SIGNING DAY!  The Devils signed 26 players today, 6 of those being JUCO recruits.  There has been criticism about the number of JUCO signees, but I say its a great way to sure up a porous OL and somewhat brick-handed WR group.  Let's not forget that Ryan Torain was a JUCO transfer and he made an immediate impact in the Devils 10-3 season in 2007.  For a breakdown of each individual recruit, visit scout.com.

What signee are you most excited about?  I am looking forward to seeing George Bell and Mike Willie, who have drawn comparisons to Chad Ochocino and T.J. Houshmanzadeh.  Highly touted Brice Schwab is also a key new Sun Devil who will have a chance to protect whoever our QB is, and open up holes for whoever our RB is.  If there is one thing Sun Devil fans might get excited about, its the possibility of a decent offensive line.

Herb is putting together a good looking recruiting class for 2011.  He recently received a verbal commitment from Kyle Caudill.  Caudill is a 4-star center from Brea, CA.  ESPN.com has him graded as a 95, which makes him the second 95 for the recruiting class.  At 6'10 and 265lbs. Caudill is the inside presence the Devils have been missing these past few years.  While it is early to consider him a lock to be a Devil, we can hope he holds true to his verbal commitment and becomes a great Sun Devil post player.

"Caudill is a work in progress, but he is really beginning to come into his own. His frame is enormous and he doesn't have much bounce, but he is quite effective when he receives the ball in the post. His footwork and fundamentals are continuing to improve and he possesses a remarkable left hand. He has great hands and natural instincts around the basket and he has become a better rebounder in the past year. He keeps the ball high most of the time and his outlet passing has improved. However, there are times when he rebounds (especially on the offensive end) he brings the ball down to gather himself. He can step-out and hit the shot at the elbow, but that area could improve. Even with his limited lift, Caudill, due to his size and skills, will be one of the most heavily recruited prospects in the class of 2011."

-Espn.com

Caudill along with PG Josiah Turner make this Devils recruiting class one that most likely will rank in the top 25.  Turner's skill set has grown significantly over the past six months, which shows how much improvement will be made over the next 2 years.  Pulling in the best point guard prospect in California says a lot about Herb Sendeks ability to recruit quality players early in their high school careers.  2011 is shaping up to be a stellar recruiting class already.

"Turner has definitely grown as a player in the past six months. His passing and handle have always been high-level, but now there are other aspects of his game that are very much improved. His jump shot is much smoother than in the past and he has extended his range out to the stripe. He gets nice lift on his shot and his release is smooth. In addition, his pull-up in transition has become quite potent as well. In addition, it has been well-documented on how well he passes and this weekend was no exception. His passing skills in transition as well as in the half-court set are special. Defensively, he has made strides as well. He doesn't have great lateral quickness, but he did show the ability to get down in a defensive stance and he has very quick hands. Overall, Turner is best point guard prospect in California, regardless of class."

-Espn.com

Josiah Turner... Elite 2011 PG... Nicest Handles and Dimes in Northern Cali... (via Yayareasfinest2006)

Herb's 2008 class - to put it bluntly - was pretty bad.

However, 2009 looks to be a different story, and it could not have come at a better time.

With the departure of James Harden and Jeff Pendergraph, ASU lost it's two best players, its best rebounder, best inside scorers, best best best.

That production will need to be picked up partially by the returning players and partially by the incoming freshman. This class has the potential to make the loss of our two studs sting a little less.

Demetrius Walker - SG 6'3 190, ESPN Scouts, Inc Grade 92, Top 100 player #74

via www.azcentral.com

Walker is an interesting player. Bursting onto the scene 4 years ago via SI labeling him "The Next LeBron", Walker has not exactly become what he was once believed to be. He has not grown taller in those four years like many thought he would and is now a slightly undersized 2-guard, sometimes masquerading as a PG. 

Latest scouting report is from August of '08.

