Arizona State added its 13th verbal commitment of the 2019 class on Tuesday, and its 5th from the state of Arizona in Millennium defensive lineman Anthonie Cooper. Cooper spoke with Ralph Amsden of DevilsDigest.com about his decision to shut down his recruiting and stay close to home.

What ultimately made you decide to commit to Arizona State?

"When I received the offer, I think I was already wanting to commit because I loved the facilities, the coaches, and the atmosphere. I spoke with my coaches last night about it, and they said that Arizona State was probably the best decision for me, and I agreed with it."

Who did you talk to when you let ASU know the good news, and what was their reaction?

"I spoke with Coach Yantis, Coach Nua, and Coach Edwards and they were all pretty fired up about it."

How do they plan on using your skillset in the defense?

"They said that because they're a front that moves around a lot, when I get into that defense, they're going to move me around and giving the offensive line different looks."

How did your family react to the news?

"I talked with my mom and my stepdad last night, and they were excited. They wanted me to announce it right then and there, but I waited until the morning. When the news got out, the rest of my family started calling me and congratulating me on it."

And your teammates at Millennium?

"My teammates were pretty fired up. They all started yelling in the weight room and high fiving and hugging me. They were excited."

The west side of Phoenix has plenty of good football, but it feels at times like the recruiting lags behind the east valley, what do you think this commitment means to people in your region?

"I just really want to put on for people on the west side that have the grades and the talent, but maybe don't get the looks, so that maybe colleges can come out here and see some of these kids that are less fortunate as far as visibility."

What do you think of how Arizona State's 2019 recruiting class is shaping up?

"I spoken with Roman DeWys before. I talked to him at the Michigan State game and I've seen him at camps. I played against Andre Johnson my freshman year. It's exciting to know these kids and know the type of talent they're bringing to the table. I'm excited for the future of this program."

What does it mean to you to not only be part of a recruiting class that has so many Arizona prospects, but also has many Arizona prospects that, like yourself, haven't been considered by the cream of the crop by either reporters or recruiting services?

"It's an underrated group, for sure, and it means a lot. Throughout all my years, I was never really covered until this year, and it just goes to show that you don't need all the early offers and media attention to go out and do work on the field and get to where you want to be."

What most excites you about the decision you made?

"It's the culture. The atmosphere of the locker room and stadium- you can tell there's been a culture change under Herm Edwards and his guys. After the Michigan State win, you can tell there's a difference in the program, and I can't wait to be a part of that."