for 556 yards (13.6 avg.) with five touchdowns during his three-year varsity career...led Fountain Valley in rushing all three seasons...rushed for 1,347 yards on 157 carries (8.6 avg.) with 20 touchdowns as a senior and also caught 22 passes for 316 yards (14.4 avg.) with four touchdowns...had a season-high 271 rushing yards on 27 carries with four touchdowns against San Diego Scripps Ranch on Oct. 2, 2009...totaled 215 rushing yards on 19 carries with four touchdowns against Huntington Beach Marina High School on Oct. 16, 2009...added three receptions for 63 yards and two touchdown catches in that game to total a season-high six all-purpose scores...carried 24 times for 169 yards and one score and had a pair of receptions for 28 yards against Long Beach Millikan High School on Sept. 25, 2009...that Millikan squad featured fellow ASU signee Alden Darby...tallied 131 rushing yards on 18 carries with three touchdowns against Tesoro High School on Sept. 11, 2009...fellow ASU signee Sil Ajawara appeared for Tesoro in that game...carried 149 yards for 1,276 yards (8.6 avg.) with 15 touchdowns as a junior in 2008...added 12 receptions for 173 yards (14.4 avg.) with one score...led Fountain Valley with 16 total touchdowns...totaled 252 rushing yards on 19 carries with three touchdowns against Garden Grove Pacifica High School on Sept. 19, 2008...gained 146 yards on 17 carries with three touchdowns and added two catches for 92 yards and a score against Henderson (Nev.) Foothill High School on Aug. 29, 2008...carried 21 times for 218 yards with one touchdown and added a season-high four receptions against Newport Harbor High School on Oct. 23, 2008...rushed 56 times for 440 yards (7.9 avg.) with seven scores and added six catches for 67 yards as a sophomore in 2007...ran for a season-high 181 yards on 17 carries with three touchdowns against Garden Grove Pacifica High School on Sept. 14, 2007...finished fourth in the state of California running a 10.5 100-meter dash...chose ASU over Arizona, San Diego State, UNLV, Utah and Washington... "I really liked my visit to Arizona State and I connected with the players right away," said Middlebrooks. "I liked the coaches and everything else about the school and I could see myself playing there. ...verbally committed to the Sun Devils on Jan. 23, 2010...coached by John Shipp at Fountain Valley High School.
Nduka Onyeali DE/LB Fr. 6-1 240 Denver, Colo. (Mullen HS)
A sensational pass-rusher and ASU's top defensive high school signee for the 2010 class...earned Second-Team All-America honors by MaxPreps.com...has the ability to either play defensive end or linebacker...likely will begin at defensive end and compete to help replace departed four-year starting end Dexter Davis...tremendously powerful, explosive and fast...dominant in the weight room and on the field, he bench presses 435 pounds and squats 554...runs a 4.56 40-yard dash...has a 33-inch vertical leap and runs a 10.8-second 100-meter dash...is very difficult to block as an edge rusher...regarded as a four-star prospect by Rivals.com...has the abilities to overpower and outrun offensive linemen...rated the No. 48 overall prospect in the Midlands region in the preseason...was named the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year in the state of Colorado and earned All-Colorado and All-Class 5A honors by the Denver Post...ranked as the No. 18 strong side defensive end in the nation and the No. 3 overall prospect in the state of Colorado by Rivals.com...listed as the No. 56 defensive end recruit in the country by Scout.com...totaled 16 quarterback sacks and approximately 90 tackles as a senior in 2009...helped lead Mullen to an undefeated season and the Colorado Class 5A state championship...recorded over 100 tackles and 19 sacks as a junior in 2008...chose ASU over interest from Colorado, Colorado State, Kansas State, Minnesota, Syracuse, TCU and USC...verbally committed to the Sun Devils on Dec. 30, 2009... "What made Arizona State stand-out was the feeling that I had when I took my official visit there," said Onyeali. "They play in the Pac-10 so it will be a chance to compete at a high level."...first and last names are pronounced "N-DOO-kuh ohn-YEA-li"...is also referred to as "Junior"...coached by Dave Logan at Mullen High School.