August 2008 -Walker doesn't have great upside, but there are few prospects in the country that play as hard as him. He has a chiseled physique and it's been like that since his freshman year. He is first and foremost a scorer and he can hurt the opposition in many ways. He's at his best in transition where he attacks the basket with reckless abandon - usually with a thunderous dunk. Although he has very good straight-ahead speed and a quick first step to the basket, he has limited lateral quickness. When defenders get into him that can match his strength he struggles getting to the basket. His jump shot has improved since last season, but it's still streaky. He gets great lift on his shot and he can stop on a dime, but most of the time it has a hard landing. He needs to hone his perimeter handle, particularly his left hand, and continue to smoothen out his jump shot to play at the highest level. Despite these drawbacks to his game, his effort level is unquestionable.

2007 - Walker is another victim of the "middle school hype-machine" that elevated him to stardom before taking a bounce at the high school level. After a pedestrian two years of high school basketball it appears Walker is beginning to develop into a solid basketball player with the potential of playing at the division one level someday. He has a solid frame with broad shoulders and long arms. He has a quick first step to the basket and he's quite bouncy - though he's primarily a two-footed jumper. His jump shot (mechanical in its release) needs some refining but he makes enough of them where you have to honor it. His handle - particularly his left hand - needs some polishing, primarily in the half-court set. He's an adept passer - especially in the open court - however in the half-court set he has a flair for the spectacular instead of making the simple play. Walker plays hard at both ends and has the potential to be a solid defender at the next level due to his length - though his lateral quickness is just adequate at this point.

As a freshman I would not be surprised to see Walker start some games, struggle some, then become a stronger contributor later on in Pac-10 play. It will be interesting to see if he can run the team from the PG position, or if he is only interested in being a scorer.

The highlight of our 2009 class, if Walker has an inch or two left in him, he could turn out like Randy Foye or Russell Westbrook - extremely athletic, somewhat of a distrubutor, and a big time scorer.

Expectation for 2009:

Do not be surprised if Walker is in the starting lineup opening night.  He he so athletic he will be an asset on defense and someone who can attack the rim - something we wished Harden would do a bit more last season - with the best of them.

~25-30 minutes
12.5 PPG
4.5 RPG
2.5 APG
2.0 TPG
1 steal

Maybe a little less, maybe a little more. He will take minutes from Ty Abbott, but in a good way. Let Abbott focus more on what he does best, he will not have to carry so much of a load on offense.

Jarrid Bryant
                        WR, 6-4, 185 LBS
                         Fr. Salisbury, Connecticut (Salisbury Prep School)

via media.scout.com

Overview:
Jarrid Bryant, a 6-4, 185-pound wide receiver from Salisbury Prep School in Salisbury, Connecticut, becomes the 22nd student-athlete to sign a National Letter Of Intent to study and play football at Arizona State University.

Bryant originally attended Corona (Calif.) Centennial High School where he was a star basketball player.  He did not play football as a senior in high school.  Teammates from Centennial High School at ASU include current players Ryan Bass, Shelly Lyons and Brandon McGee and fellow 2009 signing classmates Vontaze Burfict and William Sutton

Scouting Report/Verdict:
Tall, versatile athlete...starred at cornerback and wide receiver for the Knights...has excellent speed and height, with the ability to cause significant mismatch problems for opposing defenders...moved to Connecticut in 2006 from Corona, Calif., where he attended Centennial High School with several current Sun Devils...also a very talented basketball player...will be the tallest wide receiver on the team, helping ASU replace 6-foot-4 wide receiver Michael Jones.. caught 10 passes for 140 and two touchdowns in 2008 while playing in a run oriented offense...an incredibly talented returns specialist, he scored five times on kickoff returns and three times on punt returns in 2008...has the ability to make a game-breaking impact each time he touches the ball...

The Decision:
Chose ASU over Boston College, California and Kansas.  "Attending ASU is a wonderful opportunity and I'm ready for it," says Bryant.

Really not sure what we have here, he signed late, did not play football hardly and does not have much info out there about him.

Expect a redshirting.

