When Prescott Valley (Ariz.) Bradshaw Mountain High School defensive lineman James Giggey, made the trek south to Tempe last Thursday for ASU's big man challenge event his goal was the same as any other camp he attended in recent weeks. Hailing from an area that is usually lightly recruited by major programs, he wanted to prove that he belonged. Not only was the mission accomplished but it was done so in a swift manner, as Giggey committed to the Sun Devils during an official visit on Monday.
“The coaches were supposed to go to a camp in California (at the University of Redlands), but they left later because of my visit,” Giggey said. “It showed me that they were making it personal, and I just love all the energy that they bring as a young staff. They sealed the deal for me.
“Last Thursday was really the first contact I had with them, and they offered me that night. The whole process took me by storm in a good way. They said that I moved very well for my size, and they liked the way I competed. They see me mainly at 3-technique but said I’m versatile to play on the edge too.”
The 6-3 245-pound Giggey was his school’s best defensive player lining up at both defensive end and linebacker, and a major contributor to the Bears’ 8-4 campaign. Voted as his league’s Defensive Player of the Year, he tallied 133 tackles, four passes defended, three sacks, three blocked punts, and two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). In the weight room, he posted marks of 480 lbs. squatting, benching 315, and power cleaning 275 lbs.
The only offer that Giggey received prior to ASU is from Fort Lewis (Colo.) College, which is a D-II program. In light of his ASU offer, he admitted that he was surprised that a school such as Northern Arizona, which is much closer to his hometown, didn’t show the same level of interest.
“Every camp I went to, I knew in my head that I need to take this opportunity and compete at the best level I can,” Giggey explained, “take every opportunity that’s given to you and run with it. Some of those colleges were running the camps, and I still didn’t get an offer. I think those colleges missed an opportunity, and maybe it’s because I wasn’t a well known player. I think coaches shouldn’t look for the popular player who has offers but look for the talent that they can watch and see for themselves. At every camp, I was always trying to prove that I could play with anybody and sending out film to coaches.
“ASU showed that they wanted me, and I didn’t know before my visit if I was going to commit that day because I was thinking of exploring other opportunities. The coaches delaying their flight showed me that they were giving me that equal opportunity as other guys they’re recruiting. That made me realize that I’m here for a reason and not just because I’m another recruit.”
ASU, being located just over 100 miles from his home, may not be the classic definition of a hometown college. Nonetheless, the lineman admitted that playing for the biggest school in the state, let alone the only big program that showed interest in him during the recruiting process, was naturally a significant point of pride.
“It’s not far from home, and they have one of the best programs for education and football,” Giggey said of Arizona State, “and have great facilities. Overall, it’s everything that you really want in a school. The nutritional part impressed me. They have everything you could want as a player to be the healthiest, the strongest, and just the best person you can be health-wise.”
“I love the atmosphere, and I saw how the players were interacting with the coaches and staff around me, and it was all with ease, but also a lot of respect. It’s a high energy environment, but there’s also a lot of respect that goes into that.”
Giggey’s pledge marks ASU’s second in-state commit in the 2024 class, following four-star Scottsdale Desert Mountain athlete Dylan Tapley. The Prescott Valley lineman said that he would explore the opportunity to graduate in December so he could report to campus in the spring semester. One is for certain is that even though he was able to accomplish his goal in the recruiting sense quickly, he’s still plenty motivated to even eclipse an outstanding personal junior season and ensure that his high school career ends on an even more impressive note.
“I really want to three-peat as regional champions,” Giggey commented, “but also make a run at the 4A championship. I think we do truly have the talent to win state this year. So that’s the main goal. But as far as personal goals go, just break the records I’ve set and become a better player, a better teammate, a better leader and be there for my team.”
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