Brice Schwab OL Jr. 6-8 320 West Sunbury, Pa. (Palomar College)
A 2009 graduate of Palomar Community College in San Marcos, Calif....one of the most dominant junior college offensive linemen in the country... widely regarded as the most prominent member of ASU's 2010 signing class...a huge athlete with an incredible wingspan and the physical tools to be an overpowering force for ASU...joins quarterback Brock Osweiler as the tallest players on the Sun Devil roster...ranked as the No. 9 overall junior college prospect in the nation and the No. 2 junior college offensive line recruit by Rivals.com... named to the All-West-Region list by PrepStar as a sophomore at Palomar...one of three junior college offensive linemen to sign with ASU this year...is one of four midyear junior college transfers in ASU's 2010 class and one of six total junior college transfers to sign with the Sun Devils this year...enrolled at ASU in January and will participate in spring drills...will compete to help replace starting offensive tackles Shawn Lauvao and Tom Njunge...can play either left or right tackle...will have three years to play two at ASU...regarded as a four-star prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com...has incredible size and dominates in pass protection...started every game at right tackle as a freshman in 2008 and earned All-League and All-Region honors...was named First-Team All-Southern Conference...a 2008 graduate of Moniteau High School in West Sunbury, Pa....was a First-team All-Keystone Shortway Conference selection on both the offensive and defensive line as a senior during the 2007 season...played three seasons of varsity football and also participated in track and field...was ranked in the Top 30 in the state of Pennsylvania as a senior...after earning Second-Team All-Conference recognition in 2006 as a junior, played in the West Pennsylvania All-Star Game...was a Glen Armstrong Award winner...had five sacks in the Warriors' 39-6 victory over Strattonville (Pa.) Clarion-Limestone on Aug. 31, 2006...is the only Pennsylvania native on the Sun Devil football roster...chose ASU over offers from Arizona, Arkansas, Florida State, LSU, Oklahoma, Penn State, Pittsburgh, UCLA, USC and Washington..."I really bought into the coaching staff there, especially the offensive line coach (Gregg Smith)," said Schwab. "I really like the way they run things there and I want to be a part of that...I am ecstatic about it."...committed to ASU on Jan. 20, 2010..."My expectations are I just want to compete and strive to earn a starting spot," said Schwab. "I'm going to (work hard) for Arizona State and try my hardest to be a starter. I'm definitely going to give it my all...the ball is in my court and it's time for me to step up and take care of business."...coached by Joe Early at Palomar Community College.
Aderious Simmons OL RS-Jr.* 6-7 310 Marrero, La. (El Camino JC)
A physically imposing lineman with incredible size...will be one of the tallest Sun Devils on the roster upon his arrival in the fall...one of three junior college offensive linemen to sign with ASU this year...was a teammate of fellow signee Chris DeArmas at El Camino...has two years of eligibility to play at ASU...has the ability to play either offensive tackle position and is an excellent athlete for a player his size...will compete to help replace starting tackles Shawn Lauvao and Tom Njunge...was the starting left tackle for El Camino in 2009...played at Pasadena (Calif.) City College in 2008 before transferring to El Camino...Pasadena provided ASU cornerback Terell Carr and offensive lineman Tom Njunge the year before...played both left and right tackle that season...was a basketball standout while at Ehret High School and was coached by Al Collins...did not play high school football...joins defensive tackle Jonathan English as the only Louisiana natives on the Sun Devil roster...chose ASU over San Diego State and Utah...had interest from the University of Miami (Fla.) during his high school career..."Everything was real good, as I expected," Simmons said of his official visit to ASU. "The coaches were real professional, I liked the area. Everything was impressive. I'm very excited, it's almost indescribable. I feel real blessed"...coached by John Featherstone at El Camino College.
