Tempe visit reassures Floyd about his ASU pledge
Last week was quite the whirlwind for Isaiah Floyd. On Tuesday he committed to the first school who had offered him, the University of New Mexico. The next day he received a large delegation of ASU coaches headed by Herm Edwards, who offered him a scholarship. The City College of San Francisco running back accepted that offer and his subsequent official trip to Tempe did nothing to diminish his excitement over joining the Sun Devils this year.
“I loved my visit,” Floyd said. “It’s a great group of coaches, beautiful campus, great teammates…I can’t wait to get there and go to work. I grew up watching Arizona State football and I know some of the Bay Area guys that played there like D.J. Calhoun and Jalen Harvey. My friend Terin Adams from City College (of San Francisco) signed there, so I know what I was getting into when I committed before visiting there.
“I was hosted by Darius Slade who told me that this is a great program and that we are building some good here and he wanted me to be a part of it. I wasn’t expecting such a nice facility and with these new coaches, we’re going to get something going and pull this program up. I just wanted to be part of that.”
The running back, who will be a 4 for 3 player at the Division I level, graduated from Foothill High School in Pleasanton, Calif. in 2015, and joined City College of San Francisco a year later. He greyshirted the 2016 season and proved in 2017 that he was well worth the wait. Floyd collected 1,797 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, which both led all players in the California junior college ranks, as did his 163.4 yards average per game. His exploits earned him first-team All-American by the CCCAA Football Coaches Association.
“I know being a small back I’m not the guy that will get the ball 30 times,” Floyd remarked. “(ASU’s running back coach) Coach Simon said that he sees me as a dynamic running back playing in the slot, doing reverses, and being a transitional running back. He told me I’m definitely going to be playing some special teams. So, I’m just going to do what I can to bring my abilities and athleticism to the game and help the team as much as I can.
“Coach Herm says that he loves my personality and the way I play, and me and my family are big fans of his. He said he likes my tenacity too. Watching the (ASU) game film and knowing my skills I know I can fit in their scheme. I’m just ready to come in and work.”
For Floyd, his recruitment has come full circle, as he stated that the Sun Devils recruited him a few years back while in high school. Needless to say, that these days he’s elated to join a program that he has long admired from afar.
“I feel so blessed with the opportunity to play big time football,” Floyd commented, “and I’m ready to sign Wednesday morning and go to work.”
