2023 Texas defensive lineman CJ Fite recommits to Sun Devils
It was only natural that change in coaching staff would create some apprehension with a few of ASU's pledges and Tatum (Tex.) 2023 defensive lineman Cullen (CJ) Fite feel in that group. Fite, who was committed since July 31 of this year, decides to recommit on November 28 due to the change of guard in Tempe. Nonetheless, thanks to the efforts of defensive coordinator Brian Ward and defensive line coach Vince Amey, Fite decided to recommit to Arizona State just 15 days later.
"Since I decommitted, the recruiting process has been rough," Fite said. "The day I decommited, my dad talked to coach Dillingham, and he told my dad that they (ASU) were going to honor my commitment. I talked to (defensive line) coach Vince Amey today, and he told me that he loves the way I play and would love to have me as a Sun Devil. I always wanted to go to Arizona State, even when I was decommitted. I just had to open things up, see what options were out there and figure out what was best for me.
"Coach Amey said, 'Well if this is what you want to do, go ahead and recommit.' So I ended up recommitting. I also talked to (defensive coordinator) Brian Ward today, and he said that I'm a versatile lineman that can produce in the middle as well as on the edge. He will make sure that he will put me in the best position each game."
His impressions during his official visit in June ultimately played a significant role in today’s decision, as well as his initial commitment.
“We had a real small group of people (recruits) there,” Fite said. “So there was a lot more intimacy, you were able to talk to coaches more, and it wasn’t rushed. You feel loved, and the coaches showed that they want you. And the coaches didn’t talk just about football but also about life. The coaches explained that it’s not just about football, and there are a lot more advantages to going there and playing for them.
“I was hosted by BJ (Green), and he told me that you don’t earn playing time by seniority. If you come in and you work, then you have a chance to play. He first came in here as a freshman walk-on, but he worked his butt off, and that shows that there’s an equal opportunity here.”
Fite said back then that the coaches see him as a very athletic 3-technique interior lineman that is both adept at pass rush and run stopping and added that he would need to add weight to his 6-1 283-pound frame.
The lineman chose ASU over the other two teams on his short list of Oregon State and UTSA. Nebraska, TCU, Baylor, Tulane, and Kanas State were some of the other schools that pursued Fite earlier this year. Fresno State and UNLV were schools that were pursuing him as of late.
With Fite's announcement, ASU now has seven commits in the 2023 class, ahead of the signing period, which runs from December 21st through the 23rd. Since its head coaching change the Sun Devils also have added eight players from the transfer portal.
Fite is graduating high school this month and will enroll at ASU for the spring semester.
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