Thomas talks Sun Devil pledge

Arizona State landed a commitment from one of the top linebacker prospects in the West, Etiwanda (Calif.) standout Khaylan Thomas, late Tuesday.

Thomas, 6-foot-0, 218 pounds, was offered by the Sun Devils in February and has been seriously interested ever since.

"I've wanted to go there a long time but I just was waiting the process out a little bit to see how it went," Thomas said. "I just grew up as a fan of them and like they way they play as a whole.

"It was after I took my (unofficial) visit there I started feeling that way and then I just was waiting for the right time. When I was out there I just liked it a lot. I like the facilities and how everything is all together and close, everybody lives really close."

Thomas, the No. 18 inside linebacker prospect nationally, has an official visit set with ASU for Dec. 12, but decided he didn't need to wait, even with reported offers from Arizona, Miami, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, UCLA and a number of others.

"I was going to but then I just made up my mind, I came to a conclusion that's where I want to do so why wait," Thomas said.

"It feels great, it feels like a huge relief off my back."

Thomas is a Spur or WILL 'backer who can run and cover in space and also is physical coming up and tackling nearer the line of scrimmage. He was initially recruited to ASU by offensive coordinator Mike Norvell and then linebackers coach Keith Patterson later took over the recruitment after arriving at ASU earlier this year.

"I would just say I have a combination of physicality and speed and can get up field and make tackles in the backfield and all over the field really," Thomas said.

Thomas said he's now likely going to shut down recruiting completely and focus on finishing off his senior year strong. But first he wanted to give ASU fans a message.

"Just that I'm coming to town, so be ready," Thomas said.