TEMPE, Ariz. - The Arizona State University football program has signed 11 student-athletes who will continue their athletic and academic pursuits with the Sun Devil Football Program, as announced by head coach Herm Edwards.
The class consists of 9 freshmen, one redshirt sophomore and one junior. Two of those student-athletes will enroll in school early and will be on campus in January to participate in spring practice. This is the inaugural year for the Early Signing Day, which allows student athletes to sign their letter of intent with their selected school over a three-day period beginning December 20th.
ASU's Early Signing Class of 2018 Highlights:
- A pair of the signees were rated with four stars or higher by at least one recruiting service.
- Five of the high school signees fell in the top-40 at their position by at least one recruiting service.
-9 of the 11 signees are out of either Arizona, California or Texas, including 8 of the 9 high school signees.
- Both JUCO signees in the class have been tabbed as Top-100 overall JUCO prospects and in the Top-5 at their position at the JUCO level according to at least one publication.
- The high school team of four of the signees are currently ranked in the Top-25 in the country according to MaxPreps.
ASU's 2018 Class Includes:
- Players from five different home states: California (4), Texas (4), Arizona (1), Washington (1) and Louisiana (1)
- Two players designated with a four-star ranking: LB Reggie Hughes (Rivals), CB Dominique Harrison (ESPN).
- Eight prospects ranked within the nation's top-45 at their position: Dominique Harrison (CB - ESPN No. 3^, 24/7 Sports No. 4^), Reggie Hughes (OLB – Rivals No. 31, 24/7 Sports No. 33, ESPN No. 45), A.J. Carter (RB – 24/7 Sports No. 31, ESPN No. 33, Rivals No. 44), Michael Matus (DE – 24/7 Sports No. 32, Rivals No. 38), Demetrious Flowers (RB - Rivals No. 45), Christian LaValle (ILB - 24/7 Sports No. 34, ESPN No. 45), Terin Adams (CB – 24/7 Sports No. 10^).
^-2018 JUCO Rating
- The high school team of four of the signees currently sit in the Top 25 nationally in either the MaxPreps Xcellent Top 25 or the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings:
Brock Sturges – Allen, Xcellent No. 4; Freeman No. 15
Demetrious Flowers – St. John Bosco, Freeman No. 3; Xcellent No. 8
Michael Matus – Katy, Xcellent No. 19
Christian LaValle – Mission Viejo, Freeman No. 19
- The Sun Devils signed three running backs to their early signing day Class of 2018. Those three running backs combined to rush for an astounding 8,152 yards and 124 touchdowns over their junior and senior seasons.
| FULL NAME | HT. | WT. | POS. | ACADEMIC YEAR | HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terin Adams | 6-0 | 185 | CB | Redshirt Sophomore | Kirkland, Wash. |
| A.J. Carter | 6-0 | 223 | RB | Freshman | Many, La. |
| Ely Doyle | 6-0 | 190 | S | Freshman | Mission Hills, Calif. |
| Demetrious Flowers | 6-0 | 219 | RB | Freshman | Bellflower, Calif. |
| Ralph Frias | 6-6 | 340 | OL | Freshman | Safford, Ariz, |
| Dom Harrison | 6-0 | 185 | CB | Junior | Houston, Texas |
| Reggie Hughes | 6-1 | 209 | OLB | Freshman | Calabasas, Calif. |
| Stanley Lambert | 6-4 | 215 | OLB | Freshman | San Antonio, Texas |
| Christian LaValle | 6-0 | 220 | LB | Freshman | Mission Viejo, Calif. |
| Michael Matus | 6-2 | 230 | DE | Freshman | Katy, Texas |
| Brock Sturges | 5-10 | 200 | RB | Freshman | Allen, Texas |
Terin Adams
Sophomore – Cornerback
5-11 | 185 | Kirkland, Wash. (City College of San Francisco)
Excellent junior college cover corner prospect who is known to blanket the opposing teams best receiver…capable of keeping up with any wide receiver with his quickness and acceleration...competes with a bulldog mentality, excelling in bump and run coverage…possesses outstanding instincts and ball skills, high pointing the ball when it is in the air…challenges taller receivers for possession and fights for position…comes to ASU after three years at City College of San Francisco... one of two early enrollees in the Class of 2018 that will arrive on campus in January 2018…attended City College of San Francisco, the same JUCO as current Sun Devil punter Michael Sleep-Dalton and Sun Devil offensive lineman A.J. McCollum… consensus three star prospect amongst all major recruiting services…listed by 24/7 Sports as the No. 83 overall JUCO prospect and No. 10 JUCO cornerback prospect nationally… helped lead his team to an 8-3 record and a victory in the NCFC Capital City Bowl by totaling 14 tackles, four passes deflected, three interceptions, and one fumble recovery in ten games during his only JUCO season in 2017… recorded 29 tackles, 15 solo tackles, and one interception in the seven games during his junior season at Eastside Catholic High School in 2015… the son of former NFL Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sam Adams…committed to ASU on December 20, 2017…coached by Jimmy Collins at City College of San Francisco in California.
