Brock Sturges commits to Sun Devils days after his Tempe visit

You only have one chance to make a first impression, and for Allen, Tex. running back Brock Sturges that first ever visit to ASU was certainly a memorable one. Upon his arrival home and also following a visit to the University of Arizona the Lone Star state running back became the Sun Devils’ third pledge of the 2018 class.

“All the coaching staff, coach Graham, coach Napier and coach Simon are great people,” Sturges said. “I know they can help me grow not only as a football player but also as a man. It was a no-brainer decision for me. This was the place to be.

“What stood out to me was on the visit is how comfortable the coaches were with the players. I saw the coaches at the workouts, and you could tell that even though it was all business and they were getting their work in they were having fun with it. I could really tell that the players and coaches were comfortable around each other.”

A significant factor in Sturges’ pledge today was the relationship he had developed with Sun Devils’ running back coach, John Simon, and the level of honesty that was prevalent in their communications.

“He was straight forward with me and always told me how it was,” Sturges stated. “I liked that for sure about him as a person. I know I will get along with him even if sometimes I’ll need a little kick in the behind.”

As a junior for Allen High School, a program where ASU head coach Todd Graham previously coached, Burgess posted 1,138 yards and 16 touchdowns and was named first-team All-District. As a sophomore at Katy Seven Lakes High School, he collected 1,313 yards and 14 touchdowns.

“The coaches said that I would be a great teammate and a great leader,” Sturges commented. “They know that I may lead more by example than being vocal, but I will be an every down back, be a receiver out of the backfield, and protect the quarterback if needed. I know I will be the total package and do everything the coaches need me to be.”

Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Boise State, Houston, and Vanderbilt are among the numerous offers the running back has received, and the programs Sturges was seriously considering more than others.

“I loved the Arizona State campus,” Sturges noted. “It’s very quick to get from place to place and I love the weather. You can tell by walking around that everybody is enjoying themselves there. I look forward to spending my four years there.”

The running back will graduate in May of next year, and said that he won’t take advantage of the early December signing period instituted this year, but the reasoning has nothing to do with keeping his recruiting options open in the future.

“I’m going to sign in February because a lot of my friends are signing then,” Sturges explained, “so I wanted to share that moment with them. I’m not taking any more visits. I’m 110 percent committed to Arizona State.”