Devan Spann CB Fr. 5-11 175 Gardena, Calif. (Junipero Serra HS)
Athletic defender from a powerhouse prep program...has excellent awareness in coverage...is a very flexible defender and has great hands...ranked as the No. 74 cornerback prospect in the nation and the No. 12 player at his position by Rivals.com...rated as the No. 109 cornerback in the nation by Scout.com...was a two year starter for Serra, one of the premier programs in the state of California...a talented track athlete and may run track at ASU...runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and has a 36-inch vertical leap...totaled 64 tackles (30 solo), 12 pass deflections, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and one blocked punt as a senior...also caught eight passes for 212 yards (26.5 avg.) with two touchdowns and added 15 carries for 277 yards (18.5 avg.) with four touchdowns...also completed both passes he attempted for 26 yards...had five games with six or more tackles on the year...helped guide Serra to a perfect 15-0 season and a victory in the CIF State D-III championship game in 2009...had a key interception return for a touchdown in Serra's semifinal victory over Oaks Christian High School...had a career-high 11 tackles and three pass deflections against Carson High School on Sept. 18, 2009...totaled eight tackles and a 50-yard touchdown run against Redondo High School on Sept. 11, 2009...ran for a season-high 111 yards on only three carries with one touchdown against Playa del Rey St. Bernard High School on Sept. 25, 2009...had a season-long 65-yard touchdown reception against Torrance Bishop Montgomery on Oct. 16, 2009...totaled 35 tackles (18 solo) and four interceptions as a junior in 2008...added five receptions for 122 yards (24.4 avg.) with two touchdowns on offense...had five games with four or more tackles...had a season-high six tackles on two occasions...recorded an interception and an 18-yard touchdown catch against San Gabriel High School on Sept. 19, 2008...caught a 55-yard touchdown pass, collected four tackles and an interception against El Segundo High School on Dec. 6, 2008...played sparingly on varsity as a sophomore in 2007, catching three passes for 11 yards and one touchdown and adding one tackle on defense..."The all-around academics, the football team, the track program, all of that stood out," said Spann. "Everything seems to be in line, they'll make sure I graduate before anything else."...chose ASU over interest from New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV and Washington State...verbally committed to the Sun Devils on Dec. 20, 2009...coached by Scott Altenberg at Serra High School.
Tyler Sulka OL Fr. 6-5 270 Sherman Oaks, Calif. (Notre Dame HS)
Talented lineman from one of California's elite high school football programs...primarily played right tackle in high school and was a featured member of one of California's top prep offensive lines...named to the All-West-Region list by PrepStar as a senior...rated as the No. 117 offensive tackle in the country by Scout.com...is considered to be a great run blocker and is a very coachable athlete...has great size and executes tremendous technique...uses his long arms to shield off defenders...bench presses 285 pounds, squats 500 and power cleans 308...has a 30-inch vertical leap..."(Associate Athletic Director) Jean (Boyd) does a great job and is on top of everything," said Sulka. "Meeting with him was probably my favorite part of the visit."...earned First-Team All-Serra League as a junior in 2008..."(My parents) loved everything about (ASU)," said Sulka. "They were really impressed with the academics part of the visit and so was I."...selected ASU over San Diego State and UNLV...coached by Kevin Rooney at Notre Dame High School.
Joita Te'i DL Fr. 6-5 255 Oceanside, Calif. (El Camino HS)
Versatile defensive lineman with excellent upside and versatility...can play any position on the defensive line...is likely to be a defensive tackle at ASU...a two-time All-League selection...listed as the No. 38 weak side defensive end in the nation and the No. 77 overall prospect in the state of California by Rivals.com...rated as the No. 129 defensive end in the country by Scout.com...verbally committed to ASU on Dec. 3, 2009.."My family loved it (on his official visit to ASU)," Te'i said. "I'd never seen the ASU campus before. It's a great campus and the facilities are amazing, especially the weight room. We had a lot of fun and hung out with the players and had a good time"...chose ASU over Washington..."The support from the school and the coaching staff was big," said Te'i. "I really loved the weight room. It's state of the art."...coached by Pulu Poumele at El Camino High School... "I know he is going to represent Arizona State and El Camino with pride," said Poumele. "He's diligent in the classroom and the weight room. He's very quick for his size and he comes off the ball very well. He has that nasty attitude that defensive linemen need and he will fit very well with the Sun Devils."...first and last names are pronounced "Joe-EE-tah TAY-ee".