A.J. Carter
Freshman – Running Back
5-11 | 223 | Many, La. (Many HS)
Extremely talented and highly-touted running back prospect…elusive runner already strong enough to break through arm tackles…scouts come away amazed at his ability to burst through the hole and the straight-line speed that defenses have underestimated…a yards after contact machine thanks to a combination of a strong lower body and balance…possesses the measurables and traits that give him the potential to be a star at the next level…advanced vision for a running back prospect at his stage of development…continuously adding facets to his game including catching the ball out of the backfield and improving his pass protection… consensus three star prospect amongst all major recruiting services…tabbed by Rivals as the No. 44 running back prospect in the country and the No. 25 prospect in the state of Louisiana…listed by 24/7 Sports as the No. 31 running back prospect nationally and No. 23 overall prospect in the state of Louisiana…rated by ESPN as the No. 34 running back prospect nationally and No. 28 overall prospect in the state of Louisiana…2016 The Times-Picayune All-Area First Team running back selection…key member of the Many Tigers football team that made two consecutive LHSAA 2A State semifinals…one of the few freshman who was a part of the 2014 varsity State Championship team...compiled 414 carries 3911 rushing yards and 63 total touchdowns in 22 games during his junior and senior seasons…totaled 1821 yards on 190 carries and 25 touchdowns as a senior, capping a fantastic prep career…led his team to 2,289 rushing yards (over 9 YPC) and 41 total touchdowns in the 13 games played during a breakout junior campaign…committed to ASU on December 20, 2017...coached by Jess Curtis at Many High School in Louisiana.
Ely Doyle
Freshman — Safety
6-0 | 190 | Mission Hills, Calif. (Bishop Alemany HS)
Highly-touted safety who is extremely physically gifted…Not afraid to stick his nose in the box and provided support in the run game…Continues to develop his all-around game, making a significant jump from junior to senior season…moves well laterally and can close downhill on opposing ball-carriers with aggression…known for a strong work ethic off the field, working hard as a student to prepare for the next level…selected to the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl, scheduled for January 22nd at Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium…consensus three-star prospect across all major publications… tabbed as the No. 66 ranked safety in the country by 24-7 sports…Rivals ranked him as the No. 87 prospect in the state of California…slotted at the No. 80 spot amongst safeties in the ESPN national position rankings…finished his outstanding three-year varsity prep career with a combined 138 total tackles…played in nine games as a senior in 2017, recording 54 tackles (30 solo, 24 assisted), two pass deflections, a tackle for loss one fumble recovery…posted 59 tackles (34 solo, 25 assisted) in 10 games during his junior season in 2016…saw action on both sides of the ball in 12 games as a sophomore in 2015, compiling 25 tackles (15 solo, 10 assisted) and an interception while adding 27 catches for 398 yards and three touchdown as a wide receiver…verbally committed to ASU on June 3, 2017…coached by James Washington at Bishop Alemany High School'
Demetrious Flowers
Freshman — Running Back
6-0 | 219 | Bellflower, Calif. (St. John Bosco)
Rare blend of physicality and size make him one of the most highly sought after running backs in the region … possesses many strengths, with arguably his biggest being is his ability to run aggressively downhill between the tackles…gained a reputation that he wears down a defense as the game goes on…multi-faceted back more than capable of catching passes out of the backfield and willing to stay in to help pass protect… combines strong acceleration and burst make him hard to catch in the open field…makes decisive cuts and utilizes his balance to always end up moving forward after contact … defenders struggle to bring him down in the open field … displays the qualities and versatility required of a three-down workhorse back … prototypical goal-line back because of his determination and ability to plow through tacklers… attends the same high school as current Sun Devil offensive lineman Zach Robertson…a