Last
season Arizona State was picked to finish near the bottom of the Pac 10, however
they snuck up on some teams and finished in the top 3. The Sun Devils carried that momentum
into recruiting season, as they were able to haul in some great recruits.
Heading
the list is QB Derek Shaw (Oceanside
CA 6-3 210) who is ranked as the #12 quarterback in the country by
SCOUT.com. Shaw originally
committed to Miami but had a change of heart and is headed to Tempe. Last season Shaw threw for 2803 yards
and 30 touchdowns, he moves well in the pocket and possesses a good, live
arm.
The
Sun Devils brought in some very talented wide outs to catch passes from Shaw in
the future. Brandon Smith (Bakersfield CA 6-2 185
4.4) and valley product Chris McGaha
(6-1 185 4.4) will bring their talents to the Devils. Both have good size and good speed. Last season Smith had 34 catches for 718
yards in 8 scores in only 6 games, he is ranked as the #58 wide out in the
country. McGaha dominated the
Valley prep scene and led the Rockets to the state championship. He is also a dynamic return man, McGaha
is listed as the #98 wide out in the country.
One
thing that both backs the Sun Devils landed, share is speed. These two guys can flat out fly. Colorado Springs running back Shaun Dewitty (6-1 190 4.4) is ranked
as the #31 running back in the country.
As a senior he rushed for over 2200 yards and 38 touchdowns. Valley product Keegan Herring (5-9 185 4.37) is simply
one of the fastest players the Sun Devils have ever brought in. Herring had an injury plagued senior
season at Peoria, but was named as the #81 running back in the country. A great return man as well, Herring can
take a punt or kick to the house.
Great
skill guys, but who is going to block for them up front? Highland product Richard Tuitu’u is the highest regarded
offensive lineman in this class.
Tuitu’u brings his massive size (6-5 310) to the Sun Devils, he projects
as a guard at the next level. Other
big men who will join ASU are Shawn
Lauvau (Honolulu Hawaii 6-3 310), Thomas Altieri (Vista HS CA 6-3 285) and JD Walton (Allen TX 6-3 285). Tight end Jovon Williams (Covina HS CA 6-3 225) is the
only tight end brought in this year.
Williams brings his tremendous athleticism to Tempe in the
fall.
On the
defensive side of the ball the Devils did well. At the corner position Grant Crunkelton (Denver CO 5-10 170 ) is
ranked as the #25 corner in the country.
He is a tremendous athlete who excelled on both offense and defense as
well as being a return man.
California corner Travis Smith listed as the #53 corner brings his talents to Tempe. Smith has good size (6-0 160) and is a
sound player. Hoping to bring some
immediate help to the secondary is JC transfer Keno Walter-White (6-1 175) he is a 3
star JC recruit.
Size
is the theme from the safety position.
Derron Ware (6-3 220 4.6) Chris Baloney (6-0 190) and Zach Catanese (6-3 215) all bring their
talents to the valley to help roam the secondary. Baloney and Catanese are both JC
transfers and are both listed as three star recruits.
Two
linebacker prospects are headed to the Sun Devils. Chad Lindsey from Houston Texas (6-0
200) joins the Devils. One very
highly regarded JC transfer who has a chance to compete for a starting spot next
season is Dixie JC product Beau Manutai (6-2 245)
Two
defensive ends and two defensive tackles are headed to the valley. Defensive tackles Will Kofe and Shannon Jones are both JC
transfers. Kofe (6-2 270) and Jones
(6-3 295) are both listed as 3 star recruits. Both could compete for playing time next
season. The defensive ends can get
to the quarterback. Valley product
Dexter Davis from Thunderbird High
School, is a two time all state selection, as well as a state wrestling
champion. Davis has a tremendously
quick first step and uses his hands well.
The other end is Jameson
Hardeman (6-1 245) from Dallas Texas, who finished his senior season with 6
sacks and a spot on the all district team.