With all of ASU’s known commits officially signed, here is an overview of the players the Sun Devils have landed on offense
Quarterback
Dillon Sterling-Cole
Hometown/School: Houston, Texas/Westfield HS
Position Ranking: 17 (Dual Threat Quarterback)
Commitment Date: 7/28/15
Official Visits: ASU (9/25/15)
Summary: The lone quarterback signee in the 2016 class (oddly making this the first class since 2013 for ASU not to have multiple signees at the position), Sterling-Cole remained committed to his summer pledge despite the departure of Mike Norvell to Memphis. Formerly a four-star prospect, though ASU will undergo a quarterback competition to replace starter Mike Bercovici, the smart money is on Sterling-Cole redshirting his first season in Tempe. ASU primarily bested Texas A&M for Sterling-Cole’s signature, with Boise State, Florida, Houston, Iowa State, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tempe, UCLA and Utah reportedly offering the quarterback.
Running Back
Tre Turner
Hometown/School: New Orleans, La./Holy Cross HS
Position Ranking: 24
Commitment Date: 6/7/15
Official Visits: ASU (11/14/15)
Summary: A versatile, compact runner and excellent baseball player, Turner joins a potentially loaded backfield for the Sun Devils and brings a little something not on the roster with players such as Demario Richard, Kalen Ballage and Jason Lewis. Though Turner is a prestigious signee for the Sun Devils, his commitment never was truly in doubt though schools such as Arizona, Arkansas, California, Houston, Kentucky, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Utah extended scholarship offers. Turner could etch out a role if he can prove himself in an all-purpose role upon his arrival to Tempe, but the depth at running back most likely positions him for a redshirt in 2016.
Wide Receiver
N’Keal Harry
Hometown/School: Chandler, Ariz./Chandler HS
Position Ranking: 1
National Ranking: 18
Commitment Date: 11/2/15
Official Visits: Washington (9/25/15), Texas A&M (10/16/15), ASU (11/20/15)
Summary: The nation’s top receiver and the number one overall recruit in the state of Arizona, to say the least, ASU reeling in this “big fish” was a crucial acquisition for the Sun Devils after missing out on a list of elite Arizonans in recent years. Aside from the allure of the most prominent prospect the state has to offer, Harry comes to ASU at a position of need. With departures at the wide receiver such as Devin Lucien, D.J. Foster and Gary Chambers, even with the return of speedster Cameron Smith, ASU will need new impact targets this fall. Expectations will be sky high for the Chandler product and many likely will be expecting him to be Jaelen Strong 2.0 immediately. A host of programs also offered the local standout including Colorado, Louisville, Nebraska, Oregon, Oregon State, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC, Washington and Wisconsin.
Jeremy Smith
Hometown/School: Missouri City, Texas/Fort Bend Marshall HS
Position Ranking: N/A
Commitment Date: 7/21/15
Official Visits: ASU (1/5/16)
Summary: One of the more “unsung” prospects on ASU’s 2016 list, Smith was also reportedly offered by Arkansas State, Houston, Michigan State, SMU and Texas State. Smith played multiple positions at the high school level and technically is evaluated by Rivals at “Athlete”, though his Sun Devil career should begin at wide receiver. Though multiple openings will exist in the lineup at receiver this fall, the safe assumption is that Smith is a redshirt candidate in 2016.
Kyle Williams
Hometown/School: Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta HS
Position Ranking: 42 (Athlete)
Commitment Date: 8/31/15
Official Visits: ASU (1/15/16)
Summary: Similar to Smith, Williams was assessed by Rivals as an “Athlete” but figures to spend his time at wide receiver for the Sun Devils. Also offered by Boise State, California, Colorado, Washington and Washington State, the three-star Williams will add depth to the future at wide receiver for the Sun Devils.
Tight End
Jared Bubak
Hometown/School: Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln Christian HS
Position Ranking: 35
Commitment Date: 7/20/15
Official Visits: ASU (12/12/15)
Summary: A rare instance of ASU flipping a Nebraska commit from the heart of Husker territory, Bubak enrolled early at ASU and will compete in spring drills. Bubak brings the size and versatility that ASU typically prefers from its tight ends, though time will tell how he will be used with both Mike Norvell and former position coach Chip Long gone to Memphis. Nebraska was naturally the strongest competitor to ASU for his services, with Kentucky also issuing a scholarship offer. Kody Kohl returns to ASU’s lineup for 2016 as one of the most accomplished tight ends in the Pac-12, but behind him stands limited experience in players such as Raymond Epps, Grant Martinez and Tommy Hudson, possibly allowing an opening for Bubak to see time as a true freshman.
Offensive Line
Cohl Cabral
Hometown/School: Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Los Osos HS
Position Ranking: 64 (Offensive Tackle)
Commitment Date: 5/8/15
Official Visits: ASU (1/15/16)
Summary: An intriguing option at offensive tackle, Cabral gives ASU much needed future depth at the position. Cabral committed to ASU well before his senior season started and never wavered despite reported scholarship offers from Arizona, Boise State, California, Kansas, Michigan, Oregon, Oregon State, USC, Utah, Vanderbilt and Washington State among others. Entering 2016, Cabral likely will redshirt but has starting potential down the road for the Sun Devils.
Hometown/School: San Francisco, Calif./City College of San Francisco
Position Ranking: N/A (Center)
Commitment Date: 12/14/15
Official Visits: ASU (12/5/15)
Summary: An addition to the Sun Devil class right before the early enrollee signing date, McCollum decommitted from California in favor of Arizona State. A solid interior lineman, McCollum will be expected to battle for a starting position as ASU is tasked with replacing both guards and its center from 2015. During spring drills, McCollum should see quite a bit of practice reps, potentially with the first team as the Devils replace Christian Westerman, Nick Kelly and Vi Teofilo.
Hometown/School: Peoria, Ariz./Centennial High School
Position Ranking: N/A (Offensive Guard)
Commitment Date: 3/30/15
Official Visits: ASU (12/5/15)
Summary: A local product from a state champion squad, Nathe chose ASU over reported scholarship offers from Louisville and Navy. An injury sidetracked his senior season at Centennial, but Nathe enrolled at ASU in time for the spring semester. In all likelihood, Nathe will redshirt as a true freshman but has a promising upside for his Sun Devil career.
Tyson Rising
Hometown/School: Ventura, Calif./Ventura CC
Position Ranking: N/A (Offensive Tackle)
Commitment Date: 12/14/15
Official Visits: Houston (11/26/15), ASU (12/4/15)
Summary: Like McCollum, Rising became a Sun Devil just as the early enrollee signing date approached, but his presence could prove highly valuable as ASU works to replace starting tackle Billy McGehee. Offers such as Boise State, Colorado, Houston, San Diego State and Washington State were among the most prestigious to compete with ASU on Rising’s list. Rising is already on campus and will compete in spring drills to figures to battle the likes of Sam Jones and others for playing time in the offensive tackle rotation.
