The ASU football program announced the recruiting class of 2012 on Wednesday, which included 23 signees.
Under first-year coach Todd Graham, the Sun Devils locked up 14 incoming freshmen and nine junior college transfers. The class consists of 12 defensive players, 11 offensive players and one specialist.
The players who signed their Letters of Intent include Saguaro High School product D.J. Foster, ranked as the No. 5 athlete on rivals.com. The 6-foot, 190-pound running back set an Arizona single-season record with 60 total touchdowns during his senior season
“He’s the so-called jewel of our class,” Graham said. “But the thing that makes him special: I sat down to meet him for the very first time at his school and I don’t know if I ever met a more dynamic player on film that was so impressive to talk to.”
Hamilton High School defensive lineman Jaxon Hood also decided to stay close to home. Hood earned the 2011 Curley Culp Award, given to the top high school defensive lineman in the state. Listed at 6-foot and 290 pounds, he earned All-Arizona honors as a senior by The Arizona Republic.
“I am very impressed with the (coaching) staff,” Hood said in a news release. “I like the new standards coach Graham is bringing in and how he views life.”
Offensive tackle Evan Goodman from Lakeland, Fla., is ranked as the No. 16 offensive tackle on scout.com. He’s listed at 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds. He’s the younger brother of ASU redshirt freshman offensive lineman Devin Goodman
“I really like Arizona State and I enjoy talking to the coaches,” Evan Goodman said in a news release. “I think I could be really successful there and I know the coaches there will help me a lot and let me improve. My brother factored into my decision some, but this was my decision.”In the junior college level, ASU snagged Marion Grice from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. He’s ranked as the No. 1 junior college running back prospect in the country and the No. 5 overall junior college prospect on Rivals.com. The 6-foot, 215-pound back rushed for 1,052 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore.
“He’s an absolutely versatile running back,” Graham said. “He was a guy that’s a very physical and explosive runner inside. He provides big play capabilities and that’s what we’re looking for.”
The class consists of players from eight different states and one from Canada.
Reach the reporter at mtesfats@asu.edu
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