consensus three-star prospect amongst all major recruiting publications… ranked as the No. 45 running back prospect nationally and a Top-100 prospect in the state of California by Rivals … tabbed by ESPN as the No. 54 running back prospect in the country while also receiving Top-100 distinction in the state of California … 24/7 Sports composite ranking lists him as the country's No. 57 running back prospect … only played in three games as a senior in 2017 and rushed 33 times for 164 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in three catches for 15 yards … played in 15 games as a junior in 2016, posting 126 carries for 954 yards and 20 touchdowns as well as five catches for 81 yards and a touchdown …helped lead St. John Bosco to the CIF State Open Division Championship during a breakout junior season… over six games as a sophomore in 2015, rushed 20 times for 167 yards and two touchdowns … committed to ASU on June 20, 2017 … coached by Jason Negro at St. John Bosco Prep, which is ranked No. 2 in California and No. 3 nationally according to MaxPreps Freeman Rankings.
Ralph Frias
Freshman — Offensive Tackle
6-6 | 340 | Safford, Ariz. (Safford HS)
A massive frame and excellent length make him the perfect candidate to play offensive tackle at the collegiate level … possesses both mobility and flexibility which are unique for his size … finishes his blocks with aggression…exhibits characteristics of a complete prospect, equally as strong in pass protection as he is at run blocking…capable of being utilized as a pulling lead blocker because he moves so well down the field…no fear when paving the way for the offense, failing to shy away from any defender … advanced technique allows him to square up defenders in blocking situations and maintain his leverage, despite his height … developing the ability to use his long arms and reach to his advantage when engaging defenders … flashes tremendous footwork and a nonstop motor … a consensus three-star prospect amongst all major recruiting publications… ranked as the No. 64 offensive tackle prospect nationally and the No. 13 overall prospect in the state of Arizona by 24/7 Sports … ESPN rates him as the No. 77 offensive tackle prospect in the country and the No. 8 overall prospect in Arizona … anchored an offensive line that paved the way for a total 1,890 rushing yards in 2017 … also played some defensive line in his career, recording 59 tackles and four sacks as well as four blocked kicks over his varsity career… finished with 27 tackles (14 solo, 13 assisted) and two sacks during his senior season … committed to ASU on Oct. 27, 2017 … coached by Michael Alba at Safford High School.
Dominique Harrison
Junior — Cornerback
6-0 | 185 | Humble, Texas (Blinn College)
A great athlete with a variety of skills making him a complete defensive back prospect … aggressively breaks on the ball and attacks it while in the air, setting him up to be able to make interceptions … continues to improve his physicality, making up for his lack of size with strong fundamentals in bump and run coverage… plays with a fearless mentality, willing to cover any receiver and stick his nose in the run game…currently plays at Blinn College, which is known for serving as a launch pad for high-profile players such as Cam Newton, Chris Johnson and Dede Westbrook along with former Sun Devil running back Marion Grice …one of two early enrollees in the Class of 2018 that will arrive on campus in January 2018…ESPN tabbed him as a four-star prospect as well as the No. 22 overall prospect and the No. 3 cornerback in the ESPN JUCO Top-50…24/7 Sports ranks him as a three-star prospect, the No. 4 corner prospect in the nation out of junior college prospects and the No. 33 prospect overall…recorded 25 tackles (21 solo/four assisted), four interceptions and four pass breakups in 10 games as a sophomore at Blinn…had a monster game Sept. 9th against Navarro College, picking off two passes and totaling five tackles…despite not starting the first five games as a freshman at Blinn, Harrison still managed to post 23 tackles (11 solo, 12 assisted), four interceptions and 10 pass breakups in just eight games…coached by Ryan Mahon at Blinn College, which finished ranked No. 12 nationally in the final NJCAA poll… became the first prospect to join the Class of 2018 when he committed to ASU on May 16, 2017.
