2021 local Desert Edge DB makes a strong impression at ASU's camp

Suffice to say that on Sunday afternoon in Tempe Steven Ortiz Jr. was a happy camper. The local Goodyear Desert Edge defensive back, an incoming freshman who has yet to play a snap on the varsity team, was already turning the collective heads of the ASU coaching staff in today’s Maroon and Gold camp.

“I loved the coaches and I loved the competition," Ortiz said of his camp experience. “I learned a lot and I had fun. The coaches were working on my stance and my backpedal, my flip-around…I got some good work going one-on-one and 7-on-7. The coaches liked me at field safety.

“The coaches liked my technique, how I attack the ball and how I cover in support.”

How much did the defensive back impress the Sun Devil staff?

“I was practicing with the younger guys in the morning,” Ortiz commented, “and then they had me go against the older guys (upperclassmen) in the afternoon. I thought it was pretty easy.

“Coach Rushing believed in me going against the bigger (older) kids. I wish I could go out there again for another camp. I loved it. I was invited to check out one of ASU’s (fall camp) practices. I love their energy, how much love they show each other and also how disciplined they are.”

The defensive back attended a padded camp at ASU last year while still in junior high, and even before that event has already been quite bullish on the school and its football program.

“I love the school – it runs in the family,” Ortiz admitted. “ASU is my dream school. I really hope they offer. I go to a lot of their games.”

Despite his solid performance today Ortiz is humble regarding his next goal, and that is to crack the varsity roster as he begins his high school career at a program which went 10-3 last season and lost in the quarterfinals of the 5A championship.

“I want to compete for a starting spot at field safety,” Ortiz stated. “I love my coaches there and we want to compete for that championship.”