Best in the State, Best in the Nation

Tempe, AZ – After his arrival to ASU, Coach Todd Graham secured crucial commitments from local stars, DJ Foster and Jaxon Hood, to help him rebuild Sun Devil Football.

After both earned Freshmen All-American honors last year, Foster and Hood, who happen to be roommates at ASU, are both embracing their role as ambassadors for the local recruiting scene.  

DJ

DJ Foster put up big numbers for the Devils in 2012, compiling 1,026 combined yards (533 receiving / 493 rushing). He also found the end zone six times, one of the most memorable was his last minute TD to put the Devils ahead of UCLA.

Foster’s decision to attend Arizona State looks better than ever. With a coaching change at Cal and USC’s Lane Kiffin on the hot seat, he can be confident that he made the right choice to become a Sun Devil.

His play on the field always speaks volumes, but this year Foster is more comfortable when talking with media and fans. He has embraced his new leadership role with a quiet confidence. If you watch, D.J. speaks clearly and with a purpose (interview with Jody Jackson of Fox Sports below).

DJ Foster is pumped after he scores the go ahead TD against UCLA in 2012.

Jaxon

Jaxon Hood (6-0 / 287 lbs) always wanted to #StayLocal. Growing up, he wrote in his third grade journal that he wanted to be an ASU superstar. But as his recruiting process evolved, Hood placed much weight on the personal connections he developed with prospective programs. 

Jaxon Hood will help anchor the ASU defensive line again in 2013.

ASU’s previous regime had failed to make that connection. However when new coaches Todd Graham and Paul Randolph arrived to ASU late in the recruiting cycle, they agressively pursued Hood. Like D.J. Foster, he represented the future of their program. 

The staff was relentless in emphasizing their core values and commitment to build the program around top in-state players. And they battled for Hood’s commitment right up to signing day.

In the end, Jaxon made their vision his vision, and he seized the opportunity to become an anchor for ASU, his home-town school. Now he can’t stop talking about the bright future of the Sun Devils.

The Future

Graham & Co. have made progress in building deeper relationships with in-state players, families and coaches, but have a long way to go to before anyone will rest.

In the meantime, local recruits who are taking a long, hard look at ASU this fall need not look any further than the examples set by DJ Foster and Jaxon Hood, cornerstones for the future of Sun Devil football. 

Where do you stand on the program’s #StayTrue campaign? What should be done to bolster the campaign? Share your voice in the DieHard Forums below.