Calvin Tonga DL Fr. 6-4 320 Riverside, Calif. (Arlington HS)
Massive lineman with the potential to provide a powerful force to the Sun Devil defense...was primarily evaluated by recruiting services as an offensive lineman but will begin his ASU career at defensive tackle...primarily played nose tackle in a 3-4 defensive alignment during his prep career...will be ASU's largest defensive lineman upon his arrival in the fall...has the ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and is very physical and nasty at the point of attack...ranked as the nation's No. 124 offensive guard prospect by Scout.com...a weight room powerhouse, he can bench press 350 pounds, squat 560 and power clean 255...posted 40 tackles and six sacks as a senior in 2009...starred on both lines for Arlington...also helped the team accumulate over 4,000 rushing yards on the year as the anchor of the offensive line...helped the Lions to a 10-2 record before losing to Norco High School in the second round of the playoffs...that Norco squad featured fellow ASU signees Carl Bradford and Deantre Lewis...was named to the Riverside Press-Enterprise's All-Area Team and was chosen to play in the Inland Empire All-Star Classic as a two-way lineman...had a season-high eight tackles against Corona (Calif.) High School and one sack on Sept. 11, 2009...recorded a season-best 3.0 sacks against Moreno Valley (Calif.) Vista del Lago High School on Nov. 13, 2009...was a First-Team All-Inland Valley selection at defensive line as a junior in 2008...chose ASU over Idaho, San Diego State and UTEP...verbally committed to ASU on Jan. 30, 2010. "I like everything about the program (at ASU)," said Tonga. "They already have the best defense in the Pac-10 and I'm happy that I can come in and contribute and bring aggressiveness."...coached by Pat McCarthy at Arlington High School..."Calvin is the best defensive lineman in the area and the best two-way lineman in the area," says McCarthy. "He's best lineman we've had or probably ever will have at this school, and we've had a guy go onto the NFL. He's a warrior that averaged 80 to 90 plays a game, which is pretty amazing for a 6-4, 320-pounder. He wears down people playing one way against him."
Taylor Walstad RB Fr. 5-11 210 Chandler, Ariz. (Chandler HS)
The first prospect in the state of Arizona for the 2010 cycle to provide his college commitment and ASU's first verbal pledge of the year, committing on Feb. 27, 2009...immediately committed to ASU upon earning a scholarship offer...unanimously regarded as the top senior running back prospect in the state of Arizona...a very powerful runner... named to the All-West-Region list by PrepStar as a senior...rated the No. 37 running back prospect in the country by Rivals.com...listed as the No. 6 overall recruit in the state of Arizona by Rivals.com...rated as the No. 11 overall prospect in the state of Arizona by SuperPrep...also saw time at linebacker...rated the No. 51 running back prospect in the nation and the No. 12 overall prospect in the state of Arizona by Scout.com...totaled 122 carries for 1,057 yards (8.7 avg.) and 11 touchdowns during his two-year varsity career...rushed for 468 yards on only 48 carries (9.8 avg.) and four touchdowns as a senior despite missing time due to injury...also caught three passes for 50 yards and one touchdown...gained 127 yards on 10 carries with two touchdowns in the season opener against Mesa Skyline High School on Aug. 28, 2009 before missing nearly two months due to injury...totaled 70 rushing yards on only seven carries against Phoenix Desert Vista High School on Oct. 23, 2009...recorded season-highs of 15 carries for 155 yards against Mesa Mountain View High School on Nov. 20, 2009...ran for 589 yards on 74 carries (8.0 avg.) and seven scores in primarily a reserve role as a junior but still earned Honorable Mention All-Fiesta Region accolades...also caught six passes for 102 yards...had five games with 70 or more rushing yards despite only having one game with over nine carries...added 18 tackles (10 solo)...gained a season-high 144 yards and two touchdowns on only five carries against Yuma High School on Oct. 3, 2008...totaled 90 rushing yards and one touchdown on a season-high 17 carries against eventual state champion Chandler Hamilton High School on Nov. 7, 2008..."I am very impressed with ASU, Coach Erickson and their commitment to winning and education," says Walstad. "Playing for the Devils is a dream come true for me. I would really like playing in my home town and it is where I would like to play"...chose ASU over Louisville..."I have a lot of friends at ASU and they told me all about it," said Walstad. "It's my hometown. I love Arizona. The coaching staff is great. They have great coaches, I like the offense and how everything works. I just fell in love with the school and the tradition and everything."...coached by Jim Ewan at Chandler High School.
