Brown discusses quick ASU pledge

Florence (Ariz.) athlete Nick Brown became Arizona State's first commitment in the 2013 class Thursday following a visit with multiple members of his family to the Tempe campus.

Brown, a 5-foot-9, 195 pound offensive skill athlete recruited to play the three-back position by Sun Devil offensive coordinator Mike Norvell, made the decision less than a week after hearing from ASU for the first time.

"They just started talking to me about four or five days before I committed," Brown said. "They talked to my coach about me and then we set up a time when I could go to practice and I went with my family and loved it and they offered me. From there it was an easy decision for me to make.

"I've been a fan of ASU since I was in like 6th or 7th grade and wanted to go there since then so when they offered I didn't have to think about it much. I wasn't really expecting the offer to come that quick but was happy when they did. I know 100 percent for sure that I'm going there."

ASU was Brown's first offer and he said that while he'd received some initial interest from other schools, he'd yet to have a dialogue with coaches from any other staff but that it's irrelevant at this point. He's not planning to take trips to other schools.

During Thursday's practice, Graham took approximately 20 minutes to talk to Brown, his mother, father, uncle and sister in appreciation of their decision to visit practice together as a family. After the practice, they again continued to have dialogue together.

"Coach (Todd) Graham just was telling my family about the program and what they're all about and trying to accomplish at ASU and how much they wanted me to be a part of it," Brown said. "He talked about how they are all about character and discipline and getting the most out of their players but doing it the right way. We got to see the facilities a little and everything was nice.

"My parents were really excited about how it went and were happy to see my commit and know that I'll be at a place they can see my play and that I'm a big fan of and where the coaches will make sure I'm getting the most out of my ability."

As a junior, Brown played quarterback for a team that went 10-3 and reached the Division IV state semi-finals, rushing for for 1,629 yards and 27 touchdowns and throwing for 872 yards and four touchdowns.

"They said they like my character and the type of player I am," Brown said "They're looking at me as like a slot back which I like. I've played there a lot. Last season I played quarterback mostly though. We don't really throw the ball much but when we do it usually works because teams aren't expecting it. But I like the [three-back] position and saw how they use it at practice and think it's a good fit for me."