2016 WR Frank Darby commits to ASU

Even in this day and age where technology can effectively shrink geographical distances, remoteness can and will dictate recruiting processes. New Jersey wide receiver Frank Darby though saw the benefits of playing at Arizona State which led him to today’s pledge.

Jersey City’s Lincoln High School’s head coach Robert Hampton said that the home atmosphere Darby experienced on his visit to Tempe last week was one factor that led his player to commit to the Sun Devils.

“Having people from New Jersey that he recognized in Coach Hurley and Coach Burno helped,” Hampton stated. “The style of play and the coaching acumen of Jay Norvell who coached wide receivers in the NFL such as Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne…playing for a head coach that has one of the best (four-year) records at Arizona State. He took all that into consideration and knowing what kind of player he is trying to become, this offense suits him.

“He a good kid that works hard and was looking for an opportunity to grow as a student-athlete. Going to a school away from home is the best way to grow up and mature. Playing close to home doesn’t always give you a chance to grow up because you will be coming home all the time.”

Hampton admitted that initially distance was a concern when ASU started to pursue Darby, but that was also the factor that was ultimately instrumental in Darby’s resolution.

“Arizona State came all the way out here,” Hampton explained. “They came 3,000 miles to see a kid at a public school, not a prep school or a private school like most colleges do. That made him (Darby) feel like he was their guy and that they didn't come 3,000 miles to look at anybody else. They told him that they liked him and that they thought he could be something special there. Jay Norvell came 3,000 miles to see Frank. To me, that was the clincher right there.

“When Frank saw that he knew ‘I need to take this school seriously.’ That was a great move by the coaches at Arizona State and that was a great move by Coach Norvell seeing on film that Frank was the type of kid he wanted to coach.”

In a previous Interview, Darby said that his visit to ASU showed him that the school was an environment he could succeed in.

“The visit went great,” Darby said. “I liked everything about it and I didn't expect it to be like that because I didn't know anything about Arizona State. It was beautiful. I liked all the players and coaches that I saw. I really liked Coach Norvell and he’s really cool. He’s a good coach and he will get you to where you’re supposed to be. He really likes how I go and get the ball and how I make plays after the catch. He said the team really needs a player like that. It’s an offense that throws the ball a lot and the offensive coordinator showed me how he would move me around a lot so I can make plays. It was great.

“I was hosted by Ellis (Jefferson) and told me how much he loves the program and that the coaches here treat you right. He said I would really love the school if I came there. I know they have a good program going on there.”

As a senior, the 6-1 180-pound Darby earned first team all-state honors as he collected 34 catches for 1,015 yards and 11 touchdowns for Jersey City’s Lincoln High School. Hampton called Darby a “tremendous athlete” that not only displays a high level of football skills but also a high character.

“He’s a very intelligent and humble kid,” Hampton stated. “He’s a strong and physical receiver that reminds you of the way Anquan Boldin plays. He’s probably one the toughest competitors that I have ever coached. He’s a workhorse in the weight room. He was a tremendous volleyball and basketball player too.

“He’s a very good at his craft and is a purist. He’s a very good route runner. I think his best skill is separation (from a defensive back) and he has tremendous eye-hand coordination and is a very good leaper. He has strong hands which make him a very good blocker. He’s a quick-cut run player that is also a very good kick returner. He can throw a lot of moves at you. He needs to work on being more explosive and quicker and improve his leg drive. He’s a young player that his first sport was volleyball, so he has a lot of football learning ahead of him. But he’s an easy kid to coach.”

Darby was initially committed to Iowa, but wasn’t academically qualified and thus didn't sign a national letter of intent. The Iowa coaches wanted him to attend prep school to improve his grades and test score and enroll as part of the 2017 class. This was, however, assuming that Darby wouldn’t get a qualifying SAT score. When Darby achieved that mark and was now academically qualified, Iowa insisted that he still attend a prep school and arrive at campus later than planned.

Therefore, the wide receiver re-opened his recruitment. He’s on track to be the first person in his family to graduate from college and thus didn't want to further delay his enrollment.

Aside from visiting Iowa in April, Darby also visited both Rutgers and Boston College prior to his ASU visit. Kansas and Virginia Tech were also expressing interest in the wide receiver.