Damien Williams ATH Fr. 6-0 205 San Diego, Calif. (Mira Mesa HS)
One of the most productive running backs in the state of California as a senior...has a tremendous balance of power and speed...can effectively break tackles and has superb cutback abilities...starred on offense, defense and special teams for Mira Mesa and has the ability to contribute in several areas at ASU...ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 35 running back in the nation...also listed by Rivals.com as the No. 12 running back in the state of California and the state's No. 75 overall prospect...regarded as the No. 104 running back in the nation by Scout.com...totaled 2,287 yards on 231 carries (9.9 avg.) with 24 touchdowns as a senior...added two catches for 18 yards...recorded eight games with at least 200 rushing yards and posted six games with three or more touchdowns...added 39 tackles (32 solo) with two interceptions and one fumble recovery on defense...averaged 26.9 yards on 12 kickoff returns and also returned punts...had a season-high 327 yards on 26 carries with four touchdowns against Chula Vista High School on Oct. 2, 2009...carried a season-high 32 times for 270 yards with three scores against San Diego Lincoln High School on Nov. 13, 2009...gained 277 rushing yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns against Carlsbad High School on Nov. 20, 2009...scored four times and totaled 219 rushing yards on 31 carries against San Diego Scripps Ranch High School on Nov. 6, 2009...totaled 539 yards on 92 carries (5.9 avg.) with two touchdowns as a junior in 2008...added seven receptions for 69 yards...had four games with 75 or more rushing yards...collected 23 tackles (20 solo) and one interception on defense...averaged 38.6 yards on five kickoff returns and 11.5 yards on punt returns...totaled a season-high 126 rushing yards on 16 carries against Vista High School on Sept. 5, 2008...gained 102 yards on only eight carries against San Diego St. Augustine High School on Oct. 31, 2008...recorded a season-high 20 carries against La Mesa Helix High School on Sept. 12, 2008... "I loved everything about this visit (to ASU)," Williams said. "Especially the people. Everyone I met, the players, the coaches were so welcoming. I have a great relationship with Coach Bryce (Erickson). I didn't want to go a team where people don't get along. I wanted to go to a place where you can tell everyone likes each other and that's how I felt on the visit."...chose ASU over San Diego State...verbally committed to ASU on Dec. 13, 2009...coached by Gary Blevins at Mira Mesa High School.
Mike Willie WR Jr. 6-4 215 Long Beach, Calif. (Cerritos CC)
One of the top junior college wide receivers in the state of California...very physical receiver...prides himself on his blocking skills in addition to his talents in the passing game...has excellent size and presents a constant mismatch to defenders...runs a 4.48 40-yard dash...was a teammate of ASU defensive back LeQuan Lewis at Cerritos in 2008...has three years to play two at ASU...totaled 76 catches for 1,106 yards and four touchdowns in 22 games at Cerritos College...caught 39 passes for 760 receiving yards (19.5 avg.) and two touchdowns in 11 games as a sophomore in 2009...led Cerritos in receptions and receiving yards...earned Second-Team All-Conference honors...participated in the Triumphant Sports Junior College All-American Game in Chandler, Ariz., in December and caught a 35-yard touchdown pass in that game, helping Team California defeat Team USA, 19-14...caught 37 passes for 346 yards (9.4 avg.) with two touchdowns in 11 games as a freshman in 2008...ranked second on the team in receptions and third in receiving yards...graduated in 2008 from Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, Calif.... totaled nearly 1,600 receiving yards over his three-year varsity career... was named All-CIF as a senior and All-Moore League after his junior and senior seasons...had 700 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a senior...caught 50 passes for 810 yards and six touchdowns as a junior... had a season-high 11 catches for 154 yards with one touchdown against Norwalk High School on Nov. 2, 2006...caught five passes for 136 yards with one touchdown against Long Beach Millikan High School on Nov. 9, 2006...totaled a season-best 155 receiving yards on nine receptions with one touchdown against Anaheim Servite High School on Nov. 17, 2006...tied for second on the team with three touchdown catches and had five total receptions for 83 yards as a sophomore...had a season-high three receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns against Long Beach Millikan High School on Nov. 10, 2005..."They're real good people over there at ASU," Willie said. "I feel like they're a family over there, everybody is real comfortable, the coaches take care of their players."...chose ASU over Arizona, Kentucky, San Diego State and Washington...coached by Mario Morales at Woodrow Wilson High School and by Frank Mazzotta at Cerritos College.