Marcus Washington
                                      RB, 6'1, 195 LBS ESPN Grade = 73
                                      Fr. Phoenix Arizona (Desert Vista HS)

via www.eastvalleytribune.com

Overview:
The third and final running back recruit of the '09 class, was a teammate of current Sun Devils Allante BAttle, Steven Figueroa and Zeb Togiai on Desert Vista's 2007 Arizona Class 5A-I state championship runner-up squad.

Scouting Report:
Scouts - 

Washington is a good-looking running back prospect on the hoof and shows strong in-line running skills on film. Has a taller frame with well-proportioned bulk. Utilizes size well breaking initial contact and driving the pile. Shows similar strength and toughness when asked to block and seal the edge. Hits the hole with good urgency and does not waste much time squaring up his shoulder pads and accelerating downhill. Shows above average burst out of his cuts for added powewr. Not overly elusive when he breaks free in the second level but will lower the shoulder and barrel over smaller defensive backs. While he shows some burst through the hole, he is a bit straight-lined and struggles finding and fluidly slipping through the small cutback creases. Not a "pick and dart" zone type of runner; lateral foot-quickness and agility are marginal. Does not produce great yards after contact for a downhill power-back with his good bulk. Sturdy runner with good balance but needs to watch body-tilt; tends to run high and could open himself up for big hits. Top-end speed in the second level is just adequate. That said, Washington could continue to physically develop into a 210-pound slasher and a productive change-of-pace runner in college. Good hands and overall receiving skills out of the backfield add to his upside. Physical tools to play outside linebacker or a Bandit/Rover type spot; speed and hips may be better suited on defense. (He will be playing RB)

Accolades:
Rated as the No. 42 running back prospect in the nation by Rivals.com and also regarded by Rivals as the NO. 9 overall player in the state of Arizona and the state's No. 2 running back recruit, behind only fellow ASU signee Jamal Miles.  Named to the Friday Night Heroes list by Phoenix Metro Football Magazine. 

High Sschool Career
Coached by Dan Hinds at Desert Vista High School
Senior Year, 2008
Split carries with several teammates as a senior and carried 63 times for 245 yards with 3 TD. Collected 53 yards on only four carries against Mesa on Sept. 12, 2008. Posted a career-high 16 carries and gained 59 yards and a rushing touchdown against Mesquite on Sept. 26, 2008. Also collected 11 tackles and a fumble recovery
as a defensive back.
Junior Year, 2007
Carried 53 times for 415 yards (7.8 avg.) with 4 TD as a junior and added nine tackles on defense. Gained a career-high 102 yards on only two carries against Yuma on Oct. 12, 2007, both 51-yard touchdown runs. Had a career-high 14 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown against Red Mountain on Nov. 30, 2007. Totaled 51 rushing yards on only four carries with a score against Mountain View on Nov. 16, 2007.

The Decision
"I've always been an Arizona State fan," says Washington, "They have always been my favorite." Chose ASU over Arizona, Utah and Washington State. Committed on Nov. 13, 2008.

The Verdict:
The third and final RB recruit, and as I said with the others, there are only so many carries to go around. Washington is probably the least valuable of the 3 in 2009 and could see a red shirt coming his way. Really not that productive in high school compared to the other guys, hard to know what he really has.

Matthew Tucker
                              S (ATH), 6-3, 190 LBS ESPN Grade = 77
                              Fr. Aurora, Colorado (Grandview HS)

via vmedia.rivals.com

Looks a leeetle bit like Cris Carter


Overview:
The first commitment among ASU's 2009 class, giving his verbal pledge to the Sun Devils on March 20, 2008.  Graduated high school early, enrolled at ASU in January and will compete in spring drills.  One of four midyear enrollees for the Sun Devils and he joins quarterback Brock Osweiler as the only true freshmen among ASU's 2009 class to enroll at ASU early. Played quarterback and in the defensive secondary for Grandview and will begin his Sun Devil career at safety.

Scouting Report:
Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash.  Has excellent size for the safety position (6'3, 190). Scouts - This guy is a long-legged, rangy player that is fluid and smooth for a player that is high cut. He plays as a safety/linebacker hybrid and is often lined up very close to the line of scrimmage. He also plays as an athlete/QB on offense and looks like a wide receiver in terms of movement skills. Is very good looking on the hoof. Defensively, Tucker changes directions well, shows good burst out of cuts and is capable of matching up with slot receivers as well as tight ends in man coverage. Times jumps well, fights for the ball while it's in the air and can come down with jump balls. Has very good hands. Shows good lateral mobility when flowing outside and can string runs out. Has active hands, shows above-average upper body strength and can slide off blockers. Takes sound pursuit angles, relentless and has very good range. Shows good lateral mobility when attacking the line of scrimmage and flashes the ability to get back into the play when bites on misdirection. Covers a lot of ground with long stride. Times blitzes well, shows adequate closing speed and flashes the ability to get to the quarterback coming off the edge. Wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler. In coverage, Tucker has all the skills you want in a high point safety, but he is undisciplined. He can run, but must play under control. Doesn't read keys all that well and takes too many false steps. Has the second gear to recover in most situations, but can be overaggressive, is vulnerable to play action and gets caught out of position too much. Flashes the ability to deliver the big hit, but does not always do so. Overall, Tucker is a good athlete that must continue to develop as a football player. Must hone and sharpen his game.

Accolades:
Regarded as a four-star prospect by Rivals.com Ranked as the No. 23 all-purpose athlete in the nation by Rivals.com and also regarded as the top all-purpose athlete in the state of Colorado and the state's No. 3 overall prospect by Rivals.com. Listed as the No. 44 defensive back in the nation by SuperPrep. Rated as the No. 6 defensive back and the No. 31 overall prospect among SuperPrep's Midlands 101 list, which includes athletes from 9 states.  Ranked as the No. 61 safety in the country by Scout.com. Earned All-Midlands Region honors by PrepStar. Ranked as the No. 69 ATH by ESPN.com and the No. 6 player in the sate of Colorado.

High School Career
Coached by John Schultz at Grandview High Schoool. Collected 80 total tackles as a junior in 2007, added 5 INTs, 9 pass breakups and 3 fumble recoveries.  Also scored 5 rushing TD and threw for 1 TD.

The Decision:
Chose ASU over Oregon State, Arkansas and Wisconsin.

The Verdict:
Tucker is immediately in the mix for either starting safety spot.  The kid is a fantastic athlete with great ball skills and great size. Will compete with fellow freshman Shane McCullen.

Fred Thornton
                          OL, 6-4, 310 LBS, ESPN Grade = 74
                          Fr. Phoenix, Arizona (South Mountain HS)

via media.scout.com

You are not getting to this QB.


Overview:
One of the most prominent two-way interior linemen in the state of Ariozna, will probably grade out as a tackle for ASU. Tremendously strong and powerful with the ability to be a dominant force. A nasty physical lineman, has the ability to play either guard or tackle. Excelled on both lines and will focus on offense at the college level.

Scouting Report:
Bench presses 350 pounds and squats 580.  Scouts - Thornton is a big powerful offensive lineman that is physically intimidating.  He has decent running ability but is stiff in the hips and knees.  Very tough at the point of attack and gets good movement when he uses his hands to deliver a good initial punch; would even be more consistent in terms of movement if he played with better leverage.  Gets out of his stance quickly when pulling but needs to be more aggressive when turning upfield to pick up defenders; tends to be unsure who to block at times.  Has a great frame for pass protection and does a very solid job when he kicks back and uses his hands as weapons in stopping the charge of the pass rusher.  Thornton is a huge man that has the strength to be dominant if he works on his agility and flexibility.

Accolades:
Was named the 2008 Player of the Year in Arizona's 5A-II Metro Region.  Earned First-Team All-5A honors as a senior by the Arizona Republic.  Played in the 2009 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Myrtle Beach S.C. Played with fellow signees Jamal Miles and William Sutton.

High School
Attended same high school as former Sun Devils Jason Shivers and Tyrice Thompson.  Coached by Zane Zamenski at South Mountain High school. Collected 33 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery on defense.

