Arizona State has the state's top 2027 prospects thinking hard about staying home for school

Arizona State is looking to capitalize on the recruiting trail after a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearance last fall.

Head coach Kenny Dillingham and company are creating a program and environment they hope is proving to be advantageous for the state’s best to stay home. He recently spoke about that with Rivals’ Adam Gorney.

The 2027 class is one the Sun Devils staff is prioritizing and those around the area are feeling like a priority. They believe they can help this football team continue to rise in the hierarchy of the sport.

Rivals has the latest.

Teammates could keep it rolling at Arizona State

“They’re up there with the blue bloods for sure,” the nation’s No. 5 running back and state’s top rising junior Noah Roberts tells Rivals.

“What excites me the most is playing for my hometown team and just having the opportunity to stay close to home and be on a good team. They’re a fit because of how diverse the offense is with their backs. They do everything with their backs so the versatility piece of the offense is what I like.”

Roberts is the nation’s No. 49 player overall. His Chandler (Ariz.) Basha teammate Jake Hildebrand is the No. 7 offensive tackle in America and No. 2 prospect in the state.

“What excited me about the opportunity at ASU is the family aspect of it,” Hildebrand said. “The coaches and the players really make me feel included when I’m there. I got to know not just coach (Saga) Tuitele and coach Dillingham but also some of the players as well. 

“What makes them a potential fit is just because it’s close to home and also just the environment around the program.”

Prized WRs see opportunity at Arizona State

Goodyear (Ariz.) Desert Edge four-star receiver Zerek Sidney certainly feels like an early priority.

“Coach Dillingham was my first call at 12:00 on June 15.  Since then, we have been developing a great relationship. He is also doing a great job building the culture at ASU. You can tell he takes care of the players that want to be there.  

“The first thing that makes ASU a great fit is the opportunity to be developed by coach Hines Ward which is exciting. He showed me the development of his players in the short time he has been on campus and it was very impressive. I would also have a great support system with my family being down the road.”

Phoenix (Ariz.) Chandler receiver Jai Jones is a local playmaker Arizona State doesn’t want to let get away. He’s been on the program’s radar for a long time.

“The opportunity to play under a coach like Dillingham and Hines Ward,” he said. “It’s good to see what that staff has done this past season. 

“The love that they’ve shown me since eighth grade. ASU was my second offer going into high school. Tempe is home and most of my family is here. I’ve already had solid relationships with a few guys on the team through family and training. Love how they use Jordan Tyson in the offense on all levels. They really use his playmaking ability with the offense.”

Kenny Dillingham eyes a local quarterback

Gilbert (Ariz.) Perry quarterback Kael Snyder is the triggerman Dillingham would love to give the keys to the offense to down the road.

“The opportunity to play for my hometown team is intriguing,” Snyder said. “They have created a buzz with recruiting and how their season went last year and I’m really excited to be a part of the process with them. Coach Dillingham and coach (Marcus) Arroyo’s experience with quarterbacks and developing them into top-tier talent makes it a great fit for me. I think under their guidance I can become a great player.”

ASU looking to build it from the trenches

Peoria (Ariz.) Centennial offensive tackle Benjamin Lowther is a major piece at the point of attack.

“The opportunity they have for me is extremely clear, they are a deep playoff contention team and they are for sure one of the top teams in all of college football,” Lowther said. “The coaches bring experience and a great bond together and it really shows. It also brings the opportunity to be a hometown hero for me and all the people of Arizona 

“An extreme value for me in the recruiting process is the consistency and community of the team. The coaching staff being on the same page and all working to achieve the same thing is something ASU has stood out to me in. The family aspect of their coaching staff is also another key. The coaches care about you and want the best for you always.”