Reggie Hughes
Freshman – Outside Linebacker
6-1 | 209 | Calabasas, Calif. (Calabasas HS)
Ultra-athletic linebacker prospect with boundless potential…has the ability to play multiple positions at the linebacking level at the next level… extremely savvy player who can identify and breakdown offensive play calls and adjust the defense on the fly…typically is most effective when rushing the passer from a two-point stance…consistently has shown progression in his coverage skills over his varsity prep career…demonstrates a high football I.Q. and also is known for his leadership qualities…desired prospect by almost every school on the west coast because of his star potential at the next level…selected to represent Team America in the 2017 Offense-Defense All-Star Game in New Orleans on Friday, December 29th…Rivals rates him as a four-star prospect, the No. 31 outside linebacker prospect in the country and the No. 47 overall prospect in the state…listed as the No. 33 outside linebacker prospect and a Top-500 player nationally by 24/7 sports composite rankings…ESPN tabbed him as the No. 45 outside linebacker prospect in the country…was a force off the edge in his junior season at Calabasas, racking up 69 tackles (22 of them tackles for loss) and 19 sacks as he lead the Coyotes to a 14-1 season ending with a CIF Southern Section championship…committed to ASU June 19th, 2017…coached by Casey Clausen at Calabasas High School.
Stanley Lambert
Freshman — Outside Linebacker
6-4 | 215 | San Antonio, Texas (John Marshall HS)
Possesses a combination of a large frame and impressive measurables with above-average athleticism…versality to play either side of the ball at the next level, projecting to be an outside linebacker at ASU…nimble in his movement with outstanding footwork and agility allowing him to drop and cover in space… long, active arms that will benefit his playmaking ability on the defensive side of the ball … continuously training to become more physical with one of his biggest strengths being the way he can sheds larger blockers…not afraid to come up and provide support in the run game when playing a role in the secondary… tracks the ball carrier very well and shows tremendous football I.Q. with the knowledge of proper angles when pursuing the ball …multi-sport athlete at John Marshall High School, starring on the basketball court as a senior as well…consensus three-star prospect amongst all major recruiting services…ranked as the No. 62 athlete and a Top-100 player out of the state of Texas by 24/7 Sports…ESPN tabbed him as the 66th best athlete in the class… posted an impressive 107.55 Nike+ Football Rating at Nike Football's The Opening Dallas regional camp, the 23rd overall score at the camp out of more than 400 total participants … in 10 games as a senior, Lambert anchored the Rams defense, recording 83 tackles (62 solo, 21 assisted), 7.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack …became a special teams sensation, returning two kickoffs for touchdowns and blocking a kick… also hauled in seven catches on offense for 153 yards and three touchdowns in his final high school season…played mostly offense as a junior, compiling 21 receptions for 287 yards and three touchdowns…committed to ASU on July 28, 2017 … coached by Tim Williams at John Marshall High School.