The Verdict:
A key offensive line recruit that many of you were clamoring for. Sounds like with some coaching, this kid could be something special. You cannot teach size and this kis is massive. With some technique refinements he could be a force along the line.  The third and final OL recruit for 2009 - and while the class only had one beast, Thornton could turn into a starter within the next year.

William Sutton
                           DL, 6-2, 275 LBS, ESPN Grade = 75
                           Fr. Corona, California (Centennial HS)

via www.hsgametime.com

Shh...go to sleep.


Overview:
One of the premier defensive lineman in the state of California, played for one of the nation's elite prep programs - which seems to be developing into a nice pipeline for ASU.  An active, athletic and powerful lineman.  Was a teammate of fellow ASU signee Vontaze Burfict, as well as current Sun Devils Ryan Bass, Shelly Lyons and Brandon Magee at Centennial.  Will be one of five Sun Devils to have played at Centennial High, the most teammates outside the state of Arizona to be on a Sun Devil roster in school history.

Scouting Report:
Scouts - Sutton is bigger than you would think. On paper his size is a worrisome issue, but on film he looks to be a thickly built kid who can hang in the trenches. If he truly is 250 pounds he will still need to add some good bulk, but he is a big 250! Has a solid get-off, but needs to be more consistent in his initial explosiveness. Does a good job of protecting his legs. Will flash the ability to come off the ball, shoot his hands, derive power from the hips, and stand a blocker up and hold his ground. Displays good natural strength, but needs to be more consistent in bringing his hands and staying low. An area where his size may be an obstacle is with his reach and his ability to separate and shed from bigger blockers. Does a good job of being able to slant across a blockers face and rip and get penetration. Looks comfortable when asked to do a line twist and will stay square and come off the penetrators butt. Will telegraph though when he is getting ready to run a twist. He is an active kid who will work to get free and get to the ball. Reads blocks fairly well and can get flat and down the line of scrimmage. Has solid speed and takes good pursuit angles, but needs to work on that some. Shows very adequate short-area change-of-direction skills. He is a solid tackler. As a pass rusher he will work to get to half-a-man and works to try and dip and rip. Can bull rush. Needs to work on counters as he can get stuck if he can not get to the blockers shoulder. Sutton is an interesting kid. Size will be a bit of an obstacle, but he does some things that intrigue you. At worst should be able to develop into a good wave player. (Note, he is not 250 as was listed on the scouts roster - he is actually 275).

Accolades:
Ranked as the No. 33 defensive tackle in the country by Scout.com. Regarded as the top defensive tackle in the state of California by ESPN Scouts, Inc. Listed as the No. 42 defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com, also labeled by Rivals.com as the No. 2 defensive tackle in the state of California and the state's No. 40 overall recruit. Played in the 2009 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl in Myrtle Beach, S.C., along with fellow Sun Devil signees Jamal Miles and Fred Thornton.

High School Career, Senior Year 2008
101 tackles (23 solo) as a senior.  Led the Huskies with 11.5 QB sacks.  Blocked four punts and recovered one fumble.  Totaled six or more tackles in 11 games on the year. Registered a season-high 11 tackles (three solo) against Norco on Nov. 14, 2008. Tallied a season-high 4 quarterback sacks and seven total tackles against Chaparral on Dec. 12, 2008. Totaled nine tackles on two occasions and collected 1.5 quarterback sacks four times on the year.
Junior Year, 2007
48 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.
Sophomore Year, 2006
11 tackles.

The Decision
Chose ASU over Arizona, Boise State, Fresno State, Nebraska, UNLV and Washington, among others.  Verbally committed to ASU on Dec. 14, 2008.

The Verdict:
Adds to our burgeoning DL core. Unsure of where he will play, if he will be at DE or DT since he can play both.  I would not be surprised to see him get some time at both spots.  Should see some time in 2009 - a DL of English, Guy, Adams and Sutton is young, talented, athletic and has the potential to be beastly in a few years - if not immediately. Good sign.