Christian LaValle
Freshman – Linebacker
6-0 | 220 | Mission Viejo, Calif. (Mission Viejo HS)
Tough-minded and instinctive linebacker that will look for immediate playing time at inside linebacker once he arrives on campus in Tempe…passionate football player with a nose for the ball carrier…downhill and physical style allow him to make highlight reel hits and blow up lead blockers…high football I.Q. with the ability to diagnose plays that will only be enhanced at the next level…continues to improve his lateral quickness, now able to roam and cover sideline to sideline…consensus three star prospect amongst all major recruiting services…tabbed as the No. 34 inside linebacker prospect in the country and a Top-90 prospect in the state of California by 24/7 sports…rated as the No. 45 linebacker in the country by ESPN…Rivals ranked him as the No. 72 overall prospect in the state of California…accumulated 236 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, two interceptions and two sacks over his two-year varsity career…played some offense as well, totaling 17 receptions for 356 yards and seven touchdowns as a wide receiver…finished with a phenomenal 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two interceptions and three fumble recoveries during a fantastic senior season…broke out onto the California High School scene after compiling 108 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack in his junior season…fought through injury to help his team advance to in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Championships…Mission Viejo High School finished 12-1 on the year, finishing the campaign as the No. 19 team in the country and the No. 6 team in the state of California according to MaxPreps…LaValle and the varsity team also went 11-1 and were League Champions in 2016…committed to ASU on June 20, 2017…coached by Bob Johnson at Mission Viejo High School.
Michael Matus
Freshman – Defensive End
6-2 | 230 | Katy, Texas (Katy HS)
High-motor prospect who was a key defensive piece for one of the most successful High School teams in Texas during his varsity tenure…has been identified by recruiting services as one of the best pure athletes at his position…tested extremely well at The Opening Regional Houston, registering the best 20 yard shuffle time (4.20) for a DE, culminating in a 119.7 overall rating at the combine…that score also included a 35-inch vertical jump and 45-foot power ball toss that are all in the 98th percentile or better nationally for his age…schooled well as he developed on utilizing his leverage, which displays itself in his play…often able to dip under the shoulder of bigger offensive lineman and use his quickness and lower body strength to over-power blockers…continuing to add pass rushing moves to his repertoire…consensus three star prospect amongst all major recruiting services…ranked as the No. 32 strong-side defensive end prospect in the nation by 24/7 Sports composite rankings…tabbed as the No. 38 weak-side defensive end prospect nationally according to Rivals…rated as the No. 59 defensive end prospect in the country by ESPN…led Katy High School to a 12-1 record including a 7-0 mark in the district during his senior season…Katy finished the season ranked as the No. 19 team in MaxPrep's Xcellent Top-25 rankings and the No. 3 team in the state of Texas...Katy eventually fell in the semifinals of the 2017 6A Division 1 UIL Football State Championship…committed to ASU on July 10, 2017…coached by Gary Joseph at Katy High School.
Brock Sturges
Freshman — Running Back
5-10 | 200 | Allen, Texas (Allen HS)
A strong lower body and a prototypical size for a running back at the FBS level … style and build compare similarly to that of former Sun Devil standout running back Demario Richard … multi-faceted tailback who can run between the tackles or bounce it outside…every down back thanks to his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and willingness to be physical in pass protection…even utilized some as a slot receiver in high school…possesses tremendous patience, using his remarkable vision to wait for holes to open up before displaying a burst that creates separation …excellent balance, frequently breaking the first tackle allowing him to gain extra yards after contact… some publications liken Sturges' running style to that of Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott … agility and quickness give him the ability to make effective and decisive cuts…willing to pick up yards the tough yards between the tackles, especially in close yardage situations and near the goal line … attended the same high school as current Sun Devils Chad Adams and Christian Sam… a consensus three-star prospect according to all major publications… ESPN tabbed him as the No. 29 running back prospect in the country and a Top-100 ranked player in the state of Texas … 24/7 sports composite ranking lists him as the No. 47 running back prospect nationally … tabbed by Rivals as the No. 43 running back in the country as well and a Top-100 prospect in the state of Texas … as a senior, had 240 carries for 1,985 yards and 27 touchdowns helping Allen to an undefeated regular season...rushed for 1,138 yards on 160 carries while scoring 16 rushing touchdowns as a junior …also caught 14 passes for 172 yards coming out of the backfield…committed to ASU on June 9, 2017 … coached by Terry Gambill at Allen High School, which is ranked No. 2 in Texas and No. 20 nationally … the Allen Eagles are scheduled to take on the Lake Travis in the championship game of the 2017 Football Conference 6A D1 Texas State Playoffs on Saturday